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Novice Question: Dedicated Streamers

Basically, I’m confused as to what function a stand-alone music streamer without onboard storage serves.  I know I’ve got some sort of glaring, mental blank spot about this.....the only thing I can figure is that there is some sort of enhanced music file processing over what one gets with most home computers and storage happens by plugging an external storage drive(s) to this sort of component??  Can someone enlighten me better about these?  The Blue Sound “Vault” has caught my eye of late but I’m wondering if I might be missing something by not looking at the “node” by the same company.  I don’t anticipate ever using any sort of music subscription service if this is important...  
lg1

Showing 1 response by gdnrbob

gdnrbob
4,510 posts
 
The Bluesound Vault is just that, a way to store your music, and then play it.
The Node is just a way to stream music, be it from a streaming service or from you computer. With multiple units, it can also connect with each other so you can listen in different rooms.
All the iterations of the Nodes are pretty much the same. Only the newest one will allow you to use the 5ghz wifi band. I own the original Node and added a Netgear wireless router to use the 5ghz band.
The nice thing with Bluesound is that you can use an outboard DAC. 
The one that comes with the Node isn't bad, but upgrading to, say, an Ayre Codex or a Schiit Gungnir or Yggrisil will get you pretty far in the Digital streaming mode.
I never thought of using digital streaming, but once I found Spotify, Tidal and Quobuz, I haven't cracked a CD case for 4 years.
Bob
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