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Streamer choices and help

I'm trying to decide which direction to go and some informed opinions could help. I've been a long time Sonos user but I want to be able to do more hires.. I currently have a Sonos ZP90 with the W4S/ Cullen re-clocker upgrade. On RBCD it sounds really excellent and I love the Sonos functionality and stability; I currently have three zones and plan on keeping two. 

I recently purchased a new Bluesound node 2i.  I've got about 100 hours of break in / use on it. The modified Sonos sounds a bit better until I switch to hires then the Node edges it out.

I'm using both as streamers feeding a Chord Qutest, which sounds amazing, and will continue to use.

I'm trying to find a single unit that will sound as good as the Sonos and the Node without being stupidly expensive. I was thinking of an Auralic Aries.. but it was discontinued, guess it was too good for too little money?? I also was thinking of the small Aurender but I don't really need a a hard drive and from what I can tell no Wifi which is a deal breaker. 

So any ideas would be helpful, maybe I missed something?
axeis1

Showing 2 responses by mike_in_nc

mike_in_nc
1,124 posts
 
Here is an idea. Your Sonos has a reclocker, and you like it. With my previous streamer (Aries femto) and DAC (Classe CP-800), adding a reclocker improved the immediacy of the sound considerably, to my ears. So maybe a reclocker could bring the Node up to what you desire.

Mine is a Mutec MC-3+USB. They occasionally appear on the used market for about US$700 -- cheaper than a high-end streamer.

As to streamers, I’m quite pleased with the Aries G1, though it could be considered rather costly if one doesn't have an older Auralic unit to trade in.
mike_in_nc
1,124 posts
 
@Axeis1- I think the Aries G1 is one of the best streamers out there. At least I like mine very much & was unable to distinguish it from the Bricasti M5, which is about the same price but with fewer features (and a little quirkier in DLNA operation). The G1 is better sounding in my system than the Aries femto was -- though I had the latter for years and enjoyed it thoroughly.

It is too bad that Auralic had to raise their prices. As I understand it, they were hit with 25% tariffs, and they put in only a 10% increase, so the trade war can’t be good for them.
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