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Streamer + DAC help: Bluesound vs Eversolo (vs Others)

All - my budget is uh, flexible. Up to $5K USD. I bought the hifi rose 150B but since it has way too many bugs, I am returning it. 
What is your experience look like with Bluesound, Eversolo and other brands in a similar price point? I can’t audition so I am looking to see what others have to say (if possible, as compared to the hifi rose 150b). 
(1) how is the hardware? (2) interface on the hardware? (3) app? (4) sound quality?

 

the rose 150b had GREAT SQ but the constant interruptions in playback was such a downer. 
 

what other brands can i consider?

i am weary about spending $5K without demo-ing (it’s messed up, i know) but that is my budget. of course if there is a consensus about SQ at a lower price point, then i don’t even have to go to $5K. 
 

I know, this sounds weird. But the experience with rose was traumatic. I don’t want to put any dealer through any kind of “troubleshoot with me” and “return it” ordeal again :( 

 

thank you all in advance

nathandfwacoustics
davegolf2424's avatar
davegolf2424
32 posts
 

I have the set up that SOIX suggested: Innuos mini pulse streamer feeding the Denafrips Iris to the Denafrips Pontus.  I don't think I could be happier with this combination for the $$$.  In the last week I added the LHY Linear Power Supply and got even better SQ.  If you go the Pontus route, you would enjoy even better SQ than I have since they upgraded to the 15th version.  The Innuos Sense app is very user friendly and I haven't experienced any issues.  I upgraded from the BlueSound to Innuos and it was a very easy transition.

pbecker128
3 posts
 

I was looking at the Hifi Rose 130 but the techs at the dealer cautioned me that they are getting many returns. Display suddenly stops working, failure on the main board, etc. Not just the 130 but their other products as well. Rose seems to have a QV problem which shouldn’t be there given the price.

g2the2nd
102 posts
 

Happy Eversolo A8 user. I use it as a streamer, DAC and preamp. Sounds great and works flawlessly. The user interface on the app is very good.

daledeee1's avatar
daledeee1
586 posts
 

I had Node 2i with updated power supply.  I used Amazon HD.  When I wanted to use QOBUZ, it was not good.  Several months later BLUOS was not upgraded to work with QOBUZ.  Some newer Bluesound may have QOBUZ loaded.  Irregardless,  I want to sit down and listen to music not get frustrated with software of all thing.

I bought an Innuous Zen Mark 3.  It has built in linear power supplies. You can rip and store CD.  QOBUZ is loaded through a browser.  Works flawlessly.  I bought a used one for $2000.  I think there is an upgraded one for $3800 new.  I never dreamed a streamer made such a difference.  Aurender and Innuous are the only ones that have good software at this price point.  Roon, Volumio, BLUOS are all buggy.  Several other streamers sound good but Innuous is a great spot to enter the next level

nathandfwacoustics OP
9 posts
 

Thank you all very much for sharing your experiences with me. 

While the 150b has some incredibly great sound-quality, the interface isn't working as expected for me. I see on their website that others have complained as well (Qobuz, especially). I've had it for over a month but finally gave up so I asked the questions here. 

After posting here, I spent two more days on it (about 18 hours each day), just playing and experimenting: the issues persisted. So it's definitely going back. Maybe I received a brick. But I've had enough. 

I also really dislike that I put my dealer through an ordeal because he'd never run in to issues like this before. 

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