Streamer question

Not so sure about others, but the Innuos Sense app gets very high marks for both usability and sound quality so maybe that’s one to look into.

You might look into the Bryston BDP 2 or 3.  I owned the 3, which sounded fantastic.  The big negative, and the reason that I got rid of it, was the lack of an app.  You have to use Bryston Manic Moose, a web based application that I hated.  However I have seen other posters mention that they have used other web based applications with the Bryston units, so it might fit your bill

mahler123

You might look into the Bryston BDP 2 or 3.  I owned the 3, which sounded fantastic.  The big negative, and the reason that I got rid of it, was the lack of an app.  You have to use Bryston Manic Moose, a web based application that I hated.

The BDP-3 player is a great unit. The software is not elegant, but the OP could use Rigelian on his iPad, which is a lot more slick.

+1 for Innuos. There will be a used pulse mini plus the zen lpsu power supply at Olsen HiFi in Lynnwood WA as I upgraded to the Pulse. If interested, should be available around the 10th of December. Good luck 🍀 in your search. 

Hi @jzzmusician 

I have a Bluesound Node and added an external DAC, Denafrips Terminator II connected via USB. This DAC is more expensive than what your price point but they do have some that are lower price points.  This way you can improve the sound but keep the user interface.

+1 upshift

I have added a better DAC to my Bluesound Node a few times. In every case I got better sound, much better with the Denafrips Pontus 12 anniversary DAC (much like upshift had done with his Terminator II). You can also upgrade to an external linear power supply, which can also lower noise. Of course, in all things audio, upgrading to a much more expensive and better streamer will result in better sound. The Bluesound devices can get to a certain quality of sound for what they cost (just like any audio component). A new Corvette can be modified and souped up to outperform that basic model but it will not outperform a Formula 1 race car.

Upgrade your DAC first then consider a streamer if you need it. I really have not found a huge difference with streamers sound quality, unlike the DAC it feeds. 

I've gone through 4 streamers in the last couple years and sold them all, last one was an Aurender A10 (software was just mediocre at best).

Software is hit or miss on all of them, reason I recently went to a Chord streamer 2GO/2YU as it uses the native streaming services app, or any playback method used on your phone/tablet. Just select the Chord as the output device and use what ever app is running like the tidal app or YouTube app etc.  

Thank you all for your replies.  I need to clarify;

I use the Node for streaming only.  The output goes to a highly modified MHDT Orchid.

All I really want is a better streamer and I'd like the option of using the Spotify app or the Qobuz app and not proprietary software, i.e., "Conductor."

Right now I turn on my Ipad select the Qobuz or Spotify app and within the app select the Node as the output device.  I'm happy with both apps.

Thanks glennewdick, you're doing what I'm wanting to do, just with a better streamer.

Yes buy innous ,,or other brands where you can use Roon as the music organizer, 

then QObuz, or Tidal as your library plus whatever on yourHard drive.

All I really want is a better streamer and I'd like the option of using the Spotify app or the Qobuz app and not proprietary software, i.e., "Conductor."

I use the Qobuz app, but from what I’ve read from others the Innuos Sense app is much better although not sure how it works with Qobuz.  And the search function in Qobuz absolutely sucks ass. 

Sometimes change can seem intimidating or just a hassle. I have two Node's no longer in use. Move on and give it a few weeks. You won't look back.

BTW, I have Lumin u2 mini with Roon in one room and Aurender N200 in the other.

Getting a streamer with a decent app is difficult. After going through 4 streamers without getting anywhere near what I wanted from an app I had to bite the bullet and sign up to Roon. While it can be complicated finding your way around what Roon does and how it is by far the best music management system available. Like you I hated the Conductor app and preferred the native Qobuz app but could only use it via Airplay which doesn't stream hirez.

If you think that BluuOS is a great app keep it. You will be restricted to NAD (Lenbeook) Not much of an upgrade path. 

Or put on your BB pants and move on. You’ll find it’s usually better to have a dedicated app for a given player. Pro-Jest S2 Ultra and miniDSP SHD have custom versions of Volumio that I prefer to BluOS. I generally like PiCcrePlayer even better. I only use my Node a couple of times a year.

I tried Roon, did not think it worth paying for.

My wife is taking a course and requires a Microsoft computer.  I was left without my roon core Microsoft surface.  Used qobuz via chromecast audio instead of my roon player.  Was shocked at how close the sound quality was.  I know the testing specs are awful on chromecast audio at 70 dollars but hardly noticed  from ultra rendu opticsl

I’ve got the Node as well. I wouldn’t look at replacing it. First, get a solid external DAC. I use the MHDT Orchid (has an output stage tube). My next step is upgrading the Node’s internal switching power supply with a Teddy Pardo external linear power supply (which comes with a quality power cable). All the owner reviews indicate the Teddy Pardo is a very noticeable upgrade - improved dynamics, soundstage front to back and wide, as well as bass response, etc. It’s almost $450 total, comes with a full conversion kit (unlike the Sbooster), but the streamer will perform as well as competitors that are a few thousand dollars after this upgrade. I wouldn’t recommend an external linear power supply, though, if still using the Node’s internal DAC. I really looking forward to receiving the power supply tomorrow from Israel :).

@cleeds

Will Rigelian allow you to access streaming services through MPD on a BDP? I thought Regelian only managed local storage?

I too am a fan of Brystons BDP units an I am amazed out how good my little BDP -Pi sounds.

Update: Hmm just looked on the Rigelian app in the App store it says this:

" Browse and play the entire Qobuz library (BubbleUPnP and upmpdcli only, requires a separate subscription to Qobuz)."

Where does the Bubble UPPnP server run?

I’m not sure I am following your question. The Bluesound app (not a web app) was recently updated if that is what you are referring to? If so, it can be updated via your device by downloading the latest version. Once again this is an app on iOS and Android. If you want the ultimate experience via an app and software you want to use Roon. 

Getting a streamer with a decent app is difficult. After going through 4 streamers without getting anywhere near what I wanted from an app I had to bite the bullet and sign up to Roon. While it can be complicated finding your way around what Roon does and how it is by far the best music management system available. Like you I hated the Conductor app and preferred the native Qobuz app but could only use it via Airplay which doesn't stream hirez.

And when upgrading streamer/DAC to another Roon Ready device it is so easy- just unhook the ethernet from the old streamer to the new one, find the streamer on the remote iphone/ipad, click and it is playing! Nothing new to learn, no playlists to import, perhaps some signal path settings and that is it- if the OP were using Roon this thread wouldn't exist :) 

+1 Innuos streamers are a great value. I can use it with Roon or with the Sense app at the flick of a switch on the Innuos app. They sound every bit as good as my dCS Bartok Apex streamer. It will be a great upgrade.

More clarification here.

If I want to listen to Spotify or Qobuz I access their app on my Ipad.  I do not use the Bluesound software at all.  When I log in to either service it recognizes the Blusound as an output device so I select it. 

I am using and am happy with, and want to continue using the web apps.  I do not want to use either the Bluesound app or any other software.

I used Rigelian with the Bryston BDP3.  As another poster noted, at least back then it only managed local storage.  If I wanted to use Qobuz I had to be in Manic Moose.  This was annoying because one couldn’t easily navigate between stored music and streamed music.  I also found it inadequate for managing local storage, although certainly an improvement over Manic Moose

I have both bluos and Innuos sense apps. Actually the Innuos is just as simple and easy as bluos to connect to qobuz as it has a direct qobuz connection. 

I use sense on my Zenith Mk3 and Wiim on ifi Aurora. No comparison, sense wins by a country mile. Before Sense I used iPeng; when Sense was introduced the jump in user friendliness and SQ wasn‘t small!

@mahler123 

It looks like Rigelian has the capability to directly connect to Qobuz now via UPnP that runs with the app.  Question is:  Do you then send it to MPD running on the BDP?  or does it get rendered at the controller. I think I will hop over to the Bryston Circle on Audiocircle and see if anybody knows. 

I, too, have gone the route of the Pulse Mini with the Zen LPSU power supply. I couldn't be happier.

The DMP-A5 everSolo pairing with a top-notch r2r DAC like the Gustard R26 or Denafrips Pontus II can create a heavenly listening experience. Its smooth and user-friendly native app interface also significantly enhances the overall experience.

I went from an Bluesound Node 2i to a Volumio Primo with significantly improvement on sound. Then I exchanged the Primo with the Volumio Rivo and added an external DAC and a linear power supply (Farad 3). Now I am really happy. Sounds great

@jzzmusician  I was in a similar position using my BluSound node to stream to a DAC - in my case it was a Schitt Yggdrasil LIM.  I did upgrade the BS node with a LPSU and Sbooster power supply and it made a noticeable difference in the sound quality.  Recently I decided to move completely away from the node and add a dedicated streamer.  I went the route of an Aurrender N200 but as others here are indicating there are certainly alternatives to choose from.  Note that I am only streaming TIDAL at the present and not using the Conductor app.  I have been experimenting with Conductor and quite frankly its easy to use.  Also streaming Qobuz.  The point is you can use the app of your music service and not have to use the streamer app ( at least in the case of Aurrender ) as I cant speak to the other options.  And yes with the N200 I can certainly hear a noticeable difference vs that of the BS node streamer. 

+1 on the Innuos Sense App.

I am also an Innuos Sense convert having moved from a Roon Roc as a dedicated streamer to a PULSEmini with a Keces P3 LPS.    A very good upgrade especially sound quality wise using the Sense App over Roon and of course, it’s free.  I’ve since dumped Roon and never gone back.  By the way, the Sense App’s integration with Qobuz is flawless and seamless and once you get used to it, is as easy to navigate as Roon.

I liked the Innuos experience so much that when Audio Advisor was selling the Innuos PULSE for $2350, I jumped on it.  And wow!!  The PULSE is awesome!  I’ve read a lot here about the difference high quality streamers can make and now I’m a believer.  I’m primarily a vinyl guy but the PULSE made a significant audible improvement to my digital front end.  In fact, now I want to upgrade my Pontus II DAC!

And now for a shameless plug, I’m selling my PULSEmini and Keces P3 streaming front end on US Audiomart right now if anyone is interested.  Here’s the link:

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650043002-innuos-pulsemini-with-keces-p3-lps-plus-upgraded-ghent-dc-cable/

@gkelly  Sounds like we followed the same upgrade path.  What’s your impression of the PULSE?

@parker65310 

I have the BS Node N-130 withe the Teddy Pardo PS and their cable and it is a huge improvement.  My only concern is that there are better DAC chips and chipsets out there. I have been looking at Aurender, but the prices are a bit high concidering  my amp was only 6K. It seems silly to put a 6-10K streamer on it with my external 2K DAC.

@tom2441 still waiting for delivery 📦, will definitely let you know my impression. @curiousjim That’s the most logical thing I’ve heard all week.lol. Over spending on gear is a way of life for the discerning audiophile. 

@ curiousjim

it’s says a lot about the value of my/your DAC/streamer setup, particularly the Teddy Pardo linear power supply, when you’re considering it would take $6-8k for a meaningful upgrade :).

Pardo supply for everything digital - i have a stack for them for switch, NAS and ROON server / core host….

@gkelly 

Hey, does the Pulse have a USB output to run to my DAC and does it work with Amazon HD?

Thanks.

@curiousjim don’t have the unit yet, so can’t say on that particular question about output. With the pulse mini, they only have Qobuz and title. So I am assuming that the entire lineup has the same options. When I spoke with a Innuos representative At the 2022 Pacific audio fest that he said that by Christmas they should have Amazon but that was last year still waiting. Feels like a Spotify story. Would like to have Amazon so I could listen to podcast once in a while. Problem is I spend way too much time, listening to and enjoying music to fit in any time to listen to some people’s responses out the side of their neck. 

jzzmusician, you say you are accessing the Spotify and Qobuz apps from your iPad and NOT from within the the BluOS app. That's sound like you are running the songs locally on the tablet and sending them to the Node through wifi. If I am correct, the streamer may not be the weak link in your chain.

And as others have stated, upgrading the Node can be a big step forward. I have a Node 130 that has an upgraded power supply and a clock upgrade (both done by Fidelity Audio). I am now demoing the Innuos Pulse streamer to compare the two. They are very close in my system. At this point, I only have one higher end ethernet cable and noise filter. So one streamer gets a more standard LAN cable and one gets the better cable/filter. Both are feeding a Grannyring modified Orchid DAC. The streamer with the better cable and filter always sounds just a little better. I am getting used to the Sense app, it works well and does everything I need it to do without issues. If I had a more analytical DAC I may hear more differences? But I may not be keeping the Pulse.

I have a similar set up: Node with upgraded TP LPS using internal DAC for MQA output to a Parasound pre via RCA for volume control. Despite all the controversy regarding MQA, Tidal can stream natively from its own app. I hate the BS software as well. I now use Roon which offers a ton of flexibility to stream from different music services. I own flac files from Qobuz and ripped CDs, and subscribe to Tidal.  Give Roon a try. It’s a cheap way to solve your UX problems.  The music stream visual is cool too.  Good luck. 

@jzzmusician it sounds like you’re using the Spotify Connect feature on the Spotify app and AirPlay on Qobuz app. Or the AirPlay feature on both Spotify and Qobuz apps. If that’s the case, you need a streamer that is AirPlay ready. One example would be Auralic. If I understood you correctly. If you AirPlay to your streamer you’re using your iPad to cast data to Bluesound as opposed to streaming from the Spotify or Qobuz servers directly. This method is sonically inferior to streaming directly from streaming services.
You can still access your Qobuz playlists thru the BluOS or Auralic or Lumin proprietary UIs by the way if you’re worried about loosing playlists. You can test this out with your bluesound app - you will need to login to qobuz from BluOS. 

audphil1,

Thank you.  I thought I was using the ipad as a remote control and that the Qobuz and Spotify apps in the Bluesound were still running. 

I'll give it a try today.

@jzzmusician try the bluesound native app on your iPad - that would be your remote. You’ll most likely appreciate the sound quality especially with the hi-rez albums available on Qobuz. Let us know 

@parker65310 

While I know there are newer and better streamers out there, I am really in no hurry to find one.  Between the Pardo LPS and a good USB cable going to my DAC, I’m very happy with the sound.

@tomic601 

I can see that.😁

Pardo supply for everything digital - i have a stack for them for switch, NAS and ROON server / core host

Are any of you with Nodes actually able to stream Tidal FLAC files (“Max”)? The best I’m seeing is MQA, mostly CD. I’m assuming a BlueSound software update just hasn’t some out yet?