Streamer recommendations for dummies.

Thanks, I was looking at Node2i, very nice... so I guess the volume limit control would allow me to set a max gain into the Hegel?
Wonder how much better it would sound over the built in DAC...

Sounds perfect, like you, I’m not sure I’m getting a better DAC with node2i. As I am not an audiophile I don’t follow this stuff very closely but it appears the node2i DAC has about the same specs as the Hegel built in 32-bit AKM DAC @ 24/192. I’m told I missed the "oppo udp 205" option... but that’s normal for me, if there is a "great deal" you can be assured I missed it :)Thanks for all the feedback, it’s nice to get opinions from other folks experience. So maybe selling out ARPANET  wasn’t such a bad idea after all.Ben

No, all the options are valuable to be reviewed.
The H160 does have direct streaming, like we said though, Hegel  bound the iTunes airplay volume to the amp volume and that turned out to be a really bad idea in practice.Also it's Airplay connection can disappear on some devices, no more software updates available for it, etc.Just needs a good front-end streamer that the vendor will be maintaining with current software updates as Apple will do everything it can to make it's stuff propitiatory. I'd like the the system to still work after the next iOS OSX update ....

Actually, it seems if you are in England you can still buy Auralic ARIES MINI at strictlystereo, be fun to have 2 DACs to compare...

Thanks guys, I appreciate all the ideas. I've read up on node2i, I will review the LUMIN option as well.Ben

But you can't EQ with the ARIS mini - "The ARIES MINI, as we have advertised at the product launch, will not support EQ and placement compensation" For the additional money it would be nice to have EQ capability.

Wow, LUMIN  is $2 - $10K, I don't think I have the money to play the LUMIN game, they do however have some amazing hardware.
Ben

I like LUMIN specs a lot, but the price tells me they are targeting folks with pro audio equipment. Appreciate all the info, this has become a more interesting hunt then I had anticipated.My limited experience and testing has shown me that one thing really did make a difference in my setup and that is EQ functionality.It may be worth throwing some extra money at this problem to gain better control over the input. I've done a bit of digital recording of acoustic  guitar with Apogee, Neumann and Apple recording products, so I shouldn't be surprised by that...but somehow I never really connected the two...  we'll get this dialed in before it's over.

Ben

Comparing the options Node2i, Yamaha WXC-50, LUMIN, AURALIC,
miniDSP SHD ... Unless I'm missing something, I'm thinking node2i is probably the best bang for the buck and least risk. Have to give up the EQ option but ...we can figure that out later.....
Thanks guys, really appreciate all the ideas.Ben

Node-2 arrived today and integrated immediately with the Hegel H160, I think the DAC sounds equal and the issue of managing volume is resolved. Thanks to all who voiced opinions, I appreciate that others with  experience are willing to share.Ben

There is however one thing I don't like with node2, streaming under Hegel H160 network interface I need about 47 on volume for max gain with my speakers (SF Concerto).
To match that volume on node2 you have to go up to about 76 on the volume. Same results under Coax, RCA and Toslink. 
Don't like having to set the Hegel at 76 volume to use the Node2.Ugh ....
Ben

That's with the node2 at max output.Apparently the gain on the Hegel network interface (AirPlay) is way higher than the other digital and analog inputs.So now I have the opposite problem, yes iTunes users will not be able to crank the volume to 100% and blow out a speaker, but if any source other  than node2i connects the volume will be set to 75% (it changes the volume on all inputs if you change any 1 input).This machine is full of surprises....I'm going to mess with it a while and see if I justify the $500...After more testing I believe the Hegel DAC is better then Node2i.

Well, after toying a little more with the node2i it seems the audio gain when streaming from sources "other than" iPhone is really quite good. Streaming from Synology NAS, and online content has me locking the Hegel H160 at about 65% volume and running everything through BluOS app, that stuff works. Very happy with Hegel DAC and amount of gain.
Checked with my Hegel rep and verified running a steady 65% 24x7 on H160 is a non-issue so ....it seems the node2i is a keeper.All good.