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Suggestions for a DAC/Streamer to replace BlueOS Node Streamer

First of all I’m not a “hifi nut” and not looking to replace any other gear, cables, power supplies, conditioners etc. Music is just one hobby. I stream Apple music via Apple play; that’s it (replaced Quboz with Apple for several reasons). My 2 channel gear is the said Node, an MC2700, an MC462 and a pair of BW 801D4. I have a CD collection that was ripped and resides on an SSD drive connected to the Node. A rarely used source. I have a Magnum Dynlab FM tuner for the occasional radio listening so don’t need a digital radio signal. I don’t use headphones. There seem to be “good/great/fantastic” DACs out anywhere from ~ $500 to 5K+. Seems like I’d benefit from replacing the NODE with something complementary to my existing gear to improve the sound presented to my ears. I’d appreciate some suggestions. 

Surjio

sengha
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,598 posts
 

Start with players that do Apple. I am not aware of any others besides BluOS. IP radio is usually better than terrestrial - no multiplex or commercials. Try Llinn & Naim radio for high quality. Radio Paradise is freely available in lossless but I don’t care for their programming you might like.

I've tried others, always came back to Qobuz.

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,688 posts
 

@sengha

I bought a better DAC to go with my BS N130 and have been a happy camper. Check out the Denafrips Aries. There are reviews everywhere on YouTube and the web. They have a new and less expensive model, the Enyo. I’ve only read about it and have never heard it, but the Enyo might fit your system well.

All the best.

dwest1023
205 posts
 

You might try the Eversolo A8. Very good, streamer and dac for the money. 

mahler123
3,317 posts
 

What’s “Apple Play”? Is it different than AirPlay?

No budget was specified in the OP. We need that before spending time recommending anything.

I would look at the Cambridge Audio lineup

 

Eversolo has gotten high marks for sound and low scores for customer service here

sengha OP
6 posts
 

Thank you Mahler123 and other replies. I meant Airplay. Exhausted from hours of my own “research” - reading here from previous related posts and numerous online reviews. I’m going to pre-order a Cambridge Audio EXN100. I hope I can tell the difference in sound once I have it.  I like the interface, numerous I/O options and being able to use XLR out to my pre-amp. It looks well made by a reputable company. My budget was ~ 5K for a streamer and a DAC. No real reason for 5K; seemed a reasonable figure based on my upstream analog gear spend. With this single unit there will be fewer wires too and I can connect my existing SSD library. I’ve read about streamers and DACs costing 2-5x more but frankly I suspect I wouldn’t hear enough difference to spend 5K or even more. If it turns out there is no noticeable sound improvement using my typical listening library (vs the Node), then my experiment done for now.

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