Upgrade ....streamer or amp?


Having decided to keep my Merlin TSM MMs, I was going to upgrade my streamer (Bluesound Node 2 ---original version) and my amp ( Billie....original version). However, recent stock market activity has my IRA in a shambles, so I am only going to upgrade only one of the two. 

Any thoughts on which to start with?  I was considering both the Bluesound Node Icon, and an upgraded Billie (used....after new one comes out)

What say you?

troutbum

Showing 1 response by glennewdick

f it was my money, I'd recommend you upgrade to an outboard DAC, I do not see the sound improving much doing another streamer. A quality DAC is going to have the largest increase in sound considering your options. A streamer’s internal DAC is generally not that great overall. And the streamer itself is a minor improvement if at all within a reasonable budget.  

The Blue OS is actually quite good as far as streamer OS’s go. Better than the Aurender conductor app by far from my experience.  I’ve had a few streamers now and after my time with an overpriced Aurender I ended up back to the Blue-sound streamer (Vault2i), I have an excellent DAC so it’s not that noticeable. And if I'm honest the OS/App for the streamer to me is the number one thing to consider when buying a streamer.   

Try an outboard quality DAC and see how things sound. I’m betting that’s your sweet spot in your choices.