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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
kingbr
376 posts
 

@troutbum I have the BS Icon and have a Gustard X18 DAC and Gustard U18 DDC. You can get both Gustard units for under 1K. Sounds amazing with the Icon

gano
280 posts
 

Markets move...people move...the sun moves...all in cycles.

you can't seriously call this business as usual. 

oldrooney's avatar
oldrooney
222 posts
 

I would get the Icon. From what I hear, it resolves most of the issues folks have had with previous Blue Sound releases. Outboard DACs can host multiple digital devices, but you don’t mention any. I’m sure the Icon would be an improvement over original BS node. 

bassbuyer
377 posts
 

Given your money I would buy the streamer.  I went from a Bluesound Node N130 to a used Innuos Zen MK3 and it made a noticeable difference in sound.  Now given my money I’d put it under my mattress and wait until it’s safe to come out.  Seriously a used streamer is the way to go if you can in my experience.  

zlone
825 posts
 

I would spend the money on a separate DAC and a good set of cables. If you don’t want the complication, then I would vote for the streamer upgrade over the amp.

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