Walk me thru upgrading from my BS Node


First off I like the Node, the box was easy to install, form factor is excellent for my space (in a credenza) and the UI is excellent... and it has been bulletproof in terms of connectivity in the wireless mode. I have been pleased with the audio quality, but I haven't really compared seriously an upgraded solution

However after reading quite a bit of opinions across the digital thread I am really curious as to the order of magnitude audio improvement.

Budget is around $5-7k

I need the singular physical box to be reasonably small, it is in a credenza so I don't need to see a screen, I would prefer a set and forget interface like the BS... once it is up and dialed in, I don't need to mess with it...wireless only as the cable reach is prohibitive, connected to a Manley Stingray II...streaming Qubuz only...

The message I get is that the BSN is a good starter solution, but upgrading the DAC/Streamer is worth the ride..

Where to look, the YT reviewers (with the exception of Amir) just fawn over every product they test...

poke33

Showing 3 responses by audphile1

AURALiC is the only option if you insist on a purely wireless one box solution. 
If you’re open to adding a WiFi extender or mesh network with an access point close enough to your system to be able to use Ethernet cable to wire the streamer you’re expanding your options to Lumin, Aurender, HiFi Rose, Bryston BDA 3.14, etc. Bryston will have the clumsiest UI. Lumin’s UI is best experienced with a tablet and AURALiC is iOS only.

The above are all streamers with a built in DAC.
 

There are also DACs with a built in Network player/renderer. Units like Bricasti, Weiss, Mola Mola. These components have no wireless capability and have no UI. You would need Roon or something like Mconnect (by far not the best UI) if you go this route. 
 

@poke33 I wouldn’t assume wiring the BSN would improve sound quality. Only way to find out is to try. In example of AURALiC they typically sound best wireless.
Remember the Node is very good for what it is and what it costs.
But you’re looking for an upgrade. If you have a wifi extender in the proximity of the streamer don’t limit yourself to wireless only.

I would seriously consider a DAC with a built in renderer and Roon as your music server/database/UI as opposed to a streamer with a built in DAC.
Or consider separates - streamer, something like the Lumin U2 Mini and a good separate DAC. My reasoning for it? Streamers are essentially computers and as such their designs are emphasized around software/OS. A dedicated DAC or even a DAC with a built in renderer like Bricasti, Weiss or Mola Mola are designed with emphasis on DAC quality without any need to worry about the streaming UI.

Now, there are ultra high end all in one units where I’m sure all the due diligence was done in R&D and they may be a completely different ball game. But we’re not talking about those with a $5k-$7k budget. These tend to be well into five figures and more. 
That’s just my $0.02.