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Hardware Streamers

I am loving the feeling of the hi-res world at your fingertips with Tidal. Well, not really the world.  I'm currently using my laptop to deliver Tidal MQA streams and I would like to free up the laptop.  I've read some discussions here on the Bluesound Node 2 (now 2i) versus other devices.  My Hegel amp has a very nice DAC with a USB input, so I would use the digital out from whatever device I choose.  Some of you have indicated that you don't like the sound of the Node, but if I use the Hegel DAC, how much difference might I notice between it and something like the Aurender N100H.  The sound from my laptop is pretty good, but the laptop cost 1/3 of the Aurender.  Could I expect the Node to sound better/worse than the laptop?  What about the Aurender?

 Would love to hear from any of you who have used the Bluesound products and anything else in a reasonable price range (that is, if the N100h at $2700 is my upper end).
cstaples57
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 
Node2 or 2i do not support a USB output if that's all your DAC handles. The analog output is quite good unless you have a high quality outboard DAC.
cstaples57 OP
5 posts
 
Also has opt and coax inputs, so I should have it covered.
yashu
195 posts
 
 Cstaples,

Node runs directly (rca) to my integrated amp.  It is using its own dac.

With my Oppo 105 I run directly to my amp using balanced cables.  So it is using the oppo dac.  Sound is far superior thru the oppo.
cstaples57 OP
5 posts
 
Yashu,

just St. wondering if one would still hear a big difference if using the node and/or Oppo just as a transport. I plan to use the DAC in my Hegel amp.
yashu
195 posts
 
Guess you’ll just have to try it.  I really have no idea.  Can only tell you about my set up......
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