Streamer choices


Hello to alll. I would like to improve on the streamer that I have. I am presently using a Blusound node. I am considering the Cambridge AXN v2 or the McIntosh MB 50. I prefer the balanced XLR. I have a McIntosh C48 preamp . I would appreciate your feedback. Thankx, Arthur
arthurd
I understand the point now about the 320 kbps. I thought the next level upgrade would make a difference with my Mac equipment. Right now I am only streaming from Spotify. Maybe I should keep the status quo. Thankx



Just rechecked our family Spotify account. I do have the premium at 320kbps. So an upgrade should be ok.
$2k budget gets you new Teac NT-505 with dual AKM 4497 DACs. I like mine a lot. 
I disagree with the comments about 320 streaming. In my experience a budget streamer does not produce as "good" a sound as a "higher" streamer regardless of bitrate. I have for example a DCS Upsampler and  that seems to drag lower quality sound into somewhat acceptable. 
I would suggest looking at a higher level streamer second hand, they don't deteriorate with age.