[help] I'm too Boomer to stream. :-(


So I purchased a Bluesound node 2i after a previous discussion here. Now I can't get the node or BluOs program to recognize my music on other laptops that are on my same wifi.  When my laptop and hard drive was connected to my Parasound Zdac, I could usb the computer into the dac, and use an optical cable from my tv out to the dac.  The node doesn't seem to have a way to allow my tv into the node's dac (my tv only has optical & hdmi out for sound) & node has no inputs for hdmi or toslink) so I'm stuck with the dac of the node for streaming music and the zdac for tv audio with the two different analog outputs from 2 different dacs going into my integrated amp. I'm frustrated and feel like I spent this money for a ghetto rig, plus I can't even make libraries , etc. Totally confused and have tried making everthing "dicoverable " on network setting to no avail. So lost, angry, sad, confused and frustrated. And I swear to god if millerwhoever says I should have bought a tricked out fuse or dumb little cone, I'm gonna lose my s***.
128x128labguy
Can't complain about Node 2i's software.
In addition to streaming, I connect a WD external disk full of my ripped FLAC disks directly with USB.
Hey guys. I recently bought a MacIntosh MA8900 and wish to add a streamer for ripping CD's and storage as well as having Tidal capabilities for MQA at the hardware level and software. This streamer would be running through the on board DAC of the MA8900.
It is somewhat confusing when shopping for those features. Thus far I have found only one serious candidate in the Cocktail X45. I wish to stay in the $2500 + or - cost area. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I use the Google mesh system with my Vault 2 (no wireless) and it works fine.  Also very easy to configure with iPhone/iPad app.
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A couple months ago after my last Mac update I had stop using the 2.4 WiFi and started using the 5g.