Node 2i VS Lumin D2

There was a huge improvement in sound going from a Node 2i to a Lumin U1 Mini. Much more detail, smoother sound, more analogue. And that was running both from the digital outs thru a Schiit Gumby and then I ttied a Denafrips Aries II. It was a worthwhile upgrade to the Lumin. I still like the Bluesound app better though.

P.S. I give the Denafrips a slight edge over the Schiit too. More high end sparkle and tighter bass.

We sell both the lunin is substancially better in every way

Dave and troy
Audiontellect nj

@calieng Did you try the Node via a good ladder DAC like the Denafrips? Not sure if you said that in your post.

I have a Node and have compared it via (a) it's own dac, (b) an older Peachtree dac, (c) an MHDT Orchid Dac and (d) an Orchid dac with an improved Tesla tube. In every change, the streamer got better and better.
I'm at the beginning of my audio journey, so the the prospect of spending $2k+ on a streamer was not a wise budget priority, not least because of the difference a Dac can make and other ways to spend the money. Streaming technology is changing rapidly (e.g. MQA) and I did not want to find myself with a $2k streamer which would become outdated too quickly.