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any suggestions on what to replace Bluesound Node 2i with

I am doing a major upgrade on my home theater system. I want to upgrade my streamer. I can spend around $4500 if I have to. My dealer played a Lumin T2 and the music, Tidal, sounded amazing. He said I would be okay with the D2 if I wanted to save money
Any one have any experience with the the Lumin's. I am open to other streamers, it does not have to be Lumin. Thanks 
galleybob
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
4,844 posts
 
@elsfan 

Thanks. It's not clear to me, as @jjss49 pointed out, whether a power supply upgrade helps very much is one is *already* bypassing the Node's DAC. Indeed, I would bet it is not worth it.
galleybob OP
155 posts
 
@Mahler123 I should do an A/B test of Apple Music 24/44 vs  Bluesound Node 2i while listening to Qobuz 24/192 with my teenage daughter. It could be a hearing issue but I doubt it. My system now is outstanding, it will be even better when I do the upgrades on my equipment
deer_creek_audio's avatar
deer_creek_audio
63 posts
 

At Deer Creek Audio, we think a lot about the importance of simplifying the digital transmission path. In this case of evaluating streamers, we recommend a solution that includes Dirac LIve room correction. This really simplifies the layout and optimizes the path to your final digital to analog conversion.


The miniDSP SHD series combines the Volumio streaming application and Dirac Live in a high definition DSP and DAC platform.


Adding Dirac to the mix is a game changer because of the way Dirac improves not only the system and room frequency response but also the time domain impulse response. The result is superior definition that rivals the sound you would have experienced in the recording studio.


Dirac, when combined with a high definition streamer, may likely be the biggest improvement you’ll experience in your journey as an audiophile.


Here are a couple of independent reviews, one on the miniDSP SHD series in Audio Science Review, and another on Dirac Live from Stereophile.

coltrane1's avatar
coltrane1
685 posts
 
$4200 for a streamer! To heck with that. $4200 would by a hot turntable/tonearm combo. You’ve got your priorities mixed up. Turn to vinyl for real music. IMHO. 
earlflynn's avatar
earlflynn
461 posts
 
This biggest improvement in my opinion is getting a QUALITY DAC the DAC in the Node and Node 2i are fine for well lo-fi listening.

The new Node (no longer called 2i) has a better DAC that the 2i but it is still lacking.

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