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NODE as just a streamer / Airplay device

What are your thoughts on using the NODE as just a streamer and for airplay, and for storing maybe 30 CD of music in FLAC digital format? I will use a separate DAC, leaning toward the Benchmark DAC3 and I ordered the AHB2 amp.

My goal is a reliable, easy to use interface, easy to set up device that outputs accurate digital signal to the DAC. Probably going with Qobuz. Since this is the software side of thing, I want it to have an easy to use, feature rich interface, and is reliable and supported. Few things are more frustrating to finally getting some time for music listening and then having things not work or connect. I would like to hardwire connect the NODE to Ethernet cable and use an IPad to wirelessly control the NODE via a user interface. I want the Ipad to just be the controller and not be in the streaming loop.

Thanks of your input/advice.

12many
blisshifi's avatar
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blisshifi
1,125 posts
 

Node 2i and the later Node N130 both added AirPlay support, but if you want to store files, you’d have to use the Bluesound Vault 2i, not the Node.

@12many The Bluesound ecosystem does a fine job of streaming (and file management and serving of using the Vault), but its sound quality is inferior to other high end digital sources on the market. Is it good enough? It was for me for many years, and very convenient to use. But if you’re looking for endgame there are many better options at exponentially higher price points. 

overthemoon
402 posts
 

I'm not familiar with Benchmark DAC3 but I have owned a NODE and I do the the Bluesound interface.

When I upgraded from the Node, I selected a Moon Streamer/DAC.  Moon's makes numerous streamer/DACs and the streamer module in the 280D for ~$3k is the same one in their top of the line unit that is ~$18k.

I like the simplicity and the interface was almost as good as BlueSound.  I use a combination of TIdal direct, Roon and Moon's MiND2 interface. 

Depending on your goals and budget the Moon 280D is a great unit in my experience.

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skucie
56 posts
 

I use a node with an external DAC with good (better than the internal dac) results.

Maybe you could store the files you want to play on your network?

 

fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,510 posts
 

Easy to use if you like persistent queue. I don't.

Every file that I plug into the USB-A plays into the digital outputs.

I store on external SSD.

If I wanted what you do I would go with an iFi and not pay for an unused DAC.

AirPlay is  puts the crappy player in the stream.

 

 

relayer101's avatar
relayer101
606 posts
 

Does using Airplay to the Node support 24-bit/192 kHz hi res streaming? I have a Node 2i running through a separate DAC and if I stream a 24/192 Flac file directly from a streaming service on my iPhone or iPad to the Node 2i using Airplay the maximum output is 24/48 but streaming through the Bluesound App on iPhone or iPad to the Node 2i through WiFi the output is the full 24/192.

I’ve read on the Bluesound web that the maximum output from Airplay is 24-bit/48 kHz unless that has changed with the new Node.

Due to that I always stream through the Bluesound App to get the full resolution.

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