Bluetooth vs Turntable Recommendations

@jjbeason14 

  The Bluesound Node is a frequently recommended streamer, but I am not sure about its Bluetooth capabilities.  I haven’t heard the current version of the Node, but the Node2 was using an older Bluetooth codec that sounded muffled.  It was also a pain to access, as you had to go deep into the Bluesound app to change the settings.

  If all you want is a good sounding Bluetooth receiver the latest Audioengine B1 for under $200.  Make sure it has 5.0 aptX HD.  

If your budget is $2K, for another $1100 I would add a Cambridge Audio CXN 60.streamer/DAC.  You can then play from attached storage; streaming services; terrific internet radio capabilities; and perhaps most importantly for you, adds Apple AirPlay and Google Chromecast, which you may find preferable to Bluetooth.  You can always just start with the Audioengine and add a streamer later.

  I totally agree with @audphile1 about not venturing into vinyl from scratch.  The cost and storage space for wanting to play an inferior format are daunting.  And turntables are not setup and forget items.  Vinyl makes more sense if you already own a pile of lps and want something to play them with

Audio Engine B-1 is a solid performer (was using it for 4 years) but lots of products and technical changes in industry since its introduction. I have an iFi Zen Stream ($399 overpriced)so using wifi now  and connected to a good value Geshelli Jnog2 DAC $250) Lots of connectivity options but the Ifi app has too many moments of being unresponsive but sounds great when it’s working. I just purchased a Wiim airplay pro ($200) that supposedly has everything a $599 Bluesound Node can do (less the internal DAC which I do not need).  I will hook up tomorrow. 

Another rec for Bluesound Node. If you aren’t passionate about vinyl it can be a super fussy way to listen to music. But if you want the experience of plug and play listening to music, streaming is the way and there isn’t the learning curve that comes with vinyl. I would also suggest doing something like Tidal and stream Tidal connect to the Node for better quality than just Bluetooth. 
I love my analog setup but it’s taken me a long time to get it all set up and dialed in to where I want it. Good luck and happy listening. 

Thanks mahler!

Lots of good info here!

Totally agree with Mahler123, get a ifi zen bluetooth receiver for $190.00,  use it with  a Android tablet or phone that supports Ldac codec, and it is just simple,  trouble free and amazing sound,  much better than vinyl.  Don't let the price fool you.