Digital front end upgrade options
Hey everyone,
want to get some opinions and advice as to what may be the best upgrade path for my system.
my digital front end is currently lacking quite a bit. It’s my primary playback out of pure convenience. I currently stream tidal and qobuz through a MacBook Pro into a dragonfly cobalt. I would like to invest into a dedicated streamer. I have been looking at two units that are in different leagues. The first option would be the bluesound node 2i (more budget option) and the second would be a lumin u2 mini. So with that being said if I went with the cheaper option of the bluesound node 2i would I see any real sonic improvements over my current setup? Or would I be better suited to just pony up for the more expensive lumin u2 mini? And if I went with the u2 mini would the sonic improvements be significant over my dragonfly cobalt? I would like to think either option would be a significant upgrade but unfortunately I don’t have the option to test gear to find out for myself. Hoping to get a little insight here. Thank you all!
Oh ,my mistake I guess I meant to say the lumin D2. I would definitely prefer a one box solution. As for the bluesound node 2i I know I would be paying for the convenience aspect of things, but going from my current set up to a bluesound node would that be all I was paying for? Or should I expect a sonic improvement as well? If I was looking convenience as well as a sonic performance gain should I just spend the extra cash and look at getting the lumin d2? thank you for the feedback
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The Link is a model I recently discovered through being demo'd it in use, as part of a system I had heard for the first time. The DAC in the link was also used in comparisons with another DAC during the above demo' period. This is the first SS DAC I have encountered that I would happily own and feel very confident in the choice made. I also believe it is a multi-function device, so can be exploited for the further usage options that are offered. At the price in the Link, I do not know any SS DAC that will surpass it. I would even suggest 2-3 Times the price seen in the link, is where monies will need to be parted with, if the perception is to be discovered something better is being used. https://tmraudio.com/components/d-a-converters/hegel-hd30-dac-streamer/ |
Why the Node 2i and not the current (2021) version of the Node (N130), or the tenth anniversary Node X with an improved DAC and headphone amp? If you have a deal on a NOS Node to try out or to use just as a streamer, go for it. However, I’d be a little leery of buying a used Node. (I have several and I like them a lot, but they are built to a price point and have, I suspect, a limited life like many of today’s lower priced electronics).
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