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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!

james1911
akg_ca's avatar
akg_ca
2,162 posts
 

MOON by SIMAUDIO 280d MIND2 


https://hifiandmusicsource.com/2021/08/moon-280d-streaming-dac/

https://www.soundandvision.com/content/simaudio-moon-280d-streaming-dac-review

 

 

 

 

 

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
3,864 posts
 

Innuos has a HD with Roon end point ,

budget for dac ?  A decent Ethernet hub  the SW8;is very good for under $600

i out a synergistic purple fuse  for sure helps ,and a decent aftermarket power cord.

knighttodd
197 posts
 

No switch fuse or hub. Save money. Get RME ADI2 FS DAC. 

falconquest's avatar
falconquest
1,108 posts
 

There is a power supply upgrade available for the node that helps improve the performance. I have one in my second system and I’m quite pleased with it. I can’t say how it compares to the Lumin but for the price it’s pretty amazing.

vthokie83
647 posts
 

James 1911,

I would not buy a Node 2i, it is several years old technology. If you are considering Bluesound (the interface is amazingly easy to use), look for the Node 130 at $599 (3rd gen) or the Node X at $799 (4th gen). You can improve the Node 130 with a linear power supply (LHY LPS kit $279), and it is a very good combo.

I have no experience with the Lumin, but will certainly be looking at their options when I upgrade my streaming setup. I do have a friend who is testing an Eversolo DMP-A6 which is getting good reviews, and a great price at $899

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