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Streamer/DAC combo or stand alone DAC with Node2?

greetings,

I am looking to complete/upgrade my hifi setup and would appreciate divergent thoughts on the topic.  

System:  McIntosh MA252 Hybrid, Spendor D7, Node 2 for Tidal.
Budget:  Anything under $3000.
Based in Belgium with a journey to the States in the summer.

I listen to Tidal 95% of the time. The Node2 is fine, but is now the weak link in my system.   I've heard the Chord DAVE and the Qutest, both good.  I found Mytek LIberty and Brooklyn + to not do much beyond the Node. Surprising.  

As I pretty much only use Tidal and will never use a computer or Roon etc., I want one more box to either improve the Node2 or replace it.  I don't want to open up the MQA debate, bit it would be nice to have a MQA capable device.

Suggestions please. 
alchemyman

Showing 1 response by robelvick

robelvick's avatar
robelvick
466 posts
 
@alchemyman

I suggest looking at the Lumin D2.  Is it a streamer/dac that will do Tidal with full MQA unfolding.

The only inputs are for USB drives, but if you're only going to be streaming Tidal, it shouldn't matter.  It has single ended & balanced analog outputs.

In the past I've used an Auralic Mini to Mytek Liberty, Brooklyn+, and Benchmark DAC2HGC.  While all of those sounded very good (to me), I enjoy the Lumin D2 more.

I use it with Roon, but it has it's own app, that let's you put in your Tidal credentials, and there you go!
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