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Budget Music Streamer

I've been trying to get my head around best sound out of a budget streamer. All my CD collection is now in my portable 2TB hard drive as FLAC files and I also have subscription to Apple Music (large playlist). Currently using Apple TV and Airport Express (airplay limiting to 16 bit/44.1kHz) and Apple TV streaming at 48kHz. I have a revealing system and know I can get better sonics by upgrading my digital source. Unfortunately I have been blessed with a good ear for music.  

There are quite a few options out there, each having it's limitations, specially the ability to play Apple music directly from iTunes using a remote without limiting the sampling rate. Do I consider a Mac Mini or build my Raspberry Pi source? Will I get a spdif connection (preference) out of the two? Is there remote control capability to view playlist (I don't intend to hook up a monitor). Or is there a better solution out there for both listening to FLAC files on hard drive and streaming Apple Music? I plan on selling my OPPO player - no use to me, to fund a better DAC (schiit Yggdrasil or BorderPatrol) - hence the digital source is on a budget. Experts chime in..

Simaudio W5 poweramp
Von Schweikerts VR4 
OPPO 105 
Apple TV (using Kanexpro HDMI de-embedder to extract audio - coax in DAC)
Airport Express (optical in DAC)
Benchmark DAC1 (no USB) - used as preamp
Marantz AV7701 preamp
Morrow Audio interconnects 
128x128ghulamr
wtf's avatar
wtf
306 posts
 
Take a look at the Bluesound Node 2i streamer. It should prove to be a good option for you and scales nicely when you add a better DAC to the mix. As to your DAC, I think you're on the right track, IIRC the DAC1 was known to be somewhat bright and "digital" sounding (I never heard one). 
mahler123
633 posts
 
If it works well, the Bluesound Node 2i will fill all your needs.  I have the Node2, which has an ok DAC , but the 2i is supposed to have a better DAC still.  My problem with Bluesound has been reliability issues, most of which stem from problems after one of their frequent updates.  Their customer service used to be very good but has really deteriorated recently.
btw, have you tried using the Network part of your Oppo to control your NAS?  That’s what I’ve been doing with my Bluesound dead in the water.  I also have been using my MAC Air with Audirvana +.and this sounds truly excellent.  
wtf's avatar
wtf
306 posts
 
@mahler123 .. surprised to read of Bluesound's customer service decline. That's really a shame. I've had the Node 2 for almost 3 years and it's worked without issue for all that time. (I have 2 Pulse Flex units as well.) That being said, I recently moved on to a Sonore microRendu and the Node 2 is now in my work space streaming mostly internet radio streams and occasionally Spotify. BTW, I've read the DAC is the same in the 2i and the sound quality improvements have everything to do with an upgraded wifi module and some circuit board changes. Haven't heard it myself though. 
mzkmxcv
558 posts
 
@ghulamr

Unless getting like a tube DAC or something, most all high end DACs try to sound as “digital” as possible, meaning all they do is convert digital to analog, no colorations added (or minimal as possible). If you can can add EQ/tone control, try bumping the bass up a bit, if you don’t listen at reference levels (peaks of 105dB+), then you are hearing less bass than intended (our ears hear less bass at lower volumes, and to some degree treble, look up the Equal Loudness Contours).  
  
High end digital cables are not any better, a short generic USB/optical cables will have less jitter than a longer $1000 USB/optical cable, so you use the shortest length possible.
big_greg
315 posts
 
I've been really happy with my BlueSound Node 2.  I have 2 of them.  I'm using one with my Auralic Vega DAC and I have the other connected to my Oppo 105D so that I can use its DAC if I want.  You might consider that option. 

Since the introduction of the Node 2i, used Node 2 units seem to be popping up for around $300. 

The main improvements in the 2i according to whathifi.com are:

"What’s easier to understand are the bonus features Bluesound has added to its streamer, including the dual-band wi-fi, Apple AirPlay2 and two-way Bluetooth, which means you can use wireless headphones via the BluOS 3.0 app, as well as a faster processor for a more seamless user experience."

The DAC is the same, but there is a claim that the sound is better because of the way the circuits are laid out in the new unit.  

I'm using a wireless access point and don't use Airplay or the bluetooth, so none of the "improvements" mattered to me.  I can't speak to whether the 2i actually sounds better, not having one to compare to.  

Using the Oppo and the Vega's DACs definitely improves the sound quality.
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