Streamer Recommendations

rburgess714

I currently have an Auralic Aries Mini and it’s a great piece of gear. I would like to buy another for a second system but they are no longer available and I haven’t seen any on the used market in awhile. The Bluesound Node gets good reviews at $500 but what else should I look for in $500 - $1000 range. The unit would need to include a DAC. I’m also not opposed to used.

Thanks
RB

displayname

The Bluesound Node 2i is the main one I read about, but if you include the used market at $1000 there is probably a better buy. I haven't heard the Cambridge CXN V2, but that's another one that caught my eye in this price point. Other previous generation Auralic Aries streamers come up in this price range on the used market as well.

Do you have any functional needs? Roon, Tidal, MQA, wifi vs wireless etc?

joecoulson

I auditioned the node vs my Cambridge Audio CXN v2 and it wasn’t even a comparison. Of course the CA is $900 so you would expect that, but there are a few things I love.
Integrated screen to see what’s playing
DAC onboard is a very good one. As good as my PS Audio stellar
The interface through a smartphone is slick but not without some slight gripes.
Plethora or connections on the back.
Tidal integration
Chromcast
Overall good looking unit with even better sound

BlueBirdMusic

Joe, I am interested in the Cambridge Audio CXN v2.

What are your main gripes with the interface through a smartphone?

I am asking this question thinking about my friend who uses her iPhone and jRiver (jRemote) to play ripped CDs from her laptop. She has Paradigm Studio 60's, center, and surround speakers. Connection problems seem to cause her the most problems.

hochpt21

I have been looking at the Node, but need to do more research. I simply need it to stream Spotify, as I am currently using a chromebook stuffed down in my equipment rack, and I have to always log into the Spotify web player and it can be glitchy.

I am assuming I can use my iPhone to control Spotify through the node into my main system?

The other thing that looked interesting, is it seems you can input a turntable into the node and then stream to other node locations. I would like to be able to play records in the living room and then hear them out on the deck on another pair of speakers, so this could potentially be a good option. Not sure if it goes from turntable, to phono pre, to node, to preamp or how that works so I need to do more research.

Sorry to threadjack, but I am looking down the same path you are, and the node seems to have great potential.

rburgess714

displayname wrote: »

The Bluesound Node 2i is the main one I read about, but if you include the used market at $1000 there is probably a better buy. I haven't heard the Cambridge CXN V2, but that's another one that caught my eye in this price point. Other previous generation Auralic Aries streamers come up in this price range on the used market as well.

Do you have any functional needs? Roon, Tidal, MQA, wifi vs wireless etc?

There is no option for Ethernet so it would have to be connected to my WiFi network. Primarily streaming source is Tidal.

joecoulson

Harry, I don't want to thread hijack with only CXN info so I will PM you pix of what the interface looks like, but my main gripes are this (and all in all they are minor and do not outweigh by any means the benefits)
The app is a little delayed sometimes with adding tacks to the playlist, this is not a network issue as we have a very fast connection and router. and when you go from the control app to another app (say answer the phone or whatever) and you come back to the app, sometimes it has to go through the initial cycle to get back to the home screen and back into the source (ie tidal or network drive)
It does not always do this, about half the time, but it should cache where you left the app and leave it there for reopening every time IMO

You will get a chance to have a go with it when you come in March as it's harder to explain with text and 1000% easier to show.

displayname

hochpt21 wrote: »

The other thing that looked interesting, is it seems you can input a turntable into the node and then stream to other node locations. I would like to be able to play records in the living room and then hear them out on the deck on another pair of speakers, so this could potentially be a good option. Not sure if it goes from turntable, to phono pre, to node, to preamp or how that works so I need to do more research.

Based on the inputs you would run an RCA to the Node's 3.5mm analog in. Personally, I do not see the value in doing this, but it does certainly seem possible.


@joecoulson have you by chance also used the Auralic app/steamers? I'd be curious to hear how that app experience stacks up with the Cambridge and Bluesound options too.

joecoulson

I have not. I messed around with the Bluesound and Cambridge at my dealer for sound comps but we were using his server to stream music through the internal DAC’s to make sure the source was the same (for an accurate A/B) and it really blew away the node.
I have read the Bluesound app is somewhat user friendly.
For me, the screen on the front was a must. Don’t want to be tied to the phone always and you can scoot through the menus with the remote to find anything , files, Tidal playlists/files, radio stations etc all while verification is happening with the screen.

displayname

Got it. The screen never really seemed like a huge deal to me. I figured if I ended up deciding the phone was a hassle I could invest in a lower cost table and treat that like a dedicated remote. So given that thought process gives me more focus on the app. But I guess with the screen I wouldn’t really need to worry about it.

joecoulson

That's right - I told Skip how good it was and he right then and there decided to pursue them....

Mikey081057

Shoot for the MOON

https://www.trustedreviews.com/reviews/3640532

rburgess714

DSkip wrote: »

Ray,, I’ll hopefully be picking up Cambridge and their streaming options are a big reason why. I refuse to invest in Blue Sound because it’s apparent that they just don’t stack up sound wise.

I still have a Mini I’m reluctant to get rid of due to its incredible value. I think people are stockpiling them now.

Hey Skip, I am not in a hurry just seeing what my options are. Keep me posted on you CA partnership.

rburgess714

Mikey081057 wrote: »

Shoot for the MOON

https://www.trustedreviews.com/reviews/3640532

Wow..$5200 streamer. At that price point I’m not even on the launch pad.

Mikey081057

Streamer DAC and PreAmp

joecoulson

CA has a digital preamp but I wouldn’t use that.

stangman67

I am interested skip on what you base your opinion on. I’ve seen you state this opinion all over various forums and read cannot understand it. I love my node and haven’t heard pretty much anything negative about it other than from you.

displayname

DSkip wrote: »

For what it’s worth I’ve had trouble finding a streaming transport I could really stand behind for under $2000. There simply aren’t a lot of strong options which is disappointing.

This has been part of my many hesitations getting into streaming. The Node does seem like a viable, functional option, but hearing these positive notes about the CXN are encouraging too. I have always kind of figured if I did get a Node it would be to dip my toes in, but I'd end up diving in deeper later. I think on my current system it would work well, but I also like to take brakes from the upgrade cycles. I've only started to think about it more now because I do think/hope the technology is getting to a point to push the prices down progressively.

Mikey081057

For $500 bucks you order one from Amazon and if you don't like it you return it.

WLDock

DSkip wrote: »

I still have a Mini I’m reluctant to get rid of due to its incredible value. I think people are stockpiling them now.

Man, I had an Audio Advisor catalog turned to the Mini page on my bedside table for some months years ago. It seemed like a perfect piece to build a system around for us budget audiophiles but timing was never right. Since, I've been looking at other options in the same/similar price range like the Node, Denon, Marantz, Pro-Ject, etc. And even cheaper options like Sonos, the Yamaha WXC-50, and Raspberry Pi / HiFiBerry options. The HiFiBerry option looks interesting as I'm a DIY'er and some have had great results with them. Some say the sound is better then other units they have used.

web_traveler

To get significantly better sound, you don’t need to replace the Bluesound if you like it. It is not optimum to use the server as a DAC as well IME. Just get a good DAC and connect to the Bluesound with a good S/PDIF coax cable like this one:

www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=154425.0

If that does not deliver what you are looking for, then add a Synchro-Mesh reclocker for $599 to reduce jitter from the Bluesound to 20psec:

www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=154918.0

As for DAC’s, I don’t know what your budget is, but the Border Patrol is very popular, particularly if you don’t care about DSD or 192 PCM.

Other options from Ressonessence and Chord are good choices that support higher sample-rates.

Steve N.

kharp1

WLDock wrote: »

DSkip wrote: »

I still have a Mini I’m reluctant to get rid of due to its incredible value. I think people are stockpiling them now.

Man, I had an Audio Advisor catalog turned to the Mini page on my bedside table for some months years ago. It seemed like a perfect piece to build a system around for us budget audiophiles but timing was never right. Since, I've been looking at other options in the same/similar price range like the Node, Denon, Marantz, Pro-Ject, etc. And even cheaper options like Sonos, the Yamaha WXC-50, and Raspberry Pi / HiFiBerry options. The HiFiBerry option looks interesting as I'm a DIY'er and some have had great results with them. Some say the sound is better then other units they have used.

I kind of felt the same way about the Mini until I found put you had to have an Apple product to control it. I went do fast as to buy an iPad mini to use as the interface, but, talked myself out of going back down the Apple drain.

Still waiting for PS Audio to release their streamer and take another step towards an all PSA system.

EndersShadow

@mrbiron has the parts for a HiFiBerry for sale on this forum, unless I missed them being sold....

Those same parts have been tempting me to build another RetroPi, or a network ad blocker myself...

WLDock

kharp1 wrote: »

WLDock wrote: »

DSkip wrote: »

I still have a Mini I’m reluctant to get rid of due to its incredible value. I think people are stockpiling them now.

Man, I had an Audio Advisor catalog turned to the Mini page on my bedside table for some months years ago. It seemed like a perfect piece to build a system around for us budget audiophiles but timing was never right. Since, I've been looking at other options in the same/similar price range like the Node, Denon, Marantz, Pro-Ject, etc. And even cheaper options like Sonos, the Yamaha WXC-50, and Raspberry Pi / HiFiBerry options. The HiFiBerry option looks interesting as I'm a DIY'er and some have had great results with them. Some say the sound is better then other units they have used.

I kind of felt the same way about the Mini until I found put you had to have an Apple product to control it. I went do fast as to buy an iPad mini to use as the interface, but, talked myself out of going back down the Apple drain.

Still waiting for PS Audio to release their streamer and take another step towards an all PSA system.

Man, that sound awesome!, an all PS Audio setup (And maybe speakers when they come out) of their newer affordable products would suite me as well. I like what they are doing and hope to listen to their stuff at AXPONA this year. I'm just not there yet to jump.

My latest quest is to get the NAD T 758 V3 receiver with the built-in BluOS streamer as well as DIRAC Live room correction for my TV family room!!! Those are two very cool feature that makes this $1299 new / $975 refurb a/v reciever a good buy.

https://nadelectronics.com/bluos/
http://bluos.net/
https://nadelectronics.com/product/t-758-v3-av-surround-sound-receiver/4

Then, when I can afford the KEF LS50 wireless & sub for my living room music system I will be all set for streaming using the app to control things in any room. I see this more later in 2019 then sooner...

Beaudet

I figured if I ended up deciding the phone was a hassle I could invest in a lower cost table and treat that like a dedicated remote. So given that thought process gives me more focus on the app Prepaid Gift Balance

BinKY188_5

tophatjohnny

rburgess714 wrote: »

Mikey081057 wrote: »

Shoot for the MOON

https://www.trustedreviews.com/reviews/3640532

Wow..$5200 streamer. At that price point I’m not even on the launch pad.

The Moon was ok but not too far away from what I got and never looked back. The Auralic Vega G2 has been such a treat and no regrets on bringing it into my life . Game changer to say the least. 😉

ken brydson

Claudia123 reported

kevhed72

Just invested in a Cambridge CNX v2 refurb from their Ebay store. Pretty pumped to test its DAC vs my Benchmark DAC for kicks, even though I can guess the outcome I suppose. This purchase was the next step in an all digital existence.

mantis

With Streaming music services , I find the Sonos Port to get the job done very nicely either with an external DAC or even if you want to save some cash, the internal DAC which isn't bad at all.

https://www.sonos.com/en-us/shop/port

kevhed72

Update on the Cambridge CNX experience so far. First off, I have no issue "finding it" to connect with either with the Cambridge app or Tidal Connect. The biggest fault I found with my previous streamer was the issue connecting via the app to actually listen to music. The build quality is decent but would be crushed by my MF amp if I placed it on top of the Cambridge. Plenty of connections and turning on and off is not a hassle to re establish a connection. The rotary knob in the front is a nice feature but mine seems wobbly or "lose" to the touch which is annoying. Anyone else notice this with theirs? Last note on the sound - I took my Benchmark DAC2 out of the chain due to an overly analytical sound which wore on me with high res recordings. The internal DACs are, as Larry David would be say, pretty, pretty, pretty good.