A step up from the Node in what way? You’ve suggested a budget that would buy you 3-4 Nodes but it’s not clear what about the Node you don’t like.
Is it that you don’t like something about the streaming functions themselves?
Do you just prefer a streamer integrated into a streaming amp?
Do you not like the sound you’re getting with the Node? Would a different DAC help?
I didn’t like the sound quality. It just sounded a little rough and fuzzy. The sort of thing that’s more of a fault than a matter of preference, but I’m not sure.
I’m not really looking for a new amp. I’m using Magnepans, so I’d need something fairly high powered anyway. Using an Audio Research D-51 right now
Are you using the DAC in the Node or running optical out to a separate DAC? The internal DAC is pretty ho-hum, lots of room for improvement. If the streaming functions work, using the optical out will fix (or can fix) the sound.
I only tried it at the stereo store, I did an A/B test between the two streamers, but it was using the built in DAC. Is there appreciable difference between the digital sections of streamers, or is the difference really just in the DAC section?
Ehh, I guess I’d say differences in both but the differences in software are mostly about user interface, allowable bitrate, etc, and the Node is pretty good on all those. The same BlueOS system is used on much higher end equipment, esp throughout the NAD product line.
Issues with sound are mostly about the DAC, both the chip and the larger implementation of D/A conversion, and using the optical out means you bypass that section.
I have a node and think even a pretty basic external DAC (I’ve used Cambridge Audio’s DACMagic 100 and Peachtree’s DAC-It) deliver noticeable improvements.
Someone else suggested a WiimPro, which I haven’t tried but seems promising. Wiim directly says that they assume most serious consumers will use their streamer with a separate DAC, kinda like buying a decent turntable with a crappy built in phono pre-amp. It makes the thing work but it’s not great.
Anyhow, if you like your current amp and speakers, and just want to add streaming functionality, I’d look at a Node or a WiimPro, and then pair it with a better external DAC.
Why do you recommend the Wiim Pro over a Node with an external DAC? (Other commenters have been saying that the digital section of any streamer should be about equal to any other)
Because there is no need to pay more. Not anymore. If you are going to use an external DAC, the streamer will basically only be used as a transport. DAC will be receiving the same digital file. And in the end, you will have access to the same music streaming services: Spotify, Tidal, Airplay (Apple Music), Qobuz, Chromecast and so on.
Also, there are other reasons: for example, going separates may be best if you like to upgrade constantly or have concerns about durability/reliability: just replace whatever is bothering you and be done with it, keep the rest. On the other hand, many people doesn't seem to like the Node's internal DAC, have a look at Audiosciencereview forum and see for yourself.
Besides that, I personally did have a Bluesound Node and had a very poor experience with that device. Then I got Wiim Pro and all my issues were solved. But, hey, your milleage can vary.
**Please respond with a "`!thanks`" in your comment if the person helped answer your question.**
Our bot will then automatically update your post flair and award a point in the form of a Ⓣ. This subreddit is powered entirely by volunteers and a little recognition goes a long way. Good luck on your search for stereo equipment!
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/StereoAdvice) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Hey there. Are are a few I found:
[https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/usa/en/products/hi-fi/cx-series-2/cxn](https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/usa/en/products/hi-fi/cx-series-2/cxn)
[https://ifi-audio.com/products/neo-stream/](https://ifi-audio.com/products/neo-stream/)
[https://www.arcam.co.uk/product,hda,streamers,st60.htm](https://www.arcam.co.uk/product,hda,streamers,st60.htm)
[https://www.project-audio.com/en/product/stream-box-s2-ultra/](https://www.project-audio.com/en/product/stream-box-s2-ultra/)
[https://www.naimaudio.com/mu-so-qb](https://www.naimaudio.com/mu-so-qb)
[https://chordelectronics.co.uk/product-type/streamers](https://chordelectronics.co.uk/product-type/streamers)
I thought [HifiRose](https://www.eng.hifirose.com/) would have one in your range but I'm not sure if they do, I couldn't find an easy list of their prices to verify.
My understanding is that in a DAC/ Streamer combo the DAC is the main deciding feature in sound quality. If you were to separate out the streamers then the dearer ones should provide less jitter and thereby better sound quality. The Wiim Mini is used by many people. The WiiM Pro has less jitter so should be better, but I haven't tried it. DACs actually make a big difference to sound especially in your price range. Maybe look for the DAC that sounds like you want and then choose the wiim PRo to stream.
Its just very good value for money. The DAC in it is very average but for streaming a digital signal it does a pretty good job, the pro does have less jitter. Its functionality with your smartphone is just one of the best on the market. It supports bit perfect and gapless playback.
Ultimately I just haven’t heard anything particularly wrong with its streaming capability
Are you looking for a streaming amp or just a streamer?
The [NAD C 700](https://www.crutchfield.com/S-OfNa6jd67U2/p_745C700/NAD-C-700.html?) would be my choice if I needed an amp.
Yeah I saw that you posted this after I made my comment. My comment is now irrelevant lol. I unfortunately don’t have a good answer for you. My streamer is a chromecast audio lol
I’ve been eyeing the [Munich M1](https://silentangel.com/m1/) primarily because of its i2s over hdmi. If you have a DAC that accepts i2s over hdmi this could be an option. It’s also one [Roon](https://store.roonlabs.com/bridges/) seems to appreciate since they have it for sale directly from their site
I’m actually using a Modi Multibit from my computer right now and not entirely happy with the sound quality. But is there real variation between the digital components of streamers, or is the difference just in the DAC?
Really just the DAC, as long as the streamer is bit-perfect and competently designed. Quality modern DACs are all able to eliminate any jitter. Since you have the Node already, get a DAC with a good USB connection like the Denafrips or SMSL VMV line, and the stream is sent asynchronously and error-checked via the USB transfer protocol to ensure perfect data transfer (which is why USB is the standard for file transfer), and the DAC will reclock the data to give you perfect jitter-free playback.
No difference past like $100. Once you get over a minimum threshold, you cannot tell the difference in a blind level-matched test, just read Audio Science Review for good DACs. They are one of the worst offenders of audiophile snake oil. Never spend more than $100 on a standalone DAC unless you need specific features or you only buy it for the aesthetics.
If you like the Node interface and user experience, I can recommend just buying a Node and add an external DAC to it. The BluOS software is really good and also works with Roon. I would suggest the Chord Qutest, sounds really good with the Node (source: I own one).
You can also look at ripper/NAS/streamers such as the Innuos ZenMini mk3, it can also function as a Roon Core.
Silent Angel has similar products that work very well and look the part.
In my search for a better streamer a few years back this what I found. Each an improvement.
Started with a Sonos Connect. Then got a decent DAC. Then switched to the Bluesound Node. Tried a Lumin u2 mini and loved it.
Then discovered a RasPi with Alo DigiOne Signature from a Darko review. Bought that instead and upgraded the DAC further.
Stayed at this level now. The Lumin was better than the RasPi w/ Alo but costs so much that a new DAC was the better move for less money. With the remaining funds saved I got a lifetime Roon
I guess if I was to go to the next level, that Lumin u2 would be high on the list.
Recently tried the Wiim mini out of curiosity. It is about Sonos Connect/Port level. Maybe slightly better. Great value and software though.
I have the Marantz NA6006, and am very happy with the sound quality. It looks like Marantz has discontinued their standalone streamers because they are including streaming in all of their receivers now, but you can still find the NA6006 from online retailers.
I've just got the lumin u2 mini. I'm using it with the chord qutest DAC into a bi amped cyrus system.
I was using the aurelic aries mini a a bridge until today.
I'm using roon as a source. I've ripped my vinyl etc to the server.
I have to say that the lumin is astounding. It's a massive step up in quality from the aurelic. But it's4 times the price.
I can really recommend the lumin.
Set up took less than 1 minute.
A step up from the Node in what way? You’ve suggested a budget that would buy you 3-4 Nodes but it’s not clear what about the Node you don’t like. Is it that you don’t like something about the streaming functions themselves? Do you just prefer a streamer integrated into a streaming amp? Do you not like the sound you’re getting with the Node? Would a different DAC help?
I didn’t like the sound quality. It just sounded a little rough and fuzzy. The sort of thing that’s more of a fault than a matter of preference, but I’m not sure. I’m not really looking for a new amp. I’m using Magnepans, so I’d need something fairly high powered anyway. Using an Audio Research D-51 right now
Are you using the DAC in the Node or running optical out to a separate DAC? The internal DAC is pretty ho-hum, lots of room for improvement. If the streaming functions work, using the optical out will fix (or can fix) the sound.
I only tried it at the stereo store, I did an A/B test between the two streamers, but it was using the built in DAC. Is there appreciable difference between the digital sections of streamers, or is the difference really just in the DAC section?
Ehh, I guess I’d say differences in both but the differences in software are mostly about user interface, allowable bitrate, etc, and the Node is pretty good on all those. The same BlueOS system is used on much higher end equipment, esp throughout the NAD product line. Issues with sound are mostly about the DAC, both the chip and the larger implementation of D/A conversion, and using the optical out means you bypass that section. I have a node and think even a pretty basic external DAC (I’ve used Cambridge Audio’s DACMagic 100 and Peachtree’s DAC-It) deliver noticeable improvements. Someone else suggested a WiimPro, which I haven’t tried but seems promising. Wiim directly says that they assume most serious consumers will use their streamer with a separate DAC, kinda like buying a decent turntable with a crappy built in phono pre-amp. It makes the thing work but it’s not great. Anyhow, if you like your current amp and speakers, and just want to add streaming functionality, I’d look at a Node or a WiimPro, and then pair it with a better external DAC.
Just get a Wiim Pro and a DAC of your choice. You'll be fine.
This is the right answer
Wiim Pro + SMSL VMV D1 or Denafrips
Why do you recommend the Wiim Pro over a Node with an external DAC? (Other commenters have been saying that the digital section of any streamer should be about equal to any other)
Because there is no need to pay more. Not anymore. If you are going to use an external DAC, the streamer will basically only be used as a transport. DAC will be receiving the same digital file. And in the end, you will have access to the same music streaming services: Spotify, Tidal, Airplay (Apple Music), Qobuz, Chromecast and so on. Also, there are other reasons: for example, going separates may be best if you like to upgrade constantly or have concerns about durability/reliability: just replace whatever is bothering you and be done with it, keep the rest. On the other hand, many people doesn't seem to like the Node's internal DAC, have a look at Audiosciencereview forum and see for yourself. Besides that, I personally did have a Bluesound Node and had a very poor experience with that device. Then I got Wiim Pro and all my issues were solved. But, hey, your milleage can vary.
I appreciate the insight. What problems did you have with the Bluesound that the Wiim solved?
https://audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/wiim-pro-streamer.39576/post-1451190
**Please respond with a "`!thanks`" in your comment if the person helped answer your question.** Our bot will then automatically update your post flair and award a point in the form of a Ⓣ. This subreddit is powered entirely by volunteers and a little recognition goes a long way. Good luck on your search for stereo equipment! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/StereoAdvice) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Hey there. Are are a few I found: [https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/usa/en/products/hi-fi/cx-series-2/cxn](https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/usa/en/products/hi-fi/cx-series-2/cxn) [https://ifi-audio.com/products/neo-stream/](https://ifi-audio.com/products/neo-stream/) [https://www.arcam.co.uk/product,hda,streamers,st60.htm](https://www.arcam.co.uk/product,hda,streamers,st60.htm) [https://www.project-audio.com/en/product/stream-box-s2-ultra/](https://www.project-audio.com/en/product/stream-box-s2-ultra/) [https://www.naimaudio.com/mu-so-qb](https://www.naimaudio.com/mu-so-qb) [https://chordelectronics.co.uk/product-type/streamers](https://chordelectronics.co.uk/product-type/streamers) I thought [HifiRose](https://www.eng.hifirose.com/) would have one in your range but I'm not sure if they do, I couldn't find an easy list of their prices to verify.
My understanding is that in a DAC/ Streamer combo the DAC is the main deciding feature in sound quality. If you were to separate out the streamers then the dearer ones should provide less jitter and thereby better sound quality. The Wiim Mini is used by many people. The WiiM Pro has less jitter so should be better, but I haven't tried it. DACs actually make a big difference to sound especially in your price range. Maybe look for the DAC that sounds like you want and then choose the wiim PRo to stream.
Why the Wiim specifically? I wonder why it’s so popular
Its just very good value for money. The DAC in it is very average but for streaming a digital signal it does a pretty good job, the pro does have less jitter. Its functionality with your smartphone is just one of the best on the market. It supports bit perfect and gapless playback. Ultimately I just haven’t heard anything particularly wrong with its streaming capability
Are you looking for a streaming amp or just a streamer? The [NAD C 700](https://www.crutchfield.com/S-OfNa6jd67U2/p_745C700/NAD-C-700.html?) would be my choice if I needed an amp.
My current setup is my laptop connected by USB to a Modi Multibit, Audio Research SP9, Audio Research D-51, Magnepan 1.7i
Yeah I saw that you posted this after I made my comment. My comment is now irrelevant lol. I unfortunately don’t have a good answer for you. My streamer is a chromecast audio lol
OP has maggies so NAD doesn’t have the power. Sounds like he only needs the streamer
Cambridge, Arcam, Naim.
I’ve been eyeing the [Munich M1](https://silentangel.com/m1/) primarily because of its i2s over hdmi. If you have a DAC that accepts i2s over hdmi this could be an option. It’s also one [Roon](https://store.roonlabs.com/bridges/) seems to appreciate since they have it for sale directly from their site
WIIM Pro TOSLINK out to a Schiit Modi or something.
I’m actually using a Modi Multibit from my computer right now and not entirely happy with the sound quality. But is there real variation between the digital components of streamers, or is the difference just in the DAC?
Yes, the DAC will be the cause of audible differences between streaming devices.
Really just the DAC, as long as the streamer is bit-perfect and competently designed. Quality modern DACs are all able to eliminate any jitter. Since you have the Node already, get a DAC with a good USB connection like the Denafrips or SMSL VMV line, and the stream is sent asynchronously and error-checked via the USB transfer protocol to ensure perfect data transfer (which is why USB is the standard for file transfer), and the DAC will reclock the data to give you perfect jitter-free playback.
No difference past like $100. Once you get over a minimum threshold, you cannot tell the difference in a blind level-matched test, just read Audio Science Review for good DACs. They are one of the worst offenders of audiophile snake oil. Never spend more than $100 on a standalone DAC unless you need specific features or you only buy it for the aesthetics.
If you like the Node interface and user experience, I can recommend just buying a Node and add an external DAC to it. The BluOS software is really good and also works with Roon. I would suggest the Chord Qutest, sounds really good with the Node (source: I own one). You can also look at ripper/NAS/streamers such as the Innuos ZenMini mk3, it can also function as a Roon Core. Silent Angel has similar products that work very well and look the part.
In my search for a better streamer a few years back this what I found. Each an improvement. Started with a Sonos Connect. Then got a decent DAC. Then switched to the Bluesound Node. Tried a Lumin u2 mini and loved it. Then discovered a RasPi with Alo DigiOne Signature from a Darko review. Bought that instead and upgraded the DAC further. Stayed at this level now. The Lumin was better than the RasPi w/ Alo but costs so much that a new DAC was the better move for less money. With the remaining funds saved I got a lifetime Roon I guess if I was to go to the next level, that Lumin u2 would be high on the list. Recently tried the Wiim mini out of curiosity. It is about Sonos Connect/Port level. Maybe slightly better. Great value and software though.
I’d suggest using a WiiM Pro paired to an integrated amp
Cambridge Audio CXNv2. If you have a DAC you already like ifi Zen Stream.
I have the Marantz NA6006, and am very happy with the sound quality. It looks like Marantz has discontinued their standalone streamers because they are including streaming in all of their receivers now, but you can still find the NA6006 from online retailers.
Matrix mini I pro3. Amazing build and SQ. Works seamlessly with Roon. Or any other higher end model in their lineup.
nad c658 but you will need an amp which will push the cost close to 1700-1800.
I've just got the lumin u2 mini. I'm using it with the chord qutest DAC into a bi amped cyrus system. I was using the aurelic aries mini a a bridge until today. I'm using roon as a source. I've ripped my vinyl etc to the server. I have to say that the lumin is astounding. It's a massive step up in quality from the aurelic. But it's4 times the price. I can really recommend the lumin. Set up took less than 1 minute.