Recommendations for Node2 upgrade, Transport only?

[LeoGooner]

I am a relative newcomer that has embarked on what is proving to be quite a long upgrade journey. I now have the Naim XS3 amp and PMC 25 23i speakers. I am still using the Bluesound Node2 from the previous system. I originally intended to get a new streamer but then added the Denafrips Ares II DAC so I am now using the Node as a transport only. A noticeable improvement, with a sound character I enjoy but I'd like to upgrade as I want to move the Node2 into the other room with the rest of the old system. I am now in two minds about next steps.

Option 1 is keep the Ares II and get a streaming transport - the question is which one, and what would be the "right" sort of budget given the rest of my system. Obvious choice might be the Node 2021 but I have seen some reviews claim that Raspberry Pi/Allo DigiOne is an upgrade on the Node while quite a bit cheaper. Others claim that the transport doesn't really affect the sound, the DAC is far more important.

Option 2 is to go for a new streamer/DAC but again the question is how far would I need to go to do the rest of my system justice? Obvious choice is Naim ND5 XS2 but that is a lot of money, and I'm dubious about whether it would be a really significant step up on the performance of the Ares II.

Any thoughts and recommendations most gratefully received.

 

[StingRay]

I have a Node2. I doubt the Node 2021 would be much if any upgrade. Naim heard some very mxed reports about their streamers.
Raspberry Pi also get mixed reports.

I will follow this as thinking I may upgrade my Node2 which has been pimped, I only use it as transport. Mine worked fine until the last update in April, which mucked up Qobuz for me.
some say the Cambridge is better.
Do you have dealer where you can compare different ones?

Auralic Aries G1 Streaming Transporter would be on my demo list.​

 

[brusselsangel]

I went from Node 2 and Qutest to Aries G1 Q and Qutest. Significant improvement. I then went from that to Aries G1 and Vega G1. Better again.

 

[garn63]

I would probably stick..unless you want to spend 2k plus on a streamer or a new DAC ? Money best spent elsewhere if you have a shopping itch

 

[karlsushi]

In my experience, the transport has less of an impact than a DAC. If you have an itch and want to upgrade, I'd look at a better DAC and keep the node as source.

There are quite a few people out there using a Node with some pretty high end DACs.

 

[StingRay]

In my experience, the transport has less of an impact than a DAC. If you have an itch and want to upgrade, I'd look at a better DAC and keep the node as source.

There are quite a few people out there using a Node with some pretty high end DACs.

He could also modify the Node, I found it did make a difference and I only have a modest LPSU, with a Sbooster or better it should make even more of a difference. Some of difference between streamers I think is down to the PSU.

 

[Lurch]

I would say Pimp your current node with either the Polish or UK built power input board (Fidelity Audio I think??) and an external LPS.
This mod lifts the Node, I've done this and use the Node with an SBooster LPS, Black Ice (Jolida) Glass fx DSD + added an Audio-GD DI2014, DDC (Reclocker) others use a Mutec DDC. I've also recently changed from a generic Coax (Belden with Canare plugs) between Node, DDC & DAC to Chord Shawline Coax with excellent results.

 

[LeoGooner]

Do you have dealer where you can compare different ones?

Yes - my local Audio T has been great

As for mods to the existing Node, I don't want to go down that route, I want to use it in my TV system next door . . . thanks for all suggestions

Auralic Aries G1 Streaming Transporter would be on my demo list.

Hmmm - over 2 grand? I think in that ball park spending it on the DAC or the ND5 XS2 would make more sense?

 

[StingRay]

Yes - my local Audio T has been great

As for mods to the existing Node, I don't want to go down that route, I want to use it in my TV system next door . . . thanks for all suggestions

Hmmm - over 2 grand? I think in that ball park spending it on the DAC or the ND5 XS2 would make more sense?

I would demo them if you can. Re the Naim I would check out users reviewers there were some very critical reports on here a while ago.

So what is your budget? There are a few streamers around £1.3k. I would buy used but then its more difficult to hear them first. Maybe the WAM show?

Not sure more on a DAC would be best or not but certainly something to try. You have a decent DAC already.

 

[t1no]

Isn't the NAD 658 the next rung up the BluOS ladder?

 

[TheFlash]

As for mods to the existing Node, I don't want to go down that route, I want to use it in my TV system next door . . . thanks for all suggestions

You might want to hear a pimped Node before you declare that... but if not then the mid to high level Auralics are reputedly excellent.

 

[brusselsangel]

Is it a possibility to let the Denafrips go? If so look at an Auralic integrated streamer/Dac. The Altair for wifi or the Vega for cat 5/6 connection to a network AP.

I don't think you are going to significantly improve the Node without spending some good money. An Aries G1 would still be my first choice with the Denafrips, and then go from there. I say that as long term Naimite.

 

[Ceko]

Is this an option? Just move the old node to the old system if you need a streamer there and add a new one to your second system?
You’re content with the new system as it is now right?

 

[garn63]

It could be said, that it seems a couple of sideways moves have got to be made to scratch your itch ?
If you are reticent to upgrade the Node & put the best power supply on the end...you are going to spend alot more money than you think for a noticeable lift. Imo.

 

[brusselsangel]

There are a few Aries G1 on t’other forum at good prices. You wouldn’t lose much if you tried one and didn’t like it.

 

[Jezzer]

Pimped node is the way to go.

 

[TheFlash]

I’d actually like to hear a supermaxed Node vs a vanilla Aries and/or Vega. I have a sneaking suspicion the Vega would win, though personally I would probably stick with what I know and love even if that were the case. If starting again, one magic box has its attractions!

 

[MotherSky]

I'd be very tempted to try the power supply modification and add an Sbooster LPS - Power supplies seem to have a disproportionate influence over the SQ of streamers IME: I moved from an old style Auralic Aries with Sbooster LPS to the G1, and felt I had actually taken a step backwards until I modded the power supply with the Hoer Wege board - I'm extremely happy with the sound now, but I spent a fair chunk getting here - with hindsight, I would have much rather spent the money elsewhere (ie room treatment) - others may disagree, but that's because they're idiots

 

[brusselsangel]

I love the node for what it gives for the money ( I still have 3) but I have no doubt that the Aries G1 is a significant improvement that no power supply could make to the Node. Add the Vega and it is in a different league.

 

[bencat]

My own preference would be a Raspberry Pi 4 with Allo Digihat and a decent LPSU . But this is often I am told a very poor streamer and hard to set up . This is nothing like my experience but other people feel differently . Audiolab do a streamer for about £500 which would do what you want without breaking the bank and would sounds as good as if not better then the Node and allow you to move that on .

In fact a quick search showed up this

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/234623494921?epid=3034827490&hash=item36a0a66b09:g:9m8AAOSwv9JiTqVU
A quick chat with Peter Tyson should answer your questions and see if it is for you . One thing you really should keep in mind though is that most Node users value the Blueos interface finding it the best GUI of any streamer . Change and you lose this .