Is this a Bluesound Node Killer? The Arylic S50 Pro+ Streaming Preamp Review

[@cheapaudioman]

Acrylic S50Pro + amzn.to/3iUdHQE Bluesound Node amzn.to/3ySytps Amazon Link amzn.to/3k2i4sq

[@benthegrate1]

I just replaced my Arylic Pro S50+ with the new Bluesound Node. Let me tell you the Node is a considerable improvement in every respect. However, the Cheap guy is right, the Arylic has been a great staring point with a fine price and I very much enjoyed using it.

[@ufarkingicehole]

My note 9 streaming quboz sounds better than my blusound node 2 i

[@chrisharquail6015]

I got my Acrylic Pro S50+ from someone who upgraded to a Bluesound. When I'm ready I'll likely do the same.

[@ufarkingicehole]

@@chrisharquail6015 save your money unless you just want a nice dedicated interface to stream off of.

[@russelljones7840]

I've been using one of these for about 4 months now. I also own a bluesound node 2i and various rpi based streaming solutions. I have to admit that as a streaming transport for a dac it is within its limitations very impressive value for money. Its not as slick as the node 2i the app is inferior and I have to admit I've never tried the internal dac . I have however found that adding a ifi power supply to the device had a pleasing impact on sound quality even when functioning as a pure spdif transport. Worth a try in a follow up piece if you have a suitable one around!! If the manufacturer was to improve the app and refine the internal dac to a more modern version AKM or burr brown like the pecan pie for example or even a pair of the existing dac chips operating in dual differential mode(a friend of mine develops his own dac's and I get to test various experiments he's playing with from time to time) then they might have a node killer after all. Great channel by the way, congratulations from over here in the UK....

[@moonytheloony6516]

“He enjoys a nice club sandwich on the beach…” Had to pause the video for a wee-bit as laughing out loud distorts Randy’s well-articulated dialogue regarding this particular product. Your killin’ me Smalls…

[@pallas787]

Hi Randy nice review. I' an italian old man and I still have my "eighteen" year Hifi Stereo Pioneer with KEF Q55-II. Due to "Streaming explosion" I recently added an Arylic S50 Pro (the previous version of +). The problem of all Systems is that by coupling various pieces (sources, amps, speakers, Streamer) you' ve a " Sound Signature" typical of this singular composition that you may like or not....for which you blame Dac, File Resolution, Streamer , Ampli..etc. I solved adding 2 cheap equalizers. The first is physical for basic equalization (Behringer Mini FQB800 9 bands) The second is an Android App (Poweramp Equalizer) for 'Fine Tuning" ) You can't change every time manually over Behringer without presets Memory..!!! And with less than 50 euros I finally got the sound signature that I like and can easily set to any kind of music... Ciao Randy Saluti da Verona-Italy 🇮🇹

[@giuseppedesena5184]

Io ho provato il mio Arylic s50 pro con un dennon pm600n e con un cambridge audio avx 100. Pratticamente suonano uguali! Ora che ho un naim nai5si l'arylic suona veramente da schifo, sento tutti i difetti. scarsa risoluzione, bassi confusi che si sovrappongono ai medio bassi, alti metallici. E il tutto molto poco equailizzato e bilanciato. Mi chiedo se un NODE 3 sia la soluzione più economica a questo disastro! I tested my Arylic s50* pro with a dennon pm600n and an CambridgeAudio AVX 100. They pretty much sound the same! Now that I have a naim nait 5si the arylic sounds really crap, I can hear all the flaws, a poor resolution, fuzzy bass superimposed on mid-bass, metallic highs. And all very uneven and balanced. I wonder if a NODE 3 is the cheapest solution to this mess

[@sdrtcacgnrjrc]

@@giuseppedesena5184 if you're in Italy (or anywhere in the EU) there's the Argon Audio Solo (streamer/network/Bluetooth) -- it gets very good review for the sound -- there's no app, can use a DLNA app. Disclaimer: I don't have it, but am pretty sure I'm going to buy it.

[@markflitz1772]

I love your review style Randy. We’re blessed to have a few great reviews if audio stuff. You and Sean and Jay, you guys ate killing it. I don’t buy based solely on reviews, but it’s so nice to have a few different viewpoints on a piece of equipment. Randy you especially seem to represent what can be rather dry information, in a fun, sometimes amusing way. All the details without any of the sleep inducing monotone dialogue. Your the best. Keep it up. I can’t be the only one to appreciate your hard work. Hope to see another video soon.

[@moonytheloony6516]

Well said! Well said indeed!

[@michau_12]

I just bought it for 220 €, it makes music sound analog, like in old days and not digital. I have gone from class AB to D, because its cheaper in use and good sound for the money, if you buy the right parts. I use only optical from TV to S50 Pro+ and to integrated amp, Argon Sa1. I bought it because of Sabre chip and optical in/out. Thanks for review cheap audioman, have watch your channel many times. Greatings from Denmark. I have build my own loudspeakers with good parts, 6,5 Monacor SP-6/108PRO, ribbon tweeter Visaton MHT 12 and a passiv 6,5 woofer for deeper bass.

[@NeilBlanchard]

Something I need in my streaming device, is Radio Paradise; and as far as I know, this is available on the Bluesound and Volumio. Bluesound also lets you sign into your RP account (free) so that you can rate the songs, and then be able to listen to your favorites. If you have not heard of Radio Paradise, it is a live DJ for 8 hour segments, and they play a very wide and diverse array of rock & roll, and all the adjacent music - blues, jazz, acoustic and folk, reggae, and music from many musicians from around the world. They offer many levels of resolution up to CD, and MQA, as well. Oh - very important: Radio Paradise is listener supported - so NO ADVERTISEMENTS. You can choose to send them some money, or not. I have been introduced to a lot of music by RP; even though I already have wide ranging musical tastes - it is amazing how much wonderful music there is out there!

[@craigwheaton2506]

Love RP

[@hugofallon3724]

Randy , I have this connected to my Q acoustic 3020i via the SMSL SU8 DAC and SMSL DA9 amplifier and it is in my opinion scarily good and so versatile.

[@shankyboy1690]

Just noticed in the last couple of days there's been an update to my 4stream app and it's a much easier to navigate and better looking interface than the previous version

[@NathanPallas]

Nice review Randy. Arylic devices are pretty damn cool for the price. I still like my Raspberry pi 4 and Hifberry dac running Volumio for doing what I need. We also have a NAS where I've ripped all my CDs too. I still don't want to ditch the CD's yet and have them stored.

[@stevennachlas9596]

Randy, nice review as always! I have had this streamer since the day they came out. Got it for about $199 and it performs WAY beyond its price point. Really like the sound. You’ll probably like the system that it resides in Emotiva PT-100 Preamp Emotiva A-300 Power Amp Emotiva B1+ bookshelves (soon to be upgraded to B2+) Emotiva SE-8 subwoofer You are right about the app; it’s not the best, but it’s not too bad either. I also bought a Songbird streamer, and it uses the same app. I prefer the sound and flexibility of the Arylic over the Songbird. I’m still experimenting by comparing the sound either using the Arylic DAC vs the Emotiva built in DAC since the Arylic gives me both analog as well as digital outputs. I lean toward using digital output from the Arylic into the Emotiva’s DAC. In any event, I love the Arylic S50 Pro+, especially for the money. Hell, I bought the entire Emotiva system for $1000 and for the money, or twice the money, this is a great system. Thanks again, Randy, for all of the useful videos you produce.

[@larryh9525]

I really don't understand why everyone is not looking at what is likely the best solution for the least amount of money, especially if you have an extra phone after an upgrade. Using an Andriod phone and USB Audio Player Pro, this combination is capable of passing a bit-perfect signal to a DAC. UAPP works with Tidal and Qobuz natively, meaning audio is routed around Android thru UAPP and out the USB port. All that's need is a USB OTG cable, UAPP, and an external DAC (I've used the Micca Origen G2 and Zen DAC Signature). Phones that support USB Host mode (meaning the phone can power itself and the DAC) work effortlessly. Older phones that support USB Audio, but not host power mode, will need something like the Micca or Zen that can be powered independently. I have tested this with older LG and HTC phones and they work great. I've also tested the Pixel 4A 5G and a Samsung S8 (both of which support host power mode). When I had Amazon Music HD that too seem to work as desired (via Android) even though UAPP doesn't support Amazon through its interface. Without any extra software, I was able to get my iPad to do the same thing using a UGreen $10 dongle DAC. Randy does a great job at rooting out all the issues with Play-Fi and other operating systems. This Android UAPP solution plays gapless, switches tracks quickly, and sounds great. And, I can control the Samsung S8 remotely with a free App, AnyDesk. After researching this issue a ton, I think doing this or buying any BluSound based product makes the most sense.

[@cheapaudioman]

I’ll have to try the USPP. I’ve tried using any desk to do something similar and I had mixed results. It’s funny that one can buy a $40 4K fire stick and have ultra HD video and Dolby atmos but heaven forbid we can get a decently priced audio streamer that passes bit perfect hi res music. The search continues.

[@larryh9525]

@@cheapaudioman If you think about it, All the Amazon Fire stuff is based on Android and it resamples everything to 24/48, so that rules out bit-perfect from Android. This is why all these other devices are based on some form of Linux, which doesn't resample the audio. I've been using this without a single issue since we've first talked about it. Every time I watch you do a video there's always a list of what doesn't work with these devices.

[@theultimate77]

Just scored this on Amazon on a lightning deal for $180. Was planning on getting the Andover Songbird (same price) but saw this on lightning deal, watched your video and checked out. Thanks for posting this!

[@andrewmccorkell652]

Have this and it is an excellent little device. The sound out of the RCAs is not bad but could be considered Mid fi by some, but I just output to an Ares2 through the digital coax and it sounds great. Great review but just wanted to add it supports Spotify and tidal connect so you do not even need to use the 4stream app for those services.

[@rosswarren436]

Andrew, are you saying it acts like a Spotify Connect device and would show up as a "device" you can play to using the native Spotify app, and then I could turn your phone or tablet off and the music would keep playing? But according to Randy, it isn't gapless (playing classical music and prog rock albums without adding a 3 second gap between tracks)? THANKS!

[@andrewmccorkell652]

@@rosswarren436 Yes that is correct and when used with the Spotify app I remember that my old prog rock albums played gapless. Let me just double-check and if I am wrong will advise.

[@andrewmccorkell652]

@@rosswarren436 Just quickly skipped through the Lamb lies down on Broadway and it plays perfectly gapless from the Spotify app. Have also tried it with Tidal connect and I use Hifi Cast to stream my CD collection from a NAS, so do not really use the official app at all.

[@andrewmccorkell652]

@@rosswarren436 Ah ok my CD version of the Lamb when pulled off the NAS will not play gapless so guess just stick to Spotify and you will be fine.

[@sosolomon22]

This is good info. I wonder if this works with Deezer native app too?

[@homerjones3291]

If you’re just looking for a streamer you can pick up a used Bluesound Node 2 for not very much, since the Node 2i and the newest Node have replaced it. Also has an OK dac that unpacks MQA.

[@kingtrance6826]

The Dac on the Bluesound is more than OK for most systems. Hard to beat for value and it sounds just fine. If people want to spend a lot more money on a replacement that’s always an option. I would upgrade speakers first if I had my druthers.

[@galessi1226]

Used bluesound nodes are still going for over $ 400.

[@homerjones3291]

@@galessi1226 people are asking for more on, say eBay but asking price is not the same as selling price, and there are sellers who are trying to sell the old ones at new prices, hoping that people don’t notice. You can pick up a Node 2 at around $250-$300 if you keep an eye out. I got one a year ago for $300 when there was no Node version.

[@divorceddawg]

I have this and an A50. The goal is to grab one or two more A50’s And for a little more than the cost of one Node, I’m streaming throughout most of my house.

[@yicm1]

That’s the exact setup that I’ve been looking to configure for some time and Arylic seems the best candidate, including being able to keep vintage gear in the mix.

[@jonsays3762]

Pretty please get Sith Audio to sponsor Jedi Cableworks? Interesting review on the arylic; your take on the Svs sound base was spot on. I grabbed one for $400 and it anchors a whole house interwebs-y music system (basx-a400z) AND my 2.1 desktop. I’m wringing the poor thing out…

[@timo5601]

Sith Audio is so insidious though . . .

[@ptg01]

It's a GREAT device.... but the lack of gapless playback is a deal breaker for me.. Otherwise, it would be a great alternative to the Bluesound Node for streaming.. and it is one of very few units that work with Amazon Music...

[@rosswarren436]

YES! And it would be a great "starter" streamer that you could upgrade with a better external DAC (like the Aries) later on. But alas, until these lower cost devices support gapless playback, I'm still having to look at buying a Node....Rats.

[@ptg01]

@@rosswarren436 Plus the digital out of the Arylic S50Pro+ is at 16/44.1khz only.

[@rosswarren436]

@@ptg01 since I'm on Spotify and it remains to be seen if they'll offer any tracks at higher than that (if they ever get around to offering their "H-Fi" before December 31st), it wouldn't be a deal breaker for me if it tops out at that. I play higher res FLACs using my Denon CD player's USB input.

[@stevezeidman7224]

This is a terrific little device for someone starting out in hifi. It’s amazing you can put together a pre-amp, amp, dac, streamer for just $300. It does Bluetooth and WiFi. Add the Sony speakers on sale it’s still less than $400.

[@shopkins82]

I've had the S50 Pro+ for about a month in a secondary living room 2ch setup with a Adcom GFA-535, Crosley C6 w/ AT3600L, and JBL N28s I refinished to resemble the L82/L100. I'm really enjoying the setup for casual listening, the only thing missing is bass management for the sub-out, which would allow integration with the DIY subwoofer already in the room for 5.1 duties, but the JBL N28s do pretty well on their own for 2ch use.

[@78sound]

I would like to see your speaker retromod, did you upload a vid?

[@edverbeek6292]

The cheapaudioman hit it again! I enjoyed the DIY-version of this device. Wired directly to the router it sounded better than via WiFi. Sorry to hear your sponsor is fake. I really liked the idea.

[@odwatchguy]

Thanks Randy, great review of the Arylic S50 Pro+. It is great to see cheaper alternatives available and knowing if they are worth the investment. Thanks

[@DomRivers67]

Not sure if it's available stateside but the little Yamaha WXAD-10 does nearly everything a Node does at 150 bucks. If you can live without MQA I've been using one for the last 3 years and upgraded to the new 2021 Node last week. I don't know why it doesn't get any reviews

[@rosswarren436]

@@DomRivers67 do the Yamaha devices use the dreaded PlayFi software user interface? Have you found it less than aggravating? Thanks. I read reviews of some of the Yamaha streamers and some said they dropped the wi-fi often...so I discarded them among my choices and kept looking....

[@SK-ps5pn]

Great review (again, as always). I just bought the S50 Pro (not Plus) a couple of weeks ago. Really liking it. Hey Randy what's that Yamaha receiver behind you ?

[@dugdugi2296]

Output is 16 bit 44.1 khz no matter what you play. Everything is is down sampled. Found out after almost a year of use. It can decode upto 24 bit 192 khz not output.

[@davec2939]

Given the May '22 update, this unit now streams gapless.

[@markd4292]

You do NAS? I am very, very curious for storing music library and film library. Please review/recommend NAS devices.

[@video-carl]

thanks for talking about streaming latency across products/platforms. so rare for reviewers to mention this.

[@gysch6927]

Maybe it can be important for you that Acrylic s50pro is almost fully compatible with wiim app and as you many times mentioned wiim app is one of the best. So I use my Acrylic with wiim app and removed the original ( much worse ) app. Julian

[@mateojarquin]

You should check out some of the Yamaha streaming amps! (Especially the WXA-50)

[@robertmarshall7712]

I have the wxc-50, the pre-amp plus streamer version of this, and I definitely wouldn't recommend it. For streaming music stored on my laptop via Airplay it's ok but it doesn't support Amazon music and there are no plans to do in the future. The way around this would be to use bluetooth from my phone, but while the sound is good when it's working, the bluetooth connection is beyond terrible. Pretty disappointing so this Arylic might be a good replacement.

[@DomRivers67]

I often suggest the little $150 WXAD-10 as a great budget option as an addition to an older stereo, it's limited compared to my 2021 Node, for example it doesn't do AmazonHD...but it does have 2 way Aptx, has a pleasing DAC and will do 24/192 via Qobuz, Tidal etc. I had mine for 3 years before replacing it with the Node last month For the money it's ridiculous value but doesn't seem to be on the radar in North America,

[@sdrtcacgnrjrc]

@@DomRivers67 thanks for the tip. I'll put it on my shortlist 👍🏼

[@De132an]

Randy, you provide a great service to help first time buyers navigate through all the bs that comes with audio system purchases. Well done!

[@ginom407]

Very interesting streaming option / value!!! I'm loving my echo link but only I'm on Amazon Music. Should I ever venture to one of the other music services this would be my first "look". Thanks Randy! 👍

[@Gez492]

Probably go for the IFI Zen Stream, better sounding than Node so for not that much extra cash big sonic advantages

[@jaybowen2235]

I wonder how the Arylic S50 Pro+ sounds compared to the Zen Stream. The S50 Pro+ has an advantage with analog and optical outs

[@padraigmara]

I picked this up at your recommendation, along with 2 fosi za3s run mono also at your recommendation,to power my philharmonic affordable acuuracies ( the original ones built by Dennis Murphy). Amazing sound. Really awesome. I e question though, should I get 2 subwoofers to run off the za3s or one run off the arylic? Thanks and great content man.

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

I know nothing about streaming preamps but at half the price it's off to a good start as a Bluesound killer.

[@kennethdias9988]

I stream Apple Music through my Yamaha Aventage receiver using Apple TV and hdmi line it sound great .

[@greengadget4687]

Does the BS Node offer access to as much internet radio coverage as the Arylic does? With both TuneIn and Vtuner the Pro obviates the need for $120 worth of Internet radio tuner components. I love these modules along with the Andover Songbird units. These are a fantastic value as they go on sale frequently and cost only hundreds, not thousands to access these features. I run mine through a Modi3 as the commodity DACs Arylic uses aren't great. Yet still cheaper than the bluenodes.

[@maximo90019]

Cheap Audioman, I’m a long time follower but a first time commenter. Love the review. Thanks for taking a position relatively the raspberry pi. If your recommendations are as good as your one for the PELONIS FAN, I’m looking forward pulling the trigger on some audio. Keep sharing the journey!!!!!!

[@Reno4u2]

A bit late to the party here but for me it checks all the boxes except one...flash/usb drive is limited to 1000 songs. I'd buy it today if Arylic would change that.

[@coryjones6131]

As someone looking to upgrade my setup to a streamer + 2ch amp, the options seem overwhelming. I live in an apartment and cannot listen at 85db, so would it make sense to go with the Arylic A50+ or lets say a Yamaha R-N303? On the higher end to future proof with higher power, what about an S50Pro+ and an Emotiva Basx A2? Or is the Bluesound Powernode that much of an improvement over all of these? I do appreciate a system that can provide the dynamics of my music at lower volumes if necessary, and then also have the option of comfortably filling a room with everything the system has to offer.

[@danielacosta1998]

i have same amp , i think im gonna end up choosing Wiim plus pro

[@freezingCode]

The S50 and A50 would make a cool looking little mini-stack. Expensive at that point though!

[@PlagueSergeON]

Doesn't the a50 do everything the s50 does?

[@austinbpharmd]

Hello Randy, couple video ideas.. Would you consider doing a review on the Emotiva ERC-4 CD Player? On the site they brag a little about it the quality of the DAC and that it has digital inputs to be able to use its DAC for other devices. Wondering how that DAC may compare to other ~$600 DACs, plus it plays CDs. Also some NAS videos would be great! You're the best!

[@SuenaTremendo]

Great review, awesome t-shirt. Love from Argentina.

[@robertbrown1876]

Loving every minute of it!!

[@howardmims8376]

I have a blue sound note 2 I and And the S50 pro plus Love them both The blue sound is one step up. I do have one problem with my S50 proThe Amazon output has a Hum maybe you can help me with this

[@JoroIrl]

So, it does everything what Bluesound Node is doing, but not quite to the same quality sound levels, so it's not the killer at all. 🙂

[@crossocean5663]

For less than half the price. It is an alternative at least.

[@JoroIrl]

@@crossocean5663 Sure it is alternative, but there is other alternatives for even less.

[@hugofallon3724]

It’s all about the DAC I have it coaxed into my SMSL SU 8 and the to my SMSL DA9 amp and the to my Q3020i and the sound is amazing and better than the bluenode.Well that’s my opinion .

[@robertcreighton272]

@@yuzhang1974 Bluesound Node also lacks balanced output, so they are the same in that regard.

[@jungtarcph]

Who the fuck uses the internal dac

[@HyPex808-2]

i dont really care about the streaming portion but i was looking for a preamp with a subout in a small form factor...not many choices from my initial searches...

[@ProductivePM]

This is something I want to look into . . . Thanks Cheap Audio Man . . . .

[@je1540]

Hey Randy, long time watcher, first time commenter. Love your vids. Question. I have an iPad Pro (usb c) and getting on of these In a day or so. So I think I can wirelessly stream 24b/44khz. But do you know how I could connect the usb c to one of the digital inputs? Or should I just plug it in the USB port? Thanks!

[@mikey7278]

just ordered my Sith Audio audiophile barbecue. Now the timbre and texture of my burgers never tasted so good!

[@subaquagene608]

Randy great review as always. I'm still learning this Streaming Process because I have been a Vinyl and CD listener only up to this point. This Acrylic S50 Pro+ looks like it might meet all my needs but I'm concerned about one feature. It has Preamp out functions and my concern is this. My audio system consist of a Emotive Preamp feeding two Mono Block power amps. So I would be pluging the streamer into some AUX in RCA inputs on the preamp which need a fixed line level. With the S50 having Volume, Bass, Treble controls it would be introducing to much line level signal into the Preamp and that's not good. Can you control or set the RCA output on the S50 to a "Fixed Level" or bypass the preamp functions all together or will this not work for my application. If not I would need to go with 1. Stand alone streamer and DAC. or 2. Streamer DAC only unit. Your thoughts. Thanks Much, Gene A. Wisconsin

[@PAULGRILL]

No HDMI ARC, no Node-Killer :( Does anyone know similar devices with HDMI ARC?

[@photonsphere760]

Hey, Weyland-Yutani Man, when will you tell about Xenomorph's amps and acoustics? )))

[@cheapaudioman]

It’s coming

[@juanjopiffa]

Thank you very much for your very entertaining and informative reviews. I’ve just acquired a Loxjie A30 with a pair of JBL Stage 130 and your input help me make that decision. I have a question about de Acrylic: Does it support high sample rates via the optical out (toslink)? I’m currently using a MI Box as a streamer (Qobuz via chromecast) and the optical out is limited to 48khz, I was wondering if the same happens with the Acrylic. Thanks!

[@sdrtcacgnrjrc]

according to a more recent comment, it just outputs cd quality (48khz)

[@stevennachlas9596]

Thanks!

[@cheapaudioman]

Thank you!

[@rjzlwop3153]

Happy hump day to you sir, fantastic video so do you like this better than the Zen blue? Keep rocking buddy you’re doing an awesome job

[@cheapaudioman]

Zen blue is just a blue tooth streamer

[@rjzlwop3153]

@@cheapaudioman Thank you so much sir

[@mikegoddard7354]

CheapAudioMan Action Figure

[@flamingyouth]

Great video. What NAS do you use?

[@cheapaudioman]

Synology their lower cost 4 or 5 bay one

[@sloker874]

Hey Randy, can you please explain the ‘it’s not about the signal it’s about the DAC’?? I have these S50Pro + and, although really happy in general terms, I think I could be having better SQ from the stream. In which video you talked about that? Thanks!

[@xstensl8823]

i think the IFI Zen Stream is a Node killer

[@mattkalis1567]

Hi. Randy, if I exclusively use Amazon HD, is there any advantage in considering this streamer over my Echo link? I didn’t hear if an advantage but I may have missed it. The Echo Link’s DAC probably isn’t as good but I am using an external DAC anyway.

[@cheapaudioman]

No. Stick with the link.

[@ben23a31]

Can you do a review with this product with a set of powered monitors ex. Fluance, Kali In8 , or even the Amazon Basics powered bookies?

[@GT66666]

Unfortunately, this device outputs CD quality (16-bit, 44.1kHz) ONLY. I really can't believe this bottleneck.

[@VicariousAdventurer]

Was thinking of maybe hooking this up to ultrarevealing system lol

[@VicariousAdventurer]

Need a second recommendation with possibly a phono preamp also...

[@kingblind]

I've had both, the Node is MUCH better.

[@wernergolombick1553]

Hi, I have 2x Denon Home 350 powered speakers, however hate the HEOS app. I am considering the S50 Pro + as streamer, in place of the HEOS app. What is your opinion ?

[@ihategoogle5910]

will something like this sound as good via rca to an amp without a dac or should i connect it via optical to maximize the sound output?

[@breckisaac5378]

Picked it up for $175 on sale.

[@laika25]

Thanks.

[@Feliciano12v]

Good stuff.

[@felixlaboy1453]

Love the T-shirt

[@novaprocalendar1857]

Hey Mr. Cheap Audio Man! Do you know if this will pass through the full flac high resolution amazon hd music? If this plays through chromecast it will default back to 320 sd.

[@jeffreybischoff6772]

How does it, and other streamers compare with NVIDIA? Is this Acrylic Pro Plus 50, Bluesound-Node-2i, Heos, Echo Link, or Play-Fi worth getting; especially if using NVIDIA? Also my digital preamp has it's own streamer (Cambridge Audio Azur 851n; but doesn't have Amazon Music and KZbin Music, or Chrome cast built-in) to use in the Cambridge, but NVIDIA is easier to use than Cambridge. I have the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro connected to my Samsung TV U-Connect, out to a Toslink optical splitter, and one Toslink optical cable to my Cambridge preamp. I use Amazon Music HD (just subscribed, on free trial) and Spotify and KZbin Music free versions. For $200.00 the NVIDIA has both video and music apps (Amazon Music and Video or HBO Max and Spotify; etc) it uses the Android system with Chrome cast built-in. Is this Acrylic, Bluesound-Node-2i, or Heos worth getting; or stick with NVIDIA?

[@laika25]

I believe your (physical) CDs are also digital, hehe 😉

[@jamesmorris2010]

Any idea how it compares to something like the Dayton DAX88 for whole home audio?

[@vlodeck1]

What is the latest firmware? it is with me 4.6.415145.35 from 2022 .04 .27 The update was supposed to be every six months. Volume increases every five points 0-5-10-15-20... it should be every single point 0-1-2-3-4-5... How to fix it? Is it possible to add radio stations that are on the Internet but not on the device? Many internet radio stations are not working.

[@vjyamat6527]

Is the Arylic better than the WIIM puck streamer?

[@pjo1964]

Does it come in an audiophile box so the quality sound doesn't leak out in storage or shipping?

[@cardamoncommon]

New to this streaming thing and getting confused. So this decodes all this great stuff, cool ESS Dac, but only outputs CD quality no matter what?

[@starkey920]

Hi! Can I stream music by WiFi to speakers with this device?

[@hilcobotter9532]

Yamaha wxad 10 great streamer for less money

[@rosswarren436]

Do you like or tolerate the operating system they use? Does it lose connection very often? I've read reviews saying that....Thanks...

[@billhayes2207]

Can I use the s50 pro+ with a vintage receiver and control the volume with the remote?

[@chrish.4067]

Randy, I enjoy your videos. Respectful advice, to all KZbin video reviewers, please get to the point. IMHO, YMMV 💖

[@wwaters56]

Any way you can review the Maverick dac's?

[@Klocaine237]

DFK RANDY. I see you gave up on the BBQ and brought it inside.

[@NemoPropaganda]

omg i have that shirt, it looks better on you though :D

[@LeBlancfirewood]

Will this sound better then the audioengine streamer

[@SakuraWulf]

Nice shirt, have a like.

[@homerjones3291]

It’s a good thing that you don’t create your videos in a vacuum - all those whooshing noises and dust, yuk…..

[@marcgabor9690]

How is gapless playback not fundamental?? I'd say gapless playback is as important as anything as that little gap can totally suck you out of the music at the wrong time.

[@cheapaudioman]

I agree. Live records are wrecked without gapless playback

[@powerkor]

how's this work for multi-channel (Atmos) streaming?

[@davec2939]

Stereo only

[@timenchanter4095]

Sometime you talk like James Tiberius Kirk

[@davidsmithson9236]

This Luddite says huh?

[@cheapaudioman]

So sweet. Thank you so much for watching.

[@madcrabber1113]

What is a nas?

[@sdrtcacgnrjrc]

network area storage = a box with multiple harddrives, generally used for storage or backup.

[@sting0072007]

2 antenna? Looks a little silly

[@honestlyforreal6304]

Dumb question, how is this better than using something like a bluetooth zen dac with my phone?

[@Feliciano12v]

Since the unit has Wi-Fi streaming, you're not limited to Bluetooth range and you have potentially better sound quality as Bluetooth tends to degrade the sound quality.

[@stevezeidman7224]

Bluetooth can’t pass 16/44 which is “lossless”. You’re relegated to Bluetooth codecs which are “lossy” streams. Bluetooth streams lose some data.

[@NateEll]

At best BT is 320 kbps and is lossy. CD quality is 1411 kbps. BT can’t compete in sound quality

[@rosswarren436]

What all the others say in response are true, but if you are streaming lossy 320 kbps OGG files from Spotify, then your Bluetooth set up is still giving you everything that is there in the music. Only "whenever" Spotify rolls out their lossless Hi-Fi streaming would this or any other streamer be better. Some of it too is convenience. With a streamer implemented correctly, you can start an album or playlist and turn your phone off and the music keeps playing.

[@darrencosby8936]

Assuming I’m using an external DAC of my preference, how much do I have to spend to get a discernible/ standard deviation improvement over the node? Stereo music only.

[@stevezeidman7224]

Not much. A Schiit Modi 3 for $100 would do the trick.

[@rafacq]

Can it be used as a ROON endpoint?

[@PaulMcElligott]

It doesn’t appear to be ROON ready (no mention on their website), but if it supports AirPlay, ROON will see it as an endpoint.

[@rafacq]

@@PaulMcElligott I ended up getting two Allo Boss2 units. Very pleased.

[@MrTubale]

No “gapless”…😱?No party!👎👋😜

[@davec2939]

Now gapless with update.

[@grayfool]

Not being able to play gapless is a deal breaker for. Shame.

[@WiiNV]

Comment a couple months ago, says new update supports Gapless 🍻