Streamer Shoot-Out: Allo, Bluesound, Cambridge Audio, Innuos, Sonore, Sonos, Yamaha.

[@RobWhittlestone]

Excellent reviews. Excellent music. Excellent video production. And very relevant for me since I'm slowly migrating to the idea of streaming despite >800 CD albums. All the best, Rob in Switzerland

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks Rob so much. Worked out well on this one. I love it! There are lots of businesses to rip cds for you so you don’t have to do it. Innuos stands out I’d say or similar types of firms

[@RobWhittlestone]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 Thanks Simon. Actually I have already ripped everything to FLAC on my NAS with EAC Exact Audio Copy over my home Gigabit Ethernet since FLAC is what our cars ICE can read. Every new CD gets ripped first before being ever played. Right now I can browse NAS files with my iPhone, connect via Bluetooth to my Topping D90 DAC and play from NAS to my main system that way, but I don't think I'm getting the best of the D90's superb resolution this way. Love your channel, keep up the great work!

[@dwaynesbadchemicals]

It’s...the future.

[@p.chiesi]

I'm agree with you but Bluesound products (i bought a Powernode 2i and a NODE) are full of bugs. I mean light control, proximity control, ecc...

[@user-qr7ee2cp4y]

Thinking about a streamer to access all my music on my computer as well as Pandora and internet radio stations.

[@jc51373]

this guy really does review the right products, the right way. Thats the key. review what we want to see! Thank you!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you , i do try and help

[@edmundgil6008]

Along with the previous 413 commenters, I loved this shootout! I bet most of us were familiar with 2-8, but the winner, the Sanore Ultra Rendu, is new to me! I think I might tackle the assembly of different units, but man… The new Node is no audio slouch; and it is so darn easy to use! Anyway, thanks for all of your hard work and trusted reviews! ❤️🙏🏽💪🏽

[@stevezeidman7224]

This was very well done. You obviously spend a lot of time producing your video. I’ve got the Node 2i. It’s a great product. I come out of it into a Schiit Bifrost 2. It sounds great. User interface is so good. The open source OS are buggy. BlueSound is rock solid. I can’t imagine being happier with another product.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks for watching and great comments. Node's are terrific and I'm not a hifi snob but lots of people in the hifi community turn their noses up at them because they are cheapish and they equate price to performance. I did spend a lot of time on this, but listening goes on top of that. If you do it properly its not something you can do quickly. Id rather do them well produced and listened to/researched than the channels that do more than one review a week.

[@paulroscelli2545]

Nice review Simon. And you’re spot on correct about the Innuos sounding better when you rip a CD to it and play it off the hard drive as opposed to playing tidal, even Hi-Rez over USB into my integrated amp.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks very much Paul. Bw simon 😀👍

[@catherinelugg4321]

Thank you for the "shoot out." I learned a lot. And yes, I continue to LOVE my Node 2.1.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you Catherine. Nice chatting the other day, anytime you need some help with hifi....

[@catherinelugg4321]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 , Absolutely. Thank you!

[@SmallRoomAudio]

Awesome work Simon, this is top effort that will help a lot of people!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks very much David. Music and graphics worked out really well in this one. The classical music definitely gives it a bit of gravitas and impact. Where would I be without Epidemic sound.

[@SmallRoomAudio]

BTW - Planet Zog - just off the M25, turn right at the traffic lights! 👽 🌎 👽

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Lol. They definetely must be out there. Probably doing gogglebox.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Marten Dekker thanks very much . Please note Speakers featured had model number on back - monitor audio gold 100, plus as I stated in video , I’ve listed main kit I use in description 😀👍

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Marten Dekker no worries

[@volpedo2000]

Great shoot-out Simon. Clear and straight to the point. I’ve considered often upgrading from my Node 2i but the experience is too good.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you . It sure does punch above

[@DieTabbi]

To which one? If I had the money I would like to buy the new Cambridge EVO 150 but for my wallet the Bluesound powernode is best allrounder

[@dingbat19]

By all accounts the Node 2i is a real bargain especially if you feed it out to a really good DAC. BluOS app is excellent too

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Absolutely

[@JTACTR]

What if we don't have a dac? any options that I can connect to the amp directly besides yamaha with an internal dac?

[@p.chiesi]

@@JTACTR If you connect your NODE via Optical or Coaxial cable you bypass internal DAC and you will use your Yamaha internal DAC

[@adrianmortimer3369]

Simon thank you for a very engaging, well presented and polished review. I continue to be impressed by my Bluesound node 2i. Keep up the good work.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks Adrian , I’ll keep them coming. Am doing the monitor audio gold 100 next. I’d rather do a few really well, than the ‘stack it high, supply them cheap and easy’ reviews of ten reviews every week (an exaggeration obviously lol) as I just don’t think these people can listen enough and do the comparisons justice, when I put in what I do.

[@geraldgreene5563]

Can’t wait for your impressions of the monitor 100 , I own them and love them

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Gerald Greene do like them . My pmcs are more impressive but twice price and ma more bang for buck

[@geraldgreene5563]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 I’d love to own a set of pmc one day , but I do like the golds I must say..thanks for your thoughts

[@flashnc]

Well.. but i like the sound of internal DAC of NODE Gen 3.... i have a problem ? why pp say all the time to get external dacs on NODE ? thnk

[@ocramidajzj]

Nice job ranking these devices. Helped me get a better idea of what will work for me. I'm looking for more of a transport and while the Sonore seems like a fantastic product, I think Allo or Bluesound will satisfy my needs. Keep up the good work and hokey, subversive humor.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you for vote of confidence 😀👍

[@bradbortner2601]

I use digital streaming sources as transports, since I have a denefrips ares II DAC I run things through. I’ve been using a Sonos port, and was fairly happy with the sound quality into a rogue sphinx v2. The I tried adding an ifi Ipure 2 which both reclocks and galvanically isolates the digital stream. I have no idea why, but it was a substantial improvement. I’m betting it is because of the galvanic isolation, since the ares already reclocks….but who knows. What I do know is that I heard enough greater dynamic range (especially more base), that I contacted iFi to see if they were doing something else to the data. They claimed not. If you are into the Sonos ecosystem, and have an external DAC you like, I highly recommend the ifi ipure 2.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you for contributing for me and everyone else Brad.

[@IrenESorius]

Yes yes yes!!! I was totaly sure I was going to die of boredom this evening, but NO. Thank you and cheers Simon,, 🍻😎👍‍‍

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks Irene, was trying to get it out yesterday but some rendering error issues. Classical music worked a treat in this one for impact.

[@barryjoyce9249]

Fantastic as always Simon, personally had a few of the items you reviewed over my journey and your comments all aligned. 👍👍

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks Barry. Hope all well with you

[@juliangst]

I recently got the new hifiberry Digi2 Pro for my raspberry pi and am using it with volumio. Really simple to set up and I personally like volumio better than roon. Hifiberry also spent a lot of time on the power filtering so you don't necessarily need a fancy linear power supply.

[@brandonburr4900]

No doubt the sonore sounds great and been thinking of trying a optical rendu or the uptone Ethernet regen but the number of boxes, cable and power supplies seems to keep adding up. For the uptone Ethernet regen now their are fancy separate levels of clocks you can add in the mix. Makes the sound better but another box with a external power supply. When you start adding all the boxes and power supplies you might as well consider the sonore all in one signature rendu and be done.

[@n.lyndley.9889]

Very professional - good work & thanks.

[@antonchigurh4125]

This was an unexpected and welcome surprise! A much needed distraction from an otherwise uneventful evening.. I seriously need to upgrade my "streamer": chromecast puck into a Chord TT (1st gen). Eagerly awaiting the new Bluesound as that might be my next upgrade. Thanks for posting. Sent you a small (and long overdue) donation!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Hi Anton, thanks so much for doing that. Really appreciate it. I’m gonna do the new node 2i version 3, they are probably the stand out streamers to go for, and so popular and easy to use. I love my 2i. Bw Simon

[@derekwebster69]

Great line up of products in one go... And balanced reviews! I have both Allo products with the Shanti LPS and yes "great bang per buck" and better than expected. Over roon compared with the G1 to the USBridge Sig via a Singxer su-6 DDC; IMHO just marginally produced better SQ over spidif. The principle of clean signal path post ethernet ! This ties into your #1 list winner positions principle here. Very interesting indeed. Like hearing your comparison's it's the way to go.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks very much. Comparison based reviews have to happen otherwise what reviewing am I doing. Most of the time they all compete well at price, anyway, as most in this test.

[@michealkent]

Very nice review of streamers. I use a Node 2i connected to the DAC in my Arcam integrated amp. I have a 4 TB hard drive with my ripped music, plugged into it, to complement the Spotify and Qobuz.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you for compliment. Enjoy !

[@daviddarley4749]

Always looking forward to your next instalment- great video cheers

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thankyou very much David

[@daviddarley4749]

I have the allo usbridge - spent a lot of time changing OS’s. DietPI to Volumio and eventually settled for Moode. The difference in sound quality between these is quite stark I thought, maybe even worthy of a video? Moode just had more depth and soundstage + tweaking options as you mention. The DAC I just bought is soncoz SDG1 - great partnership IMHO

[@johnratcliffe6438]

Interesting. I didn't like Moode and preferred DietPi. With an Allo DigiOne Sig.

[@askuncleray]

When running the Allo device with Volumio it is now Tidal Connect enabled. This is a game changer in terms of simplicity as you are able to use the native Tidal app. Cheers,

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks for saying , will give that a go.

[@poulwinther]

I go directly into a Lyngdorf power stage and really don't want to pay a dime for DACs. So if the streamer is receiving a lossless signal and feeding it to a digital output - where the heck is any "sound" even lost? What do you recommend for the purpose?

[@dinesharora5584]

Hi, not able to figure out as to which ports of WXC50 to be used to connect studio monitors

[@BrentLeVasseur]

Ok so I finally got my streamer - The Signature Rendu Optical Level 2, which I now have paired with my KTE Singexer SU2 D2D converter feeding my Kitsume KTE Holo May DAC. The streamer gave me an improvement in sound stage width/depth and clarity of placement and it improved overall transient response for things like cymbal hits/attacks and decay. Also everything sounds more organic and easeful overall. So while not a night and day huge improvement, it was a substantial one. Also this streamer requires the use of fiber optical cable, which helps to isolate it electrically from other components connected to my network. So ethernet cables can and do transmit electrical noise to other devices and fiber creates a galvanic separation from much of that electrical noise. That in turn helps reduce jitter of a streaming signal.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks for feedback Brent.

[@rrtind]

Awesome video Simon! Thank you 👏 It’s great how you’ve gone over the strengths of the different functions within each streamer, very helpful. Also appreciate your honesty about the high sonic abilities of the Node 2i especially when used as just a streamer. The node 2i is my champion hi-fi product (yes it’s hi-fi to all the snobs out there) over the last few years for it’s Swiss-army-knife abilities, simplicity and bang for buck. Also, its volume control is top-class as it doesn’t degrade sound quality as you lower it. In this respect (and in others), it beats many more expensive streamers and DACs that I’ve tried. The Node 2i is my reference point when comparing different streamers and DACs. For someone new to hi-fi and streaming, I would say just go and get the new Node! It will be an awesome part of someone’s Hi-Fi journey for years to come. The addition of the USB audio output and the HDMI audio input make it almost impossible to look past as an all-around future-proofed package. If you’re interested Simon, I’ve been listening to a Link II streamer with a Link linear PSU from UK based Stack Audio. I’m overwhelmed by its awesome build quality and wonderful sound quality. If you haven’t heard it, I thoroughly recommend it. If you do try it, my tip is to swap out the 5A fuse for a 13A fuse on the linear PSU. With this done, I consider the Link II with PSU one of the best streamers I’ve heard. Even the Link II alone (£725 without the PSU) is truly top class and I think you may find it earns a place in your Streamer Index! Thanks again for another great video 👍

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks very much for great comments and feedback for me. Definitely will try to remember all these recommendations for future. The node is a terrific product.

[@rrtind]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 Thanks Simon. This video of yours is stellar. I know how long it takes to compare just two products, so it’s amazing how you’ve compared so many and then compiled it into a video! I know I’ll watch this one several times and come back to it over and over in future. Keep up the great work 👌

[@austenbladenn7266]

I'm really interested in the Stack audio Link 2, not many reviews of it though.

[@rrtind]

Hi @@austenbladenn7266 , it’s going really well with the Link II and the Link PSU. The build quality is astonishing and the all important sound quality is stellar. The special attention given to the ethernet port and the usb audio output definitely works. Sounds great in wi-fi mode too. Using the Link II without the additional PSU gives incredibly detailed sound with great rhythmic drive, fast controlled bass, great dynamics, great realism (fidelity) and lovely control of sibilants. It’s a spectacular product even without the added PSU. It just sounds right. Adding in the PSU brings a shade more warmth, deeper fuller bass, more body to the sound, greater dynamics and slam, maybe a fraction less “perceived” detail due to the extra body on offer, more smoothness, even better control of sibilants. It just sounds even more right! But as a tip, if the power cable on the PSU is supplied with a 5A fuse fitted, take this out and fit a 13A fuse instead. Only then will you hear the improvements and potential that the PSU brings. What’s nice is that when you buy the Link II with the PSU as a bundle, a) you save about £100 and b) Stack Audio give you the standard wall-wart power supply too so you can draw your own comparisons. Stack Audio also provide a 30-day money back offer, so you get to try it in your own listening room for complete peace of mind. If you don’t have the budget to stretch to the PSU, just get the Link II as it’s awesome even on its own. Then add on the PSU later if you get the upgrade itch. I currently use the Link II to stream Tidal and I’m using the mconnect app on my iPhone, which is going well. The Link II will stream Qobuz and Spotify Connect too, plus it has Airplay. If you have a Roon setup, this is where I think the Link II will come into its own as a Roon endpoint. I’ve never used Roon, but Stack Audio provide a 60-day Roon trial which I’ll sign up too soon. If you’re computer savvy, instead of using the standard StackOS operating system, you can use an alternative such as Volumio. Stack Audio can guide you through how to ‘flash’ the drive and install a new OS. If you’d like to know more about the Link II Austen, feel free to drop me an email on [e-mail] and I’ll happily share more and answer any questions. I can also tell you more about my system, in which the Link II with Link PSU is the front end. I’m an hi-fi audio enthusiast, similar to Simon, so I’m happy to provide info on the Link II. Hope this helps.

[@austenbladenn7266]

@@rrtind Thank you very much for your reply! The tidal/Mconnect combination is how I'd use it. Having the flexibility to choose (and later upgrade) my DAC is the big selling point for me. Most streamers seem to have a built in DAC which hinders future upgrades.

[@anybodyelseNOW]

Thank you for that overview. Would you do an 2022 update?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks, I’m planning a budget streamer shoot out as I’ve got 4-5 to review

[@hushpuppykl]

Great shootout. It’s really fun to watch such reviews. In my experience, digital is still a money game. As I moved up the ladder yes they do sound better. Presently, am enjoying my Lumin U1 Mini. It beats my Mytek Brooklyn Bridge’s streaming module. The same difference is also heard when playing back from an external drive. Guess it’s more than mere 1’s n 0’s.

[@jeffstrickling569]

It is the DAC not the streamer.

[@hushpuppykl]

@@jeffstrickling569 ... the Lumin U1 Mini is a streamer transport. I used the Mytek as DAC.

[@paulgreen2303]

I enjoyed the shoot-out - we don't get a lot of these. I would have loved to see the SoTM SMS200 Ultra Neo included in the group. It seems the SoTM is often compared to the Senore products. But maybe next time. Cheers!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks Paul , I’ll try that one if I can

[@Anand.Asrani]

Such a detailed review !! Very Helpful Keep it up 👍

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Than k you

[@trubadyr99]

Hats off and thank you! you are the man!

[@sinatralala]

What is the piano music you're using for this video? It's fantastic, especially the piano!!!!!!!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

I’ll try and remember and go into the video in my editing software and list it all out in the description. Much will be searchable by shazam / Siri etc. 😀

[@sinatralala]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 Thank you so much!

[@robcaputo9708]

This is one of those reviews that I have viewed a few times and improved my understanding every time over time. But with new streamers the Eversolo etc it’s time maybe for a new list. You are the only reviewer of audio that I know of that could review 8 items in one review keep it organized and coherent. All while giving succinct and meaningful information about the sound. No small talent. Play to your strengths and update the list and do this again, please.

[@GH-zs8eq]

Just what i was looking for! Thanks!

[@hivewebdesign]

Amazing feedback. I have the Sonos Amp with a pair of KEF LS Meta speakers. Quick question, would you recommend a DAC for the Sonos Amp?

[@greenbeginner9221]

At 3:27 you say that you can flip a switch and just use it as a digital transport. How does it sound using other dacs?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Good much better than its onboard one

[@greenbeginner9221]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 Thanks. I wish someone would make a simple, affordable, decent quality streamer with a listenable dac and a few basic options for digital out like USB, coax, etc. Why is that so hard?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Jon Beck that’s the node 2i isn’t it. Can’t expect the Earth as all this stuff costs time to develop.

[@geraldgreene5563]

Another excellent review, thanks Simon

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks very much Gerald

[@dandebaca6661]

is the usb connection from the sonore rendu to the DAC galvanically isolated? if not, is there a possibility of noise being introduced through that connection?

[@xzing7]

Just subscribed, what an excellent review highly engaging and informative. Well done 👏✔

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thankyou very much 😀👍❤️

[@ian_of_glos]

Thank you for your excellent review. Recently I acquired a Bluesound Node 2i at a bargain price. It was easy to install and it is a joy to use, but I have been somewhat disappointed by the sound quality. Previously, I was playing my h-res and standard FLAC files from an old laptop connected to the DAC in my CD player over a USB cable. This setup produced a far richer and more detailed sound than playing the same files from a USB memory stick plugged into the Bluesound. The only real difference between the two systems is the DAC, so do you think the sound would improve if I connected an external DAC to the Bluesound? If so can you recommend a suitable device? There it does not appear to be a USB output port on the Bluesound, and as the DAC in my CD player only accepts USB connections I am looking for a suitable alternative.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you. I can offer advice by patreon sign ups or donations via PayPal , in description

[@ian_of_glos]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 What is a patreon sign up?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Links in description

[@markmullen6867]

If you are using the Node 2i's internal DAC, I can understand why you are underwhelmed with the sound. Connect it to an external DAC with quality sound or preamp (with its own DAC) and you will be happier I believe.

[@ian_of_glos]

@@markmullen6867 Thank you. I have now connected my BlueSound to the DAC in my CD player using a digital Coax cable. It sounds a lot better than it did when I was using the DAC built into the Bluesound.

[@marioplus321]

I've just bought an AudioPro Link2 . Where would you sit it among those presented?:)

[@mr.wright5121]

Use a digital output from the streamer and run it through your own DAC. That levels the sonic playing field and makes features be the differentiating aspect.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Good call 👍

[@jamesminotto8036]

Excellent video production values!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks very much 😀👍

[@mladenbasic1]

Great choices of music. Especially the music for the Cambridge dac. Dreamy

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks . Some good music for KZbin on epidemic sound although expensive about £40 per month

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Hope the volume was ok on this one too.

[@mladenbasic1]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 It was great.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

@@mladenbasic1 glad that's sorted out

[@jagsingh1361]

Thx a lot for the video. I have anthem str integrated amplifier with a built in dac with a pair of paradigm founder series 100f speakers and two ten inch paradigm subwoofer. I was looking for a streamer just to make things easier for me to play my music from tidal without loosing sq. Do I need to spend big bucks for inuous or other brand or should I just buy bluenode ( or something even cheaper than that (because I have a built in dac)? If I don’t need pre or power amplifier what is the best budget option for me as long as it is easier to use through phone and maintaining sq. Which one is the highest quality streamer without amplification?? Sorry there are many questions but I am bit confused and it will help to clear it. Thx a lot

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks for comments, please see description. 😀👍

[@henryjohnfacey8213]

Thank you for your review. Very interesting. Greetings from Yorkshire.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks very much, have a family connection to York, Selby and Wistow.

[@aerofart]

BEST REVIEWS, PERIOD. I trust Simon.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Wow, that says a thousand words. Thank you , that’s all I can say.

[@EricRhodeslives]

I know this is an older video, I have the new Node 130. I've upgraded all my other components since. I'm also using an Ares 2 DAC. My amp being the newest upgrade. Assuming I'm happy with my Schiit Freya+ preamp and my amp, what would be my next upgrade step? New streamer? New DAC? And if so, what?

[@neetop1557]

21:58 manlike Simon having a chuckle. Rare moment right there. BTW, what would you recommend for inspirational urban music, with a lot of skrrrrrt's, brrrrrrrp'ss, prrrrrrrt's and brakakaka's?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Good one. Thanks . How about a bit of dub syndicate from 90s

[@Eric-lp4sk]

I just ordered the Cambridge hopefully it will sound good with my Anthem mca225 amp and ELAC fs407 vela speakers

[@riccitone]

What an excellent review and differentiation! Thank you for this. I've got the Allo Digione at the moment, but have been curious about these others. Wondering also of your impressions on the Audiolab 6000n on the affordable side, and then the Lumin products (D2 and T2) on the pricier side.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

thanks v much. see description though.

[@riccitone]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 of course, totally understand 👍🏼 should have read thoroughly 🙏🏼

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

@@riccitone no worries at all. If I can help please let me know.

[@youtubiers]

Music at 4:00 - is that Frozen Silence?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Not sure, you can Shazam most of them. I use the copyright free service, epidemic sound.

[@CaptBadLad]

What is a good streaming device to connect to my Zen Dac v2 which is currently powering a Sundara headset connected via 4.4 balanced cables

[@bashman59]

Love my Node 2i

[@mikeos1]

Would these units be an improvement on the Squeezebox, which I currently use?

[@ChatGPT1111]

Fantastic Review! I really like and use the slightly higher level Bluesound Vault 2i with its integrated CD ripper and 2TB of onboard storage as my music server and also the Cambridge CXN2 as my primary streamer. I use Roon to control both systems to play through a Yamaha 3080 9.2ch receiver to Klipsch, Martin Logan and Bowers & Wilkins surround. Cheers!

[@RobotronR6]

What sounds better as a transport only?

[@carpediem7013]

Your video and audio presentation are excellent.

[@jamescrook8815]

Amazing to watch and informative. I would like to know where to buy and put together everything I need for the Sonore, very new to this, what would I need including names to put this together please.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you, please sign up to patreon and I can help you. Best wishes simon

[@jeffg6479]

Thanks for this review 😀 in the future please include wattson Emerson ? And limetree bridge ? And some auralic model ? 👍

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Tried the auralic Aries g1 but didn’t like it. One with a dac might be better to try.

[@robertm8518]

Great review! I use the Bluesound node 2i with a Chord Quetest DAC with external linear power supply and it sounds awesome .

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks. I use the mcru linear psu with my qutest sometimes, other times the supplied power supply

[@VictorZubakin]

Great review/shootout. Choosing between the Bluesound and the Cambridge models. Any thoughts on how the DAC in the Cambridge compares to the Denafrips Ares II?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Denafrips is the improver as you’d expect for a dedicated dac around the same price as the whole Cambridge. Different characters though.

[@VictorZubakin]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 Thanks for the feedback.

[@michaelwright1602]

I put my Schiit Gungnir up against my Cambridge CXN v2, the difference was negligible, the Schiit went back in the box.

[@dloh007]

what would you suggest to use as an I2S interface with the Spring 3 DAC pls? thinking of using Synology 920+ as the Roon Core. thank you!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

I did comment on that in my spring 2 dac vid I did I think. A component from Sonore 😀👍🔉

[@CarlosPerez-eb5er]

Right on, thank you. I pretty much live in the Roon environment so I use a Roon Nucelus as my core and streamer feeding Topping D90 DAC. I also use the Node 2i in a second system. I wish you had a Lumin in your line up, love to hear your thoughts. Cheers

[@MrHamerhoofd]

Hi Carlos, also I have my Roon nucleus connected as core and streamer to my topping D70s. I am considering to put a streamer between the nucleus and the dac. Did you ever try the node 2i in between the nucleus and the topping in your first system?

[@CarlosPerez-eb5er]

@@MrHamerhoofd Funny you should ask. I just ordered a internet switch to try just that.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you, maybe I’ll try some Lumin products one day.

[@MrHamerhoofd]

@@CarlosPerez-eb5er ah same interest. Just curious how that works out. This hobby makes me too curious for my wallet😉 btw I bought a Bonn n8 switch with an allo shanti power supply. Notting exceptionally different but still worth while the improvement

[@CarlosPerez-eb5er]

@@MrHamerhoofd I’m going to try using the Wi-Fi on the Node2i and try to compare it with the Nucelus while I wait for the Ethernet switch. If I come to any conclusion I’ll be happy to share my opinion if your interested.

[@j.j.hunsecker3009]

This is really good! Thanks!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you too

[@JustBrowsing777]

Thank you, great overview of pretty much the stuff I've been eyeballing for a while now. The Hans Beekhuyzen channel has reviewed the new Bluesound node 2021 and he seems very pleased with it while it does not seem to offer any greater audio improvement. He rather points out that the node2i is already pleasing in this respect but the 2021 version offers other upgrades.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

I watched that one and Hans is pretty comprehensive and honest with his comment about sq. lots of what bluesound do is in the utility like mqa live streams and radio stations. I’m not with him on the mytek bridge being an improved though I like some of their other products . As I’ve stressed these pricey streamer transports offer very little over the node / node 2i. I suppose the question he answered was you don’t upgrade to the new model on small sq change but the unit is good like the old model. I wonder what the designers think. Is any change worth any modest price increase and if no change then is this more a utility change eg processor etc to meet new demands on it? Pa sorry thanks for compliment

[@JustBrowsing777]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 I think Bluesound is no different than most companies today. You need to release "an upgraded" version or "new" version reasonably often because that is what consumers expect. Phones are a good albeit extreme example of that phenomenon. Anyway, I think I will take the plunge and get the 2021 node as it seems to offer all of what I need and down the line I can invest in an external DAC should I want to. Thanks again for your review and response.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

@@JustBrowsing777 it depends on the product life cycle so I doubt that. Most audiophile brands keep products in for a lot longer.

[@JustBrowsing777]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 Yes I didn't mean they do it as often as with phones, hence I wrote "extreme example". But surely they need to put out new stuff because consumers expect "better" specs and more bang for the buck at an increasing rate. How do you market a 1 to 2 years old product? "Look at our great device here....from last year" 😀 Well, I'm no expert, you are more so, it's just my take on it 🙂

[@stevefraser2789]

Totally agree on the Sonos - it's definitely not quite audiophile quality but infinitely better than the quite odd What HiFi review suggests

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

It's hard to beat the infrastructure of Sonos for multi room and operation and ease of use and that's a huge part of Sonos, an obvious point.

[@stevefraser2789]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 Indeed. I have an Auralic streamer in my main set up which sounds miles better the the Sonos but drives me nuts as it doesn't always work as it should. The Sonos just works every time

[@kevincorr2985]

I am confused by the comment the Node to the Auralic Aries BluOS integration. Auralic uses the Lightening DS app which I use on my older Auralic Altier and like the Lightening app much better than my Bluesound Node and Vault BluOS.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Can you clarify that , sometimes people ask me what I said and it’s some time ago when I made the vid.

[@MrKiwijosh]

whats the song playing at 8:16 ?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Shazam is best

[@wonghongkong3206]

I have my Node 2i connected to Liberty Dac and they produce very listenable sound to my ear. Thanks for sharing.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

I like Mytek. Tried the Brooklyn a while back. Review on my site

[@johnratcliffe6438]

Interesting comment about the CXN being bright. A few years ago I bought a CXC CDT and also found that bright. Which is just ridiculous given it should just be reading and sending a data stream from disc.

[@bobnot24]

Any options if you need 2.2 channels? Had to buy a mini-PC+Galvanic Isolation+RME USB digiface combo for the Windows support.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

see description

[@bobnot24]

@@13thnotehifireviews7Maybe somebody has ideas for improvement. For 2.2, I basically had to turn to pro audio. RME unfortunately does not provide Linux drivers for the digiface where the "low noise" boutique solutions are. The other solution is buying a Pro DAC from them just to handle the transport. I firmly believe in handling all the computing in a separate room with the Roon server. Keep the sockets as empty as possible for the listening system.

[@BelieveHiFi]

Very useful and helpful as always Simon!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks as ever

[@TBKC2C3]

Planet Zogg...I like this video. Good work Simon, pity you didn’t evaluate the Auralic Aries Mini which would compete head on with some of the streamers in your review.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you. I could have got one but wanted to keep it to products that are current as much as possible

[@colinmaynard2879]

I’m confused by your summary. So you’re saying of those with DACs the Cambridge is the worst, as it was the last in the your listing?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Pecking order?

[@Adbyte-vu4io]

Hi! I have a new Audiolab 7000A if I use the Sonos port as a transport only will it affect the sound compare to the Bluesound node? Thanks.

[@18yearsoldnot]

I have 7000a too. It has a far superior usb input than the other ones

[@mrmeaner3917]

Hello, I have disability issues so need a method of selecting music from my sofa, at present I’m streaming from Amazon HD to an Audiolab 6000n, using an external DAC Denafrips Ares II into my Sugden A21se and out through KEF R3’S, I’m always looking for the next step, what’s your thoughts?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks for comments. Happy to chat but please read description

[@davewoollard6119]

What were the tracks used in the review? One sounded like it was by Vangelis. Happy OpticalRendu user here. Ugly looking device - but tucked nicely out of view at the back of the rack anyway.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Will try and do a list later and post it into the description later. A lot of them come up if you Shazam them or Siri on iPhone etc.

[@panagiotisargyropoulos2217]

Thank you Simon. Great video.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks Panagiotis, really glad you liked it.

[@aaronh888]

You planning to update when the 2021 Node comes out?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Might do. Hoping to review that one soon.

[@sergeyyatskevitch3617]

Terrific! Thank you, kind Sir.

[@robertm8518]

Doesn’t WiFi galvanically isolate the digital signal too?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Galvanic isolation typically refers to a situation with usb interfaces as far as I understand it. Some brands do recommend WiFi like Auralic but I’ve never heard WiFi sounding better to a networked connection and vice versa, and if it is the case I suspect it’s product dependent too. I wouldn’t make it a consideration in other words. Get both then you might try and compare.

[@antonyzacharia631]

Super video Simon!!!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you

[@Yooyangs]

You should review the Mano Ultra MKII. I have one and love it. It replaced my Cambridge Audio CXN. I like it especially as it has i2s out which feeds my magician pegasus R2R dac. Customer support is superb as well.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

I'll check it out!

[@Terry12345]

I'm using the Yamaha WXC-50. It's my 1st streaming device and I'm really digging it. I'll upgrade eventually but no serious complaints other than that nasty remote control.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

It does the job for the money, hoping to try mine with a pair of pro active Speakers soon 😀👍

[@ruudduppen]

My only complaint about the Bluesound Node2/2i is that the rubberised coating will get sticky in time. Gladly Bluesound ditched this coating for the Node 2021.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Sugar soap sorts that or a mild detergent

[@fredfungalspore]

Hi great reviews .. Just wondering if possible to get your take on the Matrix Element I Or X..cheers .

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks very much, haven’t tried that tbh

[@panagiotisargyropoulos2217]

Hi Simon, any chance of the Arcam ST60 streamer? It looks comparative to the Cambridge one and hard to find any videos. Cheers

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Could try as I’ve been trying to review something from arcam fro a while. Good call. 👍

[@panagiotisargyropoulos2217]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 Thank you.

[@rumbold101]

How are you using your qutest with your Hegel 390?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

What do you mean?

[@rumbold101]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 it sounded like you connected qutest dac and used rather than Hegel’s internal DAC. I have older H300 Hegel with it’s dated dac and considering Qutest to upgrade its dac. Thanks here’s a dac+ button on remote and can do right into RCA inputs presumably 🌞

[@ramasuharman7962]

How do you compare these streamers SQ with your Hegel H390 directly to your network? Where the hegel would sit?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

See description.

[@ramasuharman7962]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 i am sorry what did i missed? Is that mean you haven't tried your hegel h390 network feature? I am only asking because i have hegel h120 and I wanted to know if an external streamer would be a good upgrade? Thanks.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

I can’t answer every question as don’t have time and I get hundreds a week - please read description - if you want me to help please subscribe / PayPal

[@khallgrimsen]

I have a question:) Would a dedicated streamer make my system sound better? My system is apple tv connected to my tv thru hdmi. Than my tv is connected to my dac (arcam airdac) thru toslink. Amp is primaluna dialouge premium. Speakers are wharfedale evo. I love just streaming thru my tv. I want ro upgrade my dac to holo Audio spring 3 or chord qutest. Would that be enough for better sound? Or does my toslink setup thru the tv ruin my sound?:) For user experience i dont Need to buy one, but if it means better sound i absolutely have to:)

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

I’m now answering these types of enquiries via patreon where happy to help 😀

[@khallgrimsen]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 ok:) dont have that yet.

[@Dampfaeus]

Here's a new one: Wiim Mini, can be bought for $80 on offer, $120 otherwise. Best value for money now :D The DAC is horrible, of course. But it has optical out.

[@RobotronR6]

Would you recommend Cambridge or Bluesound node (maybe vault) as a transport alone? Thank you!!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks for your question. Answered that in the cxn v2 vid I did if you watch that.

[@RobotronR6]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 thanks

[@hoygising1]

Did u say use the Cambridge dac let say to a CD player? Because the Cambridge dac is good.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

I think so. For the money it’s very good.

[@greenbeginner3353]

Excuse my ignorance but, I hear you using the term “transport.” Is that another term for streamer? I’ve never heard that term used in audio except with reference to a “cd transport” which is basically a CD player without a DAC and is connected to an outboard DAC.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

That’s covered in basics too 😀👍 same thing but with streamer without dac.

[@michaelp7185]

That was really 👍! My interest would be with E Arc as well. What is out there that would sound hi end for TV/Movies as well? Under $4,000.

[@epg2501]

How does the BlueOS compare to Volumio?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Better imo.

[@Joel1915]

Have you tried any room treatments?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

I tend to keep everything equal and only replace one thing at a time in reviews, so whilst treatments can help they are not essential, and often not everyone likes them or has space for them aesthetically.

[@geez-hd6dn]

Just wondering why you didn’t use the DAC in the Hegel H390.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

what gave you that idea Gary. I do, just using it now in fact. My tests of these streamers were/are into the Hegel too. It's a great DAC inside it, comparable to the Chord Qutest. See other video.

[@geez-hd6dn]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 Thanks for your great and interesting video’s. Yes I do remember one of your videos commending how good the Hegel H390 amp and DAC are, so I bought one and never looked back. 👍

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

I'm loving mine with the RME and Sonore OpticalRendu going into the USB input of the Hegel atm, in DAC LOOP mode (Hegel reclocks signal). Didn't realise you can use the USB input into the Hegel from the Sonore in DAC LOOP - any of the digital inputs I think . Sounds very good indeed with the Monitor Audio Gold 100's and my PMC's