[Luke Thomas]

Is the BSN still the best streamer under $1000

 

[gimmeheadroom]

All things considered, it probably is. You can build an el-cheapo Pi-based streamer but you'll have to pay for software that plays MQA and you'll need a good PSU and interface. You can buy an expensive Pi-based streamer but the UI won't be as good as BluOS and who knows how long the software will be maintained. There are some annoyances about the Node 2i and the software but it's still a best value. I have been keeping my eye out for something competitive anywhere near the price and I haven't found anything.

 

[Luke Thomas]

Thanks. I have a 2i in my middle room. With a amp and speakers. Id like to have one in my other room with my headphone amp.

 

[gimmeheadroom]

I decided to go with a fanless PC since the next gen 2i didn't have anything I wanted, and I didn't see anything else. That way I can use foobar2000 to play my SACD rips

 

[Luke Thomas]

I decided to go with a fanless PC since the next gen 2i didn't have anything I wanted, and I didn't see anything else. That way I can use foobar2000 to play my SACD rips

I’m a big mqa fan

 

[gimmeheadroom]

I’m a big mqa fan

It's definitely a plus for the Node 2i and why I didn't find another streamer worth buying near the price. But, I have some MQA DACs so I just set the Windows desktop app to MQA Passthrough.