Hi everyone,
Posting this thread following on from a separate thread where I had an issue with a Bluesound Node 2i Streamer. The vendor has offered to replace the Bluesound unit, but does not know when they will have another in stock. They have also said there are some alternative options in a similar price bracket. I'd really appreciate any recommendations or advice on the options.
My main requirement is to be able to stream hi res audio via Tidal and Qobuz. I'll be listening through wired headphones and I'm looking for a compact device as I don't really have room for larger devices. Spotify streaming would be a nice to have as I use it for finding new music, so if a device does all 3 services that would be more convenient.
Currently I have an Android smartphone with Chord Mojo DAC and use the USB Audio Player PRO app to stream Tidal and Qobuz. But I want a dedicated streamer so the phone/tablet would just be used as a controller.
The options I have so far are:
1. Replacement Bluesound Node 2i unit. I had also ordered a Chord Clearway coax to 3.5mm cable so would have the option to connect the Node to the Mojo.
2. Chord Poly - vendor offered this as another option. It connects directly to the Mojo with no cable needed. I've checked and it can stream Tidal and Qobuz using the Android BubbleUpnp app. Although I don't think its designed to run with mains power. I think you just charge it up like the Mojo. Also from what I understand it is Roon ready. I don't know that much about Roon yet, but it does sound interesting. The idea of running it on a mini PC is quite appealing.
3. Astell and Kern SR15 - a bit more expensive than the Node or Poly, but not much. To be honest I hadn't though about a portable player, but its compact. Battery life is about the same as the Poly from what I can see. However I'm unsure if the SR15 has both Tidal and Qobuz. The 2.5mm jack on the SR15 is also interesting. I understand it allows for balanced output. However it seems most wired headphones use 3.5mm. Would choice be limited if I wanted to use 2.5mm?
Regards,
Andy.
Posting this thread following on from a separate thread where I had an issue with a Bluesound Node 2i Streamer. The vendor has offered to replace the Bluesound unit, but does not know when they will have another in stock. They have also said there are some alternative options in a similar price bracket. I'd really appreciate any recommendations or advice on the options.
My main requirement is to be able to stream hi res audio via Tidal and Qobuz. I'll be listening through wired headphones and I'm looking for a compact device as I don't really have room for larger devices. Spotify streaming would be a nice to have as I use it for finding new music, so if a device does all 3 services that would be more convenient.
Currently I have an Android smartphone with Chord Mojo DAC and use the USB Audio Player PRO app to stream Tidal and Qobuz. But I want a dedicated streamer so the phone/tablet would just be used as a controller.
The options I have so far are:
1. Replacement Bluesound Node 2i unit. I had also ordered a Chord Clearway coax to 3.5mm cable so would have the option to connect the Node to the Mojo.
2. Chord Poly - vendor offered this as another option. It connects directly to the Mojo with no cable needed. I've checked and it can stream Tidal and Qobuz using the Android BubbleUpnp app. Although I don't think its designed to run with mains power. I think you just charge it up like the Mojo. Also from what I understand it is Roon ready. I don't know that much about Roon yet, but it does sound interesting. The idea of running it on a mini PC is quite appealing.
3. Astell and Kern SR15 - a bit more expensive than the Node or Poly, but not much. To be honest I hadn't though about a portable player, but its compact. Battery life is about the same as the Poly from what I can see. However I'm unsure if the SR15 has both Tidal and Qobuz. The 2.5mm jack on the SR15 is also interesting. I understand it allows for balanced output. However it seems most wired headphones use 3.5mm. Would choice be limited if I wanted to use 2.5mm?
Regards,
Andy.
