Hi,
Are you looking for just a streamer or a Streamer with a DAC. Let me explain my understanding of this
I have tried a few (Raspberry pi based ones, a Chrome cast Audio, aBluesiunf node 2 and a DNM.
In my understanding more expensive streamers are more expensive because of better DACs built in.
Of course more expensive ones are better built, have quality power supply, some may have a display or even a pre amp stage with volume control. They also tend to have better software design for good user interface and ease of use.
But to receive wired or wireless signals from your router (Spotify, Tidal, Gaana, etc) any streamer witha digital output (Coax or optical or preferably both, will do) This gives you the choice of bypassing the not very good built in DAC and selecting a good DAC of your choice according to your budget. The DAC will make the most difference in the audio quality, assuming the rest of your chain is good.
if you have the budget then a high quality streamer DAC is worth trying (two functions in one box). Otherwise a streamer with digital output and the best external DAC that you can currently afford would be a good choice IMO. Disadvantage? Two boxes, need good inter connects.
I currently use a DNM A2 streamer to an external DAC (Mytek Liberty or PS audio digital link) and am quite happy at the moment. It can be controlled through the MUZO app from my phone or iPad. Set up is quick and painless and I can do Tidal and Spotify. I prefer the BluOS interface. But as you pointed out the Bluesound node is 50k more and I still preferred my external DAC to its built in DAC.
The DNM cost me @8200 and was shipped from Pune or Mumbai in two days. I am not able to get my favourite radio stations like Radio Paradise on the MUZO app. But I hope future updates will do this.
Hope this helps.
ifi-audio.com
