Equipment Recommendations - The Home For New System and Upgrade Advice

[Splunders]

Really appreciate it, that’s very helpful!! You’re right, not much to lose at that price, I can always flip it if it’s not for me, but sounds like a good fit. The nova300 has a nice internal DAC, but I’m definitely missing an easy streaming solution. Right now I’m using my iPad with a lightning cable, sounds great but not as easy to use as I’d like. Do you run any other sound around your house through the NODE 2i or solely your main setup?

Ah, that would be interesting to hear the difference between running the node thru the peachtree dac and also a line level input. I've pretty much only used it in my main system, but I've used its bluetooth capability to connect to my headphones a couple of times. That too was a easy connection to make happen with the node. At a bare minimum it should provide a super reliable streaming platform for you, however you choose to implement it.

 

[tomheo]

Is anyone running a Bluesound NODE 2i for streaming? Peachtree has thrown in the towel on developing their own WiFi module and instead are offering a bundle/add on of the NODE 2i for $349. Certainly a good discount off of regular retail, but wondering if anyone has experience with it, good or bad? Also, if you are a Peachtree nova owner, you can contact their CS team for details. Offer expires end of Sept.

Hi @Cheesefry,

I've had my NODE 2i for about a year and really like it, especially for the price. I previously had a SONOS CONNECT and the NODE 2i was a noticeable improvement in sound (UI/UX though, SONOS is still the best I've used). Even just playing Spotify, the improvement in sound was immediately noticeable. I'm primarily using Roon but the native BlueOS app is pretty good. You can even play music off of a NAS (and I think even an external drive).

The setup is about as Apple/SONOS-like as you can get, where you don't really need to think about too much (though admittedly, connecting to my NAS could've been a little easier). There was a period of time recently where it seemed like they were having some software/firmware issues where it was unstable, but that all seems to have been figured out (mine's been trouble-free for at least the past 6 months, if not longer).

For the price, I think the features and sound quality are hard to beat. I currently use Qobuz & Spotify for streaming, but I've also tried TIDAL and Amazon Music HD. If you're into TIDAL, it provides full MQA decoding.

Besides the sound quality and the overall ease of use, the flexibility is impressive. You can use it as a streamer/DAC and when you want to try a different DAC, use the NODE 2i as just a streamer. I compared the built-in NODE 2i DAC to my Topping D70 DAC and the built-in DAC of my HINT 6 and couldn't hear huge differences (though could just be the limitations of my system). I felt like the Topping had a slightly more "natural" sound, but I think it was very subtle and I probably wouldn't know in a blind test. I also think (and I think this might be in my head) that things sound a little better running through Roon (I'm not running any DSP). By better, I mean things sound a little less "digital" but it's been a while since I've compared...I just remember I slightly preferred the sound through Roon.

I'm thinking about getting a POWERNODE 2i for my office setup so that I can run speakers/headphones off of it. I'm also thinking about getting a higher-end DAC (looking at a Denfrips Pontus or the BorderPatrol DAC and using the NODE 2i as just the streamer, but I want to get new speakers first...and maybe get into tubes, haha).

Anyways, I'm really happy with mine!

Hope this helps!
Thomas

BTW, the headphone amp is actually pretty good as well.

 

[Cheesefry]

Hi @Cheesefry,

I've had my NODE 2i for about a year and really like it, especially for the price. I previously had a SONOS CONNECT and the NODE 2i was a noticeable improvement in sound (UI/UX though, SONOS is still the best I've used). Even just playing Spotify, the improvement in sound was immediately noticeable. I'm primarily using Roon but the native BlueOS app is pretty good. You can even play music off of a NAS (and I think even an external drive).

The setup is about as Apple/SONOS-like as you can get, where you don't really need to think about too much (though admittedly, connecting to my NAS could've been a little easier). There was a period of time recently where it seemed like they were having some software/firmware issues where it was unstable, but that all seems to have been figured out (mine's been trouble-free for at least the past 6 months, if not longer).

For the price, I think the features and sound quality are hard to beat. I currently use Qobuz & Spotify for streaming, but I've also tried TIDAL and Amazon Music HD. If you're into TIDAL, it provides full MQA decoding.

Besides the sound quality and the overall ease of use, the flexibility is impressive. You can use it as a streamer/DAC and when you want to try a different DAC, use the NODE 2i as just a streamer. I compared the built-in NODE 2i DAC to my Topping D70 DAC and the built-in DAC of my HINT 6 and couldn't hear huge differences (though could just be the limitations of my system). I felt like the Topping had a slightly more "natural" sound, but I think it was very subtle and I probably wouldn't know in a blind test. I also think (and I think this might be in my head) that things sound a little better running through Roon (I'm not running any DSP). By better, I mean things sound a little less "digital" but it's been a while since I've compared...I just remember I slightly preferred the sound through Roon.

I'm thinking about getting a POWERNODE 2i for my office setup so that I can run speakers/headphones off of it. I'm also thinking about getting a higher-end DAC (looking at a Denfrips Pontus or the BorderPatrol DAC and using the NODE 2i as just the streamer, but I want to get new speakers first...and maybe get into tubes, haha).

Anyways, I'm really happy with mine!

Hope this helps!
Thomas

BTW, the headphone amp is actually pretty good as well.

Wow, Great stuff!! Thanks for all of the guidance, you addressed the biggest negative I’ve found so far in reviews and feedback which was software, happy to hear they’ve worked through the issues. I think I am definitely jumping in, and am interested in trying roon per your recommendation. I’ve found one upgrade always begets another upgrade. I’d be interested to hear about your tube journey if you decide to, Ive thought about it for a couple of years now. And I’m sure there will be no shortage of speaker recommendations from the forum, but I bought a pair of Tannoy Revolution 8xtf last summer, and absolutely love the dynamic sound from these beauties. Bought them ‘open box’ from Upscale Audio and saved a ton. After a year of listening, they still surprise and thrill every time I crank them up!!

 

[tomheo]

Wow, Great stuff!! Thanks for all of the guidance, you addressed the biggest negative I’ve found so far in reviews and feedback which was software, happy to hear they’ve worked through the issues. I think I am definitely jumping in, and am interested in trying roon per your recommendation. I’ve found one upgrade always begets another upgrade. I’d be interested to hear about your tube journey if you decide to, Ive thought about it for a couple of years now. And I’m sure there will be no shortage of speaker recommendations from the forum, but I bought a pair of Tannoy Revolution 8xtf last summer, and absolutely love the dynamic sound from these beauties. Bought them ‘open box’ from Upscale Audio and saved a ton. After a year of listening, they still surprise and thrill every time I crank them up!!

I think I'll probably go with a PrimaLuna EVO 300 when I'm ready to make the leap. Upscale Audio is only about 40 minutes away from me but I haven't visited yet (but I intend to).

Thanks for the reco on the Tannoys; if Upscale still has them when I visit, I'll check 'em out. I fell in love with Harbeths (specifically the 30.x & Compact 7s) but they actually didn't sound very good with some of the music I listen to regularly, so I need to audition them a bit more or just try them in my house at some point. I have a hard time getting over their looks though...I'll probably try the Zu Soul Supremes at some point as well.

BTW, with Roon, part of the reason I went with it is 'cause I have around ripped 1,600 CDs and the way Roon integrates personal libraries with streaming is pretty seamless. The way it manages my library is also awesome (when I used to use iTunes a long time ago, it was frustrating for me as far as library management).

Good luck with the NODE 2i! I'm sure you'll have fun with it!

 

[BazookaTooth]

the upgraditis is itching again ... im thinking about a phono pre amp, since amp and speakers are rather new, the stylus has some time left and my technics is going to be with me until one of us bites the dust and if its him theres still his sister sitting here.

so AT-VM95ML - Technics SL1200 mk2 - NAD C316BEE- Dali Oberon 7

im not even sure what im looking for in a phono pre amp. i dont mind buying 2nd hand. budget 500€ ?
any suggestions i should do some more research on ? theres no rush with this and i can wait for a good deal to come by.

cheers

 

[HiFi Guy]

I think I'll probably go with a PrimaLuna EVO 300 when I'm ready to make the leap. Upscale Audio is only about 40 minutes away from me but I haven't visited yet (but I intend to).

Thanks for the reco on the Tannoys; if Upscale still has them when I visit, I'll check 'em out. I fell in love with Harbeths (specifically the 30.x & Compact 7s) but they actually didn't sound very good with some of the music I listen to regularly, so I need to audition them a bit more or just try them in my house at some point. I have a hard time getting over their looks though...I'll probably try the Zu Soul Supremes at some point as well.

BTW, with Roon, part of the reason I went with it is 'cause I have around ripped 1,600 CDs and the way Roon integrates personal libraries with streaming is pretty seamless. The way it manages my library is also awesome (when I used to use iTunes a long time ago, it was frustrating for me as far as library management).

Good luck with the NODE 2i! I'm sure you'll have fun with it!

Tannoy and PrimaLuna will always be in stock at Upscale as they are the US distributor of both.

 

[Joe Mac]

Tannoy and PrimaLuna will always be in stock at Upscale as they are the US distributor of both.

and with the budget doesn’t a PL and a set from the gorgeous Heritage collection sound appealing!

 

[HiFi Guy]

and with the budget doesn’t a PL and a set from the gorgeous Heritage collection sound appealing!

If I didn’t have the speakers I have, I’d be all over a pair of Tannoy Heritage series!

 

[LG&M]

Hi all – long time listener, first time caller in to the hardware threads, hoping folks can help me spend a little money. I am finally ready to shell out for some legit speakers and am looking for some perspective on what I may want to consider, especially because it is going to be difficult to demo anything in person. In terms of general set up, my Project Carbon Debut (w/ integrated preamp) needs to coexist with my TV and I am currently running them both through a Sony AV receiver. I eventually would like to upgrade the receiver to something with passthrough capability and get some nicer audio equipment, but that day is not today. The room is ~10x20 with the AV equipment and speakers on the long wall and I don’t need rear surround, just front L/C/R (and I don't have strong opinions about the center speaker). Unfortunately the speakers are also going to be tucked close to the wall and the placement is pretty fixed. My collection leans heavy on the classic rock/soul side but my jazz collection is growing quickly (too quickly).

I have a few needs in mind. First, something that can provide decent detail at low volumes – I would like to be able to listen to records after the family goes to bed, but right now I need to get the volume up pretty high in order to get anything approaching a full sound and am usually told to shut it down pretty quickly. Second, because of the room configuration, I am hoping for something that isn’t overly fussy in terms of placement – I generally am not sitting directly in front of the speakers some something more forgiving would be ideal. And lastly, I have been looking at tower speakers in the hope that the towers can avoid a need for a subwoofer. Budget wise, I have some room to play – I could go up to ~$2k for a full setup (center channel and any necessary sub included) if they are also something that can play nicely with that future component upgrade. Of course, any money saved brings that component upgrade (looking at the RT85 + good preamp to start) closer to a reality.

I’ve done a little research and here’s is what I’ve pulled together so far…

1. ELAC – I know that ELAC is highly regarded around these parts and my better half likes the looks of the Debut Reference towers. I could pair those with a Uni-Fi center (because the Debut center is too wide for my AV console). My amateur review of the specs (44hz) made me feel that they might still need a sub, though?
2. Klipsch – I haven’t spent a ton of time with Klipsch speakers but like what I’ve heard and the Forte III is probably what I would get if cost/space were no concern. It looks like I could pair a couple of their reference premiere towers with a center channel within my budget, but I’ve heard that the Klipsch can be fussier with respect to positioning.
3. Polk – I read that the Polk RTiA series may be a little more forgiving in terms of placement and they are currently on sale, but I don’t seem to recall anyone raving about their Polk speakers. Is there any general consensus about these?

I’m sure that there is no perfect solution here and anything I get is going to be a serious upgrade over what I currently have, I’m mainly curious if there is anything out there that I am missing and whether any of these seem like a clear winner for both the short and long term over any of the others. Thanks!

 

[kvetcha]

I'm gonna come out gunning for Klipsch and say that you should consider a pair of RP-600Ms, matching center, and a nice SVS sub to round out the bottom end. Positioning may be a little fussy, but once you have it locked in, you're gonna be over the moon.

Even towers are better with a sub.

 

[Splunders]

the upgraditis is itching again ... im thinking about a phono pre amp, since amp and speakers are rather new, the stylus has some time left and my technics is going to be with me until one of us bites the dust and if its him theres still his sister sitting here.

so AT-VM95ML - Technics SL1200 mk2 - NAD C316BEE- Dali Oberon 7

im not even sure what im looking for in a phono pre amp. i dont mind buying 2nd hand. budget 500€ ?
any suggestions i should do some more research on ? theres no rush with this and i can wait for a good deal to come by.

cheers

What are you using currently? Is there one built into the NAD? Based on everything else in your system, a dedicated phonostage seems like it would really let it realize its full potential. As someone who is on their second used phonostage, I heartily recommend going used to get good value.

500 euros translates to about 550-600 US dollars. I don't know what is readily available near Monsta Island, but there is a lot of love for Musical Fidelity in the forum, and they are a Euro based company. @Joe Mac loves his MX-VYNL which is $750 new here in the States, and I would imagine land in the 500 euro range on the used market.

 

[Splunders]

Hi all – long time listener, first time caller in to the hardware threads, hoping folks can help me spend a little money. I am finally ready to shell out for some legit speakers and am looking for some perspective on what I may want to consider, especially because it is going to be difficult to demo anything in person. In terms of general set up, my Project Carbon Debut (w/ integrated preamp) needs to coexist with my TV and I am currently running them both through a Sony AV receiver. I eventually would like to upgrade the receiver to something with passthrough capability and get some nicer audio equipment, but that day is not today. The room is ~10x20 with the AV equipment and speakers on the long wall and I don’t need rear surround, just front L/C/R (and I don't have strong opinions about the center speaker). Unfortunately the speakers are also going to be tucked close to the wall and the placement is pretty fixed. My collection leans heavy on the classic rock/soul side but my jazz collection is growing quickly (too quickly).

I have a few needs in mind. First, something that can provide decent detail at low volumes – I would like to be able to listen to records after the family goes to bed, but right now I need to get the volume up pretty high in order to get anything approaching a full sound and am usually told to shut it down pretty quickly. Second, because of the room configuration, I am hoping for something that isn’t overly fussy in terms of placement – I generally am not sitting directly in front of the speakers some something more forgiving would be ideal. And lastly, I have been looking at tower speakers in the hope that the towers can avoid a need for a subwoofer. Budget wise, I have some room to play – I could go up to ~$2k for a full setup (center channel and any necessary sub included) if they are also something that can play nicely with that future component upgrade. Of course, any money saved brings that component upgrade (looking at the RT85 + good preamp to start) closer to a reality.

I’ve done a little research and here’s is what I’ve pulled together so far…

1. ELAC – I know that ELAC is highly regarded around these parts and my better half likes the looks of the Debut Reference towers. I could pair those with a Uni-Fi center (because the Debut center is too wide for my AV console). My amateur review of the specs (44hz) made me feel that they might still need a sub, though?
2. Klipsch – I haven’t spent a ton of time with Klipsch speakers but like what I’ve heard and the Forte III is probably what I would get if cost/space were no concern. It looks like I could pair a couple of their reference premiere towers with a center channel within my budget, but I’ve heard that the Klipsch can be fussier with respect to positioning.
3. Polk – I read that the Polk RTiA series may be a little more forgiving in terms of placement and they are currently on sale, but I don’t seem to recall anyone raving about their Polk speakers. Is there any general consensus about these?

I’m sure that there is no perfect solution here and anything I get is going to be a serious upgrade over what I currently have, I’m mainly curious if there is anything out there that I am missing and whether any of these seem like a clear winner for both the short and long term over any of the others. Thanks!

Every single review I've read or seen on the Elacs is that they sound phenomenal but they have to have some real juice behind them, otherwise they sound merely ok. You'll want to be sure your reciever is up to the task. I'm no expert on them, but it seems AV recievers come by their watts relatively cheaply, meaning it might say 100 watts/ch, but runs out of steam sooner than a really well built 30 watt amp. Klipsch speakers will not have this issue as they are far more efficient.

I would highly recommend finding a dealer with generous in home trials. MusicDirect, Upscale, Crutchfield, etc. Order all 3 at the same time if you can swing the temporary hit to your finances, and demo them all. Keep the pair you like the most and return the others. Plus, that way you'll know you picked the right pair, instead of wondering what you might be missing out on

 

[Joe Mac]

What are you using currently? Is there one built into the NAD? Based on everything else in your system, a dedicated phonostage seems like it would really let it realize its full potential. As someone who is on their second used phonostage, I heartily recommend going used to get good value.

500 euros translates to about 550-600 US dollars. I don't know what is readily available near Monsta Island, but there is a lot of love for Musical Fidelity in the forum, and they are a Euro based company. @Joe Mac loves his MX-VYNL which is $750 new here in the States, and I would imagine land in the 500 euro range on the used market.

Its £699 from the dealer I bought mine from in the UK. If one can be got for around €500 on the secondary market it’s a a snip and I’d bite the hand off, it’s a great piece of gear.

 

[BazookaTooth]

What are you using currently?

none, turntable goes straight to the NADs phono

 

[The Denmarkian Wonder]

Is anyone familiar with the Musical Fidelity M2si/M3si amps? Is there any noteworthy difference between them, aside from the price?

 

[Joe Mac]

Is anyone familiar with the Musical Fidelity M2si/M3si amps? Is there any noteworthy difference between them, aside from the price?

Im not familiar with those pieces sorry, I know the higher the number the further up the range you’re going. My experience with the piece of theirs that I do have, MX-VYNL, is that it’s a really well build quality piece of gear that sounds fantastic.

Here is a review of each of that helps

Musical Fidelity M2si review

Great sound compensates for this amplifier’s comparative lack of features

www.whathifi.com

Musical Fidelity M3si Amplifier review and test

www.hifi-review.com

 

[duke86fan]

what do you prefer, the rega p3 or the mofi studiodeck (not buying ANY time soon, not until like 2022 at the earliest, just curious)... both are the same price and the only difference seems to be stuff like detatchable RCAs and how the plinth is built

 

[Joe Mac]

what do you prefer, the rega p3 or the mofi studiodeck (not buying ANY time soon, not until like 2022 at the earliest, just curious)... both are the same price and the only difference seems to be stuff like detatchable RCAs and how the plinth is built

Isn’t the studiodeck at a completely different price point to the rega? They’re weird options to compare if so!

 

[kvetcha]

Isn’t the studiodeck at a completely different price point to the rega? They’re weird options to compare if so!

It is a ~$200 price difference with or without cartridge.

 

[Joe Mac]

It is a ~$200 price difference with or without cartridge.

The rega has that much of a mark up in the US? It’s £650 with cart (£579 without) here, almost half the price of the studiodeck. I’d have said the studiodeck if can afford it but at that mark up I wouldn’t touch the p3 with a barge pole!

At our prices I’d have been weighing the studiophono against the 1200/1210 GR and would be edging towards the technics.