gat474 Posted June 3, 2021 Posted June 3, 2021 Calling the streaming brains trust. I've been streaming Tidal from an OPPO 103 into a long line of dacs for a few years now. I'm happy enough with the sound and am satisfied that my current dac - a Gustard X26 pro, isn't the weak link if there is one in my digital system. The OPPO works okay as a streamer, it does it over wifi, has an okay app. and mostly does what I want it to do. The downsides are I'm wearing out my OPPO for streaming (I know the driver doesn't operate but just general wear and tear), I can't use Qobuz, it can be a little buggy at times requiring a turn off and on again and even if I wanted to try out MQA I can't. I'm thinking about a new streamer. I see there are a few choices but I want to know if I'm using an external DAC is there any advantage in using something like a Lumin Mini vs a Blue Node? I don't need a Dac, wifi would be great as I don't have a network connection in my music room. It has to be relatively simple to set up and use and be reliable. Given I have a reasonably pricey dac I'd prefer a reasonably priced option. New or used suggestions are welcome.
genkifd Posted June 3, 2021 Posted June 3, 2021 i actually use my Oppo 105 as a streamer for my network storage. works ok. needs to be rebooted from time to time. far from perfect. i think getting a dedicated streamer will improve the sound like the Lumin mini with a linear power supply. However, i dont believe the Lumin Mini supports wireless which you require. Bluesound Node 2i is on a level below.
gat474 Posted June 3, 2021 Author Posted June 3, 2021 Ultimately I can put a network cable in, I just don’t want to have to get in the roof.
Guest Posted June 3, 2021 Posted June 3, 2021 You can easily overcome the lack of wireless by getting a wireless bridge adapter. What is your budget? And expectations of SQ? A streamer with a better power supply and better internal components and internal clock will improved SQ. But of course, it will cost more. The Lumin Mini will deliver better SQ than a Bluesound Node 2i. If you are open to tinkering, a Pi or a small form factor computer with a good power supply may be another option.
gat474 Posted June 3, 2021 Author Posted June 3, 2021 13 minutes ago, Snoopy8 said: You can easily overcome the lack of wireless by getting a wireless bridge adapter. What is your budget? And expectations of SQ? A streamer with a better power supply and better internal components and internal clock will improved SQ. But of course, it will cost more. The Lumin Mini will deliver better SQ than a Bluesound Node 2i. If you are open to tinkering, a Pi or a small form factor computer with a good power supply may be another option. I guess the answer I’m looking for is whether a Bluenode will be all that much better than my Oppo and if it isn’t I need to look at the Lumin as a minimum. How much do I want to spend? Usually as little as possible but I’m acutely aware of buying cheap buying twice. I wold go for a Lumin Mini either second hand or one of Hey Now’s super sales.
genkifd Posted June 3, 2021 Posted June 3, 2021 i believe Heynow currently has 10% off (discount code).
Guest Posted June 3, 2021 Posted June 3, 2021 1 hour ago, gat474 said: I guess the answer I’m looking for is whether a Bluenode will be all that much better than my Oppo and if it isn’t I need to look at the Lumin as a minimum. Don't know about SQ of 103 vs Bluesound as a pure streamer. In terms of usability, BluOS will win hands down.
gat474 Posted June 3, 2021 Author Posted June 3, 2021 2 hours ago, genkifd said: i believe Heynow currently has 10% off (discount code). They do but at times there’s an extra 15 per cent off. I’m just doing my research at the moment and I’m no huge rush.
Kegumo Posted June 5, 2021 Posted June 5, 2021 I have a similar problem running tidal on my Oppo 105. The software is just too old, particularly the Oppo media control app, which has not been updated since 2016. I found Tidal constantly crashed, and I even had error codes saying the app is not supported. My Oppo Wi fi dongle won't work either, so I had to connect to the net via a D-link. Basically you are running out of time with the Oppo's. for any streaming service. u-tube/netflix etc. Blusound is a good streamer but IMO the Oppo 105 Dac has superior SQ. Not sure about the 103 though. I have just brought a new DAC with a streamer and just use the Oppo as a CD trasnport, and to play the odd SACD.
Recommended Posts