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Bluesound Node 2i & Ayre Codex - How would this work?

I just picked up an Ayre Codex and I’m looking for a streamer - basically there are 3 options, a Sonore product like the micro/ultraRendu, a Bluesound Node 2i, or a Innuos Zen Mini.

I am leaning toward the BSN2i in terms of flexibility and ease of use, and the cost is a big plus vs the other options. However the BSN2i only has coax or optical out, and the Codex only has USB or optical in.

So basically this is only going to work via toslink, which I believe would have some limitations. For one, are there limitations on the sampling and bit rate that can be transferred via optical? Is the Codex a good enough DAC that it can mitigate jitter from the BSN2i optical out?

Would a Sonore product be better (though pricier)? I also really like the Zen Mini option but I think it’s really overkill. I know it is an amazing streamer because I already own a Zen MKIII hooked up to my main system. But that also makes all the other functions of the Mini redundant (no need for a HD, CD ripper, etc). Plus with the LPS option on the Mini, I could literally buy 4 Bluesounds or 2 ultraRendus.

I should add that the main purpose of the Codex and streamer will be to go into my Quad PA-One headphone amp. 
128x128jsqt
mr_m
1,900 posts
 
jsqt,

If you have a chance, try the Node2-Codex pairing with an optical, and judge for yourself. As usual, Audiotroy has a agenda, so just beware.

If you like the pairing, fine, if not, that's ok too. All I ask is try it and see what you think.
Cheers,
Tim
jsqt's avatar
jsqt OP
117 posts
 
Thanks, I will give it a shot. I just bought the Codex off AG so it hasn't arrived yet but I need to order the BDN2i. 

@audiotroy I do have a Zen Mk III already hooked up to my Luxman DA-06. So while a Zen Mini would be a great idea, as I think the Innuos products are amazing products, it would be paying for a lot of redundant stuff I already have and don't need (CD ripper, storage, Roon Core, etc). I just need a streamer. 

The other option is to run BSN2i via coax into my Luxman DAC for my main system (L-509X), using my Zen's ethernet streamer out, and using the Zen's USB out directly into the Codex to feed the Quad rig.

It does sound like the BDN2i may be the best option under $800.
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,778 posts
 
You don't need a Blue Sound Node at all unless you want to add in the additional streaming soruces that the Node offers.

Your setup would be Innuous Zenith usb output into the Luxman D06 Dac coax digital output from the Luxman Dac  into the Codex and then from the Codex analog output into the Quad Headphone amplifiers analog inputs and you are done

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ
jsqt's avatar
jsqt OP
117 posts
 
@audiotroy thanks, that is something I considered, BUT the problem I'm trying to solve is having a headphone system separate from my main system. My kids play Fortnight all day long and my TV, etc is running into the Luxman DAC via optical. So I really need a separate standalone system for music so I can listen to my headphones while my kids have taken over my system.
mr_m
1,900 posts
 
Of which the Codex is not only a great Dac, but is a headphone amp too.:-)
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