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Bluesound Node2 with outboard DAC

Has anyone used the Bluesound Node or Vault for music streaming connected to a good outboard DAC and respond to how good the combo sounds. I see the Bluesound has great connectivity and streaming options with a good user interface. Curious if using with a good dac is worth the money. 
I'm using Ayre 5xeMP preamp,  Mark Levinson 532h amp and Revel Performa floorstanders. Cardas interconnects.  
Currently using OPPO 105d as my music player and streamer,  don't like it disconnects from my tablet app control a lot and hoping for better resolution. I use Tidal HiFi for streaming and usb hard drive for stored music files. 
Appreciate relevant replies. Thanks Audiogon group
lnitm
powell1r
1 posts
 
I'm thinking about purchasing a Bluesound Vault 2i to use with my Gungnir Multibit mybkexperience
peter_s
1,336 posts
 
Some listeners using outboard DACs seem to imply that the node has an effect on digital SQ.  On the Roon forum, one user claimed measurable difference on SQ (thru the speakers). I find that hard to believe. Is it really likely that the streamer degrades the digital signal fed to a DAC?
mdelrossi1
79 posts
 
I’ve found everything matters. I’ve heard major differences between the Node and the Allo digione sig, and again when I changed the power supply to Allo’s Shanti power supply. It’s about eliminating noise on the power input. 
rocray's avatar
rocray
1,448 posts
 
I'll chime in. I have a Node 2,and have been asking the yay or nay external DAC question on other sites,with little or no input. So,after reading many positive reviews,I purchased a Topping D50. I know,it's rather inexpensive,so please don't hate me!  I have to say after about a day of listening,this thing has settled down nicely. 
  Two improvements I have noticed are more detail,and bigger,wider image. I'm even running my CD player through the Topping with positive results. 
    
This is my first DAC,so I have no comments or comparisons on any other models.
gb21
8 posts
 
Recently compared (2/27/2020) the Node 2i versus the  RME ADI-2 dac. The AB tests with volume matched showed a surprisingly small advantage to the RME. The issue then was why triple the purchase cost for a small gain. If you are not locked in to your favorite listening chair then it might be a challenge to appreciate the subtle gains. I am going to try other external DACs (Chord Qutest) to search for the big improvement that I hoped for but did not hear with the RME.
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