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DACs to look at?

I have been thinking of adding an Anthem STR or McIntosh 2600 to my system....but music is always going to be third on my list: movies and gaming will always be first. I realized that's a lot of money to spend. I currently use a BS Node 2i, running RCA to a Marantz 8805, which is connected to a Krell amp. In the next month, I'll be switching to an ATI 7 channel, and might eventually go to Anthem for processing. But, I'm looking to make my 2 channel just sound "better." I like the BS, but I'm never wowed w/ the sound from music. It sounds really good, but I've heard friends w/ my same speakers (JTR 212RT) say music is jaw dropping for them. I'm just curious if there's some DACs I should look at? Ive been reading about Schitt, they seem to make some good stuff. Ideally, I'll connect the DAC to the BS and use the Node for its OS and streaming....and I'm assuming an upgraded/better DAC will make everything sound louder/cleaner/etc.

Please let me know your suggestions - and if I"m way off base!
128x128ethos4lyfe
mahler123
3,253 posts
 
Almost any DAC you add will best the Node2.  Define your budget and then try to get a trial listen in your system when you’ve narrowed the field
ethos4lyfe's avatar
ethos4lyfe OP
74 posts
 
@mahler123 yea that's what im trying to figure out. I move in a month or two, so might just wait - room acoustics will be much different and I'll have a better idea of what ill be looking for. I'm mainly a HT guy, but the gold note ds-10 sure looks like. Its close to $3K though
adg101
1,062 posts
 
Many vendors have a refund policy on RME such as B&H Photo. You’ll have to call to get a discount but they will... I think I paid $1099 for mine. I would suggest from your Node to run coax over the optical. The RME will pounce all over the DAC in the Node... not even in the same ballpark or State. The RME is a killer DAC, but later add a Teddy Pardo power supply for $398 and it takes it to another level. Start with the RME only and if you don’t like it, return it but don’t be surprised if you keep it. Even out of the box it kicked my other players so don’t worry about not having enough time during the trial for the RME to sound great. Good luck.
jdub39
491 posts
 
I hope to try a Topping D90 soon seeing it uses the latest AKM chip against my Marantz 8805 and Oppo203 (transport) which I use for 2/ch daily (cd,dsd,hi/rez files, heos stream Amazon HD) with an Halo A21. I find it very satisfying and couldn't be happier  but I do wonder about the next level. I demoed a few cables and out found the DH Labs sonic silver hdmi to work extremely well with the 8805 over three others . The 8805 does indeed responds well to the right cabling etc.. and will reward . Oh and a JC5 may be on the way as well.
mahler123
3,253 posts
 
OP

When I first bought bought Bluesound I wanted the whole house concept so I had a Vault2 in the main system and a Node2 in the basement system.  The latter system featured a Pioneer AVR from the early 2000.  I have a PS Audio Digital Link III  DAC which was being otherwise employed and the improvement when added to the Node2 was not subtle.  Last year I upgraded the AVR to an Anthem 520 and since the newer AVR has a much better DAC than the former AVR that’s the current setup down there.
  The point is that you can probably pick up a used inexpensive DAC that will be a major improvement over the Node2.  Perhaps go that route and then if you feel the need to upgrade in the future and know your budget you can make a decent choice
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