Using a Dac Magic 100 via coax. A lot more open and better soundstage than the bluesound node 2i alone. The node 2i on its own might sound good if you are listening to some wireless speakers but in a halfway decent system it leaves something to be desired on its own. Fortunately, had Dac Magic which I used with a CCA which didn't sound a whole lot worse than the node 2i when run via optical into DAC. FWIW. The aptx and other conveniences of the bluesound means I will probably keep it until I hit the number and can replace with something significantly better but ... it isn't the be all and end all of audio devices IMHO.
External DAC connection for Bluesound Node 2i (after "Another streaming newbie" thread)
Guys, just following recent topic raised by chuckccs, I found myself in similar situation because I was comparing Bluesound Node 2i sound via its analogue RCA output with its sound via external DAC (M2Tech Young DSD with external power supply). Difference was really marginal, especially taking into account additional cost of external gear (DAC, cable, PS). I connected Node to DAC via coaxial output, however not tried the optical connection.
From those who got substantially better sound from Node 2i via external DAC I would like to ask which connection they used (coaxial or optical) and which cable they recommend, maybe also which DAC they used too. Thank you!
From those who got substantially better sound from Node 2i via external DAC I would like to ask which connection they used (coaxial or optical) and which cable they recommend, maybe also which DAC they used too. Thank you!
- ...
- 46 posts total
Good info here, thanks much. Can the Node 2i transport DSD files to an external DAC? One of the reviews suggested problems. I have ripped 100s of SACDs and only need a streamer that can best transport those DSD files to my DAC. I am comparing this Node 2i to other solutions such as the Allo USBridge/DigiOne with their LPS. |
@jxo Check out RME forums: https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?id=30979 I ripped CD’s to FLAC, storing on an external disk connected to Node 2i. I believe that these files are then passed intact by Node via the optical link to the RME DAC. Hoping the same would happen with DSD. Please check Node/RME forums and Reddit. |
Wondering if anyone using the Node 2i on a mesh network? I was going to use a wired connection from an access point since I’m not close to the base but it would seem the access point is using the wifi so it wouldn’t make a difference wiring in the Node 2i or not. Anyone use a Khadas Tone Board as the external DAC? I currently have a Modi 3 as the external DAC which sounds marginally better but I’ve read good things about the Khadas since it uses the ES9038Q2M chip. |
- 46 posts total