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Interconnect cable recommendations for Node 2i and DAC

I just purchased a Node 2i and I am really enjoying it. I plan on adding a DAC later this year. I am currently using a pair of Kimber Hero with WBT RCA's going into my Classe Preamp. I am also using Hero XLR between my Classe CA151 and and Pre. The Hero's going to the Node 2i are a little short for where I want to place it, so if I am going to get a different pair maybe now is the time to think about something different. If I had to say anything about the system right now its a touch bright, but that could be the Nodes DAC. Any suggestions in the $250 -$300 range on interconnects? I have a Kimber D60 digital cable that I can use when I get the DAC but I want a nice interconnect that could work now with the Node or the DAC when I get it.

128x128jmphotography
jmphotography's avatar
jmphotography OP
161 posts
 
Thanks everyone, it makes sense. I am listening to Tidal mostly and really enjoy the MQA recordings, so I guess I would need a DAC that does MQA? I will still need slightly longer RCA cables to get the Node or eventual DAC away from the preamp, right now its on top. I should have no problem selling the pair of Hero RCA's with the WBT connector, I just need a longer pair to move the equipment as well as a DAC.
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,556 posts
 
Putting the cart before the horse?
DAC first, then cables. Cheap stuff is sufficient to find a DAC you can live with.
Only THEN can you determine the appropriate $$ allocation for ICs.
Morrow or Audio Envy should be plenty.
Both are better than my Kimbers for me.
Morrow balanced (on sale) are THE best value around.


anotherbob's avatar
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anotherbob
342 posts
 
You might want to think about Qobuz instead of Tidal, better SQ and no worries about MQA decoding, also same price now, too.
guy-incognito's avatar
guy-incognito
169 posts
 
I would say dont worry about MQA decoding on your DAC purchase. If you find a DAC you like that has it, great, but I wouldn't make it a necessity. I have a Node 2i and a Benchmark DAC 2 HGC. Prior to the Benchmark I really thought MQA was impressive coming direct from the Node. After adding the Benchmark though, everything sounds good. I use Tidal and Qobuz with everything from CD quality, hi-res and MQA tracks. They all sound fantastic. I now wonder if the MQA tracks have a volume boost (or some other trickery) when played direct through the Node to make them seem more impressive.
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
i would echo the prior response saying something is amiss if the internal dac of the node 2i sounds bright in your system

among dacs, the node's internal dac is dull and overly smoothed over

tidal hifi or masters in high res, also not bright in and of itself

if what you hear is bright now, wait till you get a properly good dac... better put earplugs in...
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