Node 2i Coax Out


So... I bought a node 2i for its Roon streamer capabilities. I want to use it with my external DAC (schiit Gungnir Multibit). As I’m researching I’m reading some disappointing stuff... 
can the node 2i really only output 24/96 over coax?!!!
 Should I return this?
Why wouldn’t it just pass whatever data was sent to it if it’s bypassing the DAC? 

Please advise! 
A’goners Assemble! 
andrewkelley
@allane I think that’s what I’m understanding as well. I’m bummed about it. My Simaudio moon does it all over ethernet and has a great DAC... the whole reason I bought the bluesound was for streaming, now I’m regretting it.  
Aside from knowing the 2i has limitations, how does it sound?
i often wonder how (myself included) in a blind A/B test we would be able to detect the difference?  
Check out the other thread where folks are debating whether 
16 / 44 Redbook if done right is actually just fine.

Anyway just my 2 cents.
I have 2 Node 2 units (not the 2i).  One is connected to my Auralic Vega DAC by coax and the one in my bedroom is connected to a Mytek Liberty DAC.  Both sound great.  I listen mostly to Qobuz and Tidal, both sound great with all files, whether hi res or CD quality. 

I don't ever look to see how many bits are coming out of the Node 2, I let my ears be the judge. 

You're disappointed about what you're reading about it?  Stop reading and start listening.  If you're still disappointed, then consider something else.  At least give it a chance.
You might also try checking out this thread:   https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/do-we-really-need-anything-greater-than-24-96-opinions

Something else you can try, if you have a computer setup, listen to some hi res files at 16/44 or 16/48 and then at the highest resolution your system supports.  They should sound different, but are they "better" different?
Andrew and allane, Where did you guys read that the Bluesound Node 2/2i coaxial (SPDIF) output has a max resolution of 24/96? Not true. At least not with my setup. I play 24/192 files through the SPDIF output and my DAC recognized it as a 24/192 file.

Perhaps you’ve confused coaxial SPDIF with the Toslink optical output?
Tom