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Which DAC is better?

I am using a new  Bluesound Node 2 connected with the default RCA cables into my Parasound Hint 6.

This uses the Nodes DAC and not the Hint 6s DAC. If i understand correctly, I can connect the Node using an optical/usb cable into the Hint 6 thereby using the Hints DAC and not the Nodes.

Which is the better option? 

I am aware i can buy some cables and test this out for myself.
 I was just curious if anyone else had an opinion.
epz
kren0006
1,859 posts
 
"well - on second thought - maybe the statement IS correct - it may be as a good as ’A’ $700 DAC... that would be a somewhat poor sounding one though"

That's funny, and appreciated.  Agree, you buy the Node for the streamer and Bluesound OS.  Use the dac until you can upgrade, and OP already has a superior option in his integrated amp.
yogi42
21 posts
 
We have the new node it’s DAC is not bad and certainly better than 2i however we use a coax cable (DIG 3 Morrow) and we found that the DAC in our Anthem AVM 70, in our opinion), larger sound stage and a slightly cleaner sound. It’s so subjective, though your ears can decide which it’s sound. 





snarfie23's avatar
snarfie23
39 posts
 
I would suggest don't ask for opinions do a blind test an convince yourself. Your room does have a different room acoustics (than the people you are asking for advice) which is atleast for 60% responsible for your precieved sound.
hshifi
572 posts
 
Hello,
That is totally true about the room acoustics. When I did the tests I was doing near field listening to try to take the room out of it. Also, to give those DACs a chance I worked up to $1k worth of cables on the separate DACs and kept the BlueSound stock using a modest $100 stereo RCA cables. I have listened to the BlueSound Node 2i on several expensive DACs all the way up to $14k. It sounded awesome and they did not support MQA. The one that I thought sounded the best was the Ayre QX-8. It sounded the most real to me. This is still a $5k DAC but it kept up with and surpassed much more expensive DACs. I wonder if you upgrade to a linear power supply would it surpass a $700 DAC? Since the new NODE might have USB out I would rather upgrade to a NODE and the LPS in it since it would require a different power supply model. 
snarfie23's avatar
snarfie23
39 posts
 
Best investment i did in almost 60 years was buying a measuring mic for less than 100,- euro. I’m using Mathaudio room EQ for free with foobar2000. The results are astouding.
Have a look here under at my room measurments Grey Curve. I can assure you that any Gear like cabels DAC’s etc etc will not compensate that by far not coming close. Roomcorrection (the horizontal White Line) will be the best solution that will creat a level playing field. .
https://i.imgur.com/T0I1hrT.jpg

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