OP,
I have the Node N130 with a linear power supply and a good USB cable and am surprisingly pleased. Even without the the power supply, it’s hands down better than using a Desktop/Laptop.
All the best!
Will a Chord Hugo 2 make a music streamer addition obsolete?
Gonna make an investment in a Chord Hugo 2, for Tidal streaming (directly into my MacBook Pro) and CD playback.
Is my query (essentially) correct?
I use Arcam monos/pre (nearing 15 years of usage) with B&W 804s floor standing speakers. With the $ saved, I plan to upgrade with a pair REL s/510s subs instead (but that’s a discussion for another day).
Cheers,
Charlie
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- 24 posts total
Stay with your original choice of the Hugo2 or if you can swing the extra $, the Hugo TT. They are much better than the QuTest. As others have informed you all of the Chords are not streaming DACs. You will realize better sound with a streamer over a PC. You can do with the Chord 2Go or an Auralic or Aurender …. or one of the two latter’s streaming DACs. If you go with a streamer look at connections. I believe the Hugo does not have a USB in and some lower model Aurenders do not have a SPDIF out. You will need a USB-SPDIF converter going that route. Depending on your budget, a Hugo with a good streamer is approaching $7 preowned. If you can swing another $3k you can get a preowned DCS Bartok streaming DAC without a headphone amp and not have to look back because of DCS’s upgrade policy and having one of the best DACs available. The Bartok is in the league of preowned Chord Dave for the same $ preowned but gives you streaming as a plus. I am saving my pennies for the DCS but it’s a lot of pennies.
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Bought the Node! (Step 1 of the master plan)
@jsalerno277 With this purchase, the Chord Hugo2/ 2Go route is off the table. My system adheres to a budget ethos (for any one component that is) so the TT2 isn’t an option but compared to my current DAC (Ifi Zen 1), the Qutest should make me quite happy. Until then, I’ll use the Node’s DAC and enjoy a much better sound 🤞 |
I'm using a Bluesound Vault2i to store all of my ripped CDs and stream them along with Radio Paradise. I was dissatisfied with the Bluesound DAC so I upgraded to the Chord Qutest and added an Allo Shanti linear power supply. You have many options depending on how much you want to spend. The Lucky Audiophile
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Congrats on your purchase. The Node is a nice sounding server with good ergonomics. It will be much better than a PC upstream of your DAC. It will remove radiated and power supply noise audible as hash in the background, improve detail, and remove “digital glare” producing a more organic sound. Enjoy your upgrade journey. |
- 24 posts total