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Experience with Bluesound Node 2 use with external DAC

I am very impressed with the Node 2.  So far my use of the Node has been with it's built in DAC.  It sounds great.  Since I don't own an outboard DAC I have had no other choice but to use the Node's DAC.  It is hard to fault it's DAC at any price much less the $500 price of the Node.  That being said, I realize there are alternatives out there than can improve upon the built in DAC.  I am at a point now where I am curious to hear what an external DAC may have to offer in terms of sound quality.  For those of you who are running a Node through an external DAC, what would you recommend and what type of improvement have you experienced vs DAC in the Node.
randyhat
gdnrbob
4,508 posts
 
@williewonka 
I concur, the Schiit DAC's are pretty good. I have a Gungy (after a Modi and Bifrost Multibit). Though my Gungy isn't a Multibit, it comes close to the Codex.
As, I said, when Johnny played music first through the Bluesound and then the Codex, the difference was instantly perceptible. The Codex sounded alive.
Though, I will admit the inboard DAC on the Bluesound is not to be dismissed-especially for the price.
B
hodu
319 posts
 
I've read, in these fora and elsewhere, that the Mytek Brooklyn DAC, which decodes MQA, works great with the Bluesound Node 2. I've been tempted by this combo, and nearly made the leap a couple of times, but I'm still stuck -- for some reason. If the DAC in the Node is as good as folks are saying, perhaps I should just go down that road, knowing I could get the Brooklyn later on should I get that itch.
-- Howard
gdnrbob
4,508 posts
 
@hodu 
This is only my opinion, but...
DAC technology is evolving quickly. I would be hesitant to spend major dollars for a DAC as it will be surpassed in the near future, hence, my choice of Ayre and Schiit. They are reasonably priced and have a good history for providing upgrades.
I have no experience with Mytek. I know they are well respected, but do not know if their DAC's can be upgraded. 
Bob
williewonka
3,131 posts
 
Although I have never tried a Musical Fidelity DAC, I did own the v-link192 USB-SPDIF converter, which was superb. Coupled with the Bifrost, it made digital music sing

If they put that amount of effort into a USB-SPDIF converter i would have to believe their DAC’s are also very worthy products

If you want to use USB, then I would suggest you look at the MF lineup - since their USB interface appears to be excellent.

Regards

kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 
What's unusual about the Codex is the lack of digital coax input and you need to use the optical port which is generally less desirable, at least based on what I've read. I'm assuming that's how the Node 2 was connected to the Codex since as far as I know Node 2 does not have a USB output port. As for the OP's question, I have used a Cambridge Audio DACmagic Plus with Node 2 using the digital coax output port and I didn't hear much improvement. I now just use this DAC with my CDP which does make the CDs sound a lot better.
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