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Bluesound Node 2i & Ayre Codex - How would this work?

I just picked up an Ayre Codex and I’m looking for a streamer - basically there are 3 options, a Sonore product like the micro/ultraRendu, a Bluesound Node 2i, or a Innuos Zen Mini.

I am leaning toward the BSN2i in terms of flexibility and ease of use, and the cost is a big plus vs the other options. However the BSN2i only has coax or optical out, and the Codex only has USB or optical in.

So basically this is only going to work via toslink, which I believe would have some limitations. For one, are there limitations on the sampling and bit rate that can be transferred via optical? Is the Codex a good enough DAC that it can mitigate jitter from the BSN2i optical out?

Would a Sonore product be better (though pricier)? I also really like the Zen Mini option but I think it’s really overkill. I know it is an amazing streamer because I already own a Zen MKIII hooked up to my main system. But that also makes all the other functions of the Mini redundant (no need for a HD, CD ripper, etc). Plus with the LPS option on the Mini, I could literally buy 4 Bluesounds or 2 ultraRendus.

I should add that the main purpose of the Codex and streamer will be to go into my Quad PA-One headphone amp. 
128x128jsqt
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,841 posts
 
You don't need a Blue Sound Node at all unless you want to add in the additional streaming soruces that the Node offers.

Your setup would be Innuous Zenith usb output into the Luxman D06 Dac coax digital output from the Luxman Dac  into the Codex and then from the Codex analog output into the Quad Headphone amplifiers analog inputs and you are done

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ
jsqt's avatar
jsqt OP
117 posts
 
@audiotroy thanks, that is something I considered, BUT the problem I'm trying to solve is having a headphone system separate from my main system. My kids play Fortnight all day long and my TV, etc is running into the Luxman DAC via optical. So I really need a separate standalone system for music so I can listen to my headphones while my kids have taken over my system.
mr_m
1,900 posts
 
Of which the Codex is not only a great Dac, but is a headphone amp too.:-)
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,841 posts
 
You can then obvioulsy go with the Blue Sound as an option, another option would be to sell the Codex and go with an all in one streaming/dac endpoint.

The Codex is a good dac that many people would like so switching to a Lumin might be a nice possible upgrade with the simplicity of a one box dac/streamer/Roon Endpoint.

The Lumin D2 is awesome you may prefer its sound then again you could prefer the Codex it is hard to say we have never put those two dacs next to each other.

Also as noted you allready have a headphone amp so with the Codex you have two when you allready have the Quad Vena.

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ Lumin, Innous, Blue Sound and Quad dealers

Just currious what cans are you using? We just got in the Quad ERA 1 and they are awesome.




cytocycle
1,043 posts
 
I own the bluesound vault 2 and borrowed  Zen Mini. the Zen mini was definitely way more musical.  Total lack of digital hash it's amazing and I will upgrade to one of the larger Zenith later this year.  Spend the money it's totally worth it.  The bluesound doesn't sound awful but the Innous is really refined. 
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