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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
big_greg
6,647 posts
 
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?
tketcham
291 posts
 
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
allane's avatar
allane
64 posts
 
@dougsat 

I agree, 16/44 done right sounds awesome, and that’s how I’m using the Node 2i: Apple Lossless via AirPlay 2.

My reply to @andrewkelley was only to verify (or not) that there are some limitations on the digital outputs.
allane's avatar
allane
64 posts
 
@tketcham 

You are correct, the Bluesound Node 2i does pass 24/192 on it’s digital outputs.  I apologize to not verifying before my post.  Thanks for your correction.
melvinjames
416 posts
 
IIRC the 24/96 limitation via digital-out is with MQA files (for DAC compatibility). The MQA limitation does not exist if you use the Node's on-board DAC and thus, analog out. 
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