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So I'm up and running with my streamer but....

I finally have my node2i hooked up and linked to everything. Here's the interesting part... when I stream a CD quality Flac file, or a 320mb mp3 through the node to my Yamaha integrated and revel speakers, it doesn't really sound discernably different than streaming through my firestick/TV to a parasound z DAC >Yamaha integrated > Revel speakers. Both node and the TV are hardwired to the router by ethernet cables. I feel like I could have just used the firestick as a streamer instead of paying for the node. What am I missing here?
p.s. I haven't tried using the node  through the Z DAC, but it's very weird that the firestick and  parasound zDAC sounds as good as the bluesound node 2i. 
Am I doing/hearing something wrong or is the DAC the only thing that makes a difference when streaming? If so, I could sell the node2i for a more expensive Dac for the firestick.
Anybody else ever experience anything like this? 
128x128labguy
ncdogdoc
33 posts
 
You have many more options now with the Node. The first thing to try is streaming a higher resolution signal than Spotify. Most have a free trial period, and none would be easily accessible without jailbreaking the Fire.
The other is the fact that I consider the Node more of a streamer and less of a DAC, not trying to be elitist here. I am streaming through Transporter to a R2R dac I bought off of MassDrop for $300, and will probably sell my Mytek as it is 90% there and in some ways better.
Unfortunately you have opened a can of worms, because as soon as you "wonder what if", you fall head first down that rabbit hole!! Good luck.
cat_doorman
237 posts
 
I’m having intermittent issues with my Node 2i, but when it’s working right it’s pretty good. I was surprised that the internal DAC is as good as it is. Running out to an Oppo105 sounds only slightly better to me, but Firestick to TV to the Oppo was definitely 3rd place. Glad to hear support was helpful for you.
electroslacker
375 posts
 
I wouldn't be surprised if most good DACs can do a good job with any half-decent USB stream, but as audiophiles we obsess about everything in the path.  When I hear someone praising a USB cable for delivering great bass, my brain aches and my lip curls, but my audiophile heart wants to believe, and my wallet get emptier.
ediaz3
21 posts
 
Great streamer, I have the Node 2i but go thru my RME dac, it was a noticeable improvement in sound quality/dynamics bypassing the DAC in node. Btw, i use the coax out or toslink out to the RME.  Could not hear a difference between the two connections. 
graciouschomper
1 posts
 
The remote session from bluesound was a huge help. I was just simply surprised that streaming Spotify app on a smart TV to my external zDAC provided as good as sound as it did for such a budget solution. Definitely something that a person with budget restrictions may want to consider, kroger feedback or the other members here may have experience with some be able to chime in on. We tend to think substantial new purchase equals substantially Better Sound and that just simply isn't always the case.  
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