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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
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,210 posts
 
The quality of your dac, dac cable and streAmer has everything to do with how 
much better it sounds,or just sound ok
the bluesound is a very basic entry level design which is a good start ,don’t. Expect too much in truth you need to spend at least $3-5 k just to get very a respectable digital front end ,that is  about  the average in cost.buy A LuminD2  for under $2k  great value 
nice streamer ,respectable dac  just plug ina  external Harddrive .much better quality .
erik_squires
16,386 posts
 
The Zdac is one of the most supremely underrated DACs of all time!!!


It is a super good dac, especially for the money.
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
Streaming Spotify is not really much of a test as it is low res.
Try Qobuz or Tidal hires service and you may hear some difference.

The Node DAC is ok but I suspect if you send it's signal via coax to the zdac you will also hear more difference than through its own DAC.
Have fun!
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