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External DAC connection for Bluesound Node 2i (after "Another streaming newbie" thread)

Guys, just following recent topic raised by chuckccs, I found myself in similar situation because I was comparing Bluesound Node 2i sound via its analogue RCA output with its sound via external DAC (M2Tech Young DSD with external power supply). Difference was really marginal, especially taking into account additional cost of external gear (DAC, cable, PS). I connected Node to DAC via coaxial output, however not tried the optical connection. 
From those who got substantially better sound from Node 2i via external DAC I would like to ask which connection they used (coaxial or optical) and which cable they recommend, maybe also which DAC they used too. Thank you!
apanhc
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,163 posts
 
I used a DH Labs coaxial digital cable into an MHDT Pagoda. Although the DAC in the Node is not bad on its own and is highly listenable, the Pagoda was much richer in tone and more dynamic. Even MQA files from Tidal sounded better with the Pagoda which doesn't do the complete unfold like the Node does.

Oz



jetter
3,035 posts
 
There’s always better, but don’t let others get you down for liking the 2i and its built in DAC. Yes, its a budget unit, but if you can’t enjoy listening through it, it’s on you. You will get a lot of chatter about the 2i being a gateway streamer, which it is, but I have noticed that some of those espousing this have this streamer with its build problems. https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/teac-nt-505-impossible-connecting-to-wifi-router-o-such-lan-h...
Enjoy what you have, its just a plain fun unit that owes its owners nothing.

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,570 posts
 
“I think the difference(s) you hear using an external DAC will ultimately depend on the quality/resolution of the rest of your "system" and in some cases the quality of the cabling, both digital and analog, used through the system.”

+1, kalali.

Some folks here heard nice uptick in SQ using a Ayre Codex DAC with Node 2. I have tried few mega-dollars DAC’s just for the kicks with my Vault2 and found Coax connection always sounded better over Toslink.

I only use my Vault 2 for CD ripping.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jazzman7
348 posts
 
Have had Node 2i hooked up to both Bryston BDA-1 and to a Chord Qutest by both Toslink and Coax cables.   Toslink cable was an Audioquest Vodka.   Coax digital cables employed have been Tributaries 75 Ohm  Delta Digital and a Transparent  75 Ohm digital A/V cable.  In all cases much preferred the outboard DAC to the Node 2i internal DAC.  Only marginal differences between the different cables employed.  The Transparent was the better of the 2 Coax cables, but nothing wrong with the Tributaries cable.  With BDA-1 slight preference for Coax.   With Qutest, Vodka Toslink beat out Tributaries Coax by slightest of margins, but Transparent Coax bested AQ Vodka Toslink again by a very small margin. 
jetter
3,035 posts
 
What made a big difference for me was using the Supra CAT 8+ ethernet cable bought on Ebay from seller zendada. Very nice and reasonably price. If you go this route be sure to buy from zendada and not the seller from England or you will have a relatively high shipping cost and three week shipping wait.

Incidentally the CAT 8+ designation is just a bit of marketing ploy, they are really just CAT 8.
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