Node 2i use with external DAC

@jetter - there's something to be said for that. It's a damn good product for the money, and you have to spend considerably more to better it by a noticeable amount. 

the 2i will benefit from a better DAC, but is still ultimately limited as a source, so I wouldn't spend big money on a DAC...maybe a Bifrost or Gungnir, or Denafrips Ares ll

I think I'll plan on investing in a higher end DAC knowing that I'll replace the Node2i with a better source in the future.  It will be "good" for now but will slowly upgrade as I go along.  

This discussion has been extremely helpful.  Thanks to all for sharing their experience/knowledge.  

Hi everyone. Is it possible to use node2i as master to turn on and off benchmark dac2/3 + ahb2 pre+power set via 12v trigger port. Idea is to get all components powered when node2i awakes from standby state either via airplay, bluetooth, spotify connect, tidal connect or by its own remote control or mobile application. For sure all components shall power off than when I put node2i back to standby mode. If someone can confirm that, I guess my only problem will remain as volume control as node2i will not be able to control volume knob of dac2 or 3 and unfortunately my dac2 always turns on at volume level 0, I don’t know why.

Bluesound support is atrocious.

I want the node 2i to ONLY use wired ethernet connection, but this seems to be impossible.

It is always “switching back” to no longer existing wifi ssid .. or one that was supposedly deleted with a factory reset.

After a “factory reset” as soon as it “sees” a wifi ssid it had a connection to before a factory reset, and that I DO NOT WANT it to use, it switches from wired back to that wifi and “magically” is able to connect to it.

Bluesound tech support had been useless.

I just want a streamer that can log in directly to tidal and qobuz, outputs digital over USB to my Gustard R26 and can read/stream my flac, wav and dsd from NAS to Gustard via USB without limiting to 24/96 or 24/192.

I don’t want a streamer/dac/amplifier or streamer/dac: just something that can log into a “source” and feed the dac..

Anyone have any suggestions I can look at while awaiting my nuc to “attempt” a daphile server?

 

Thank you,