2. digital
  3. 158081-141526

BlueSound Node 2i > RME ADI2 DAC > NAD 316 BEE v2 > Dali Rubicon 5 (volume too high)

Hey guys,

This might be a silly question but I'd really appreciate if you can help me understand this issue or the lack thereof.

Listed above is my system/chain. I have 3 units with pre-amp (Node, RME DAC and NAD amp).  So what should the volume on my Node and RME Dac if I want the NAD to be the main control?

Currently, I have it at Full Volume (0 db) on the Node and RME.  However, I can't seem to go past 9 o clock position on my NAD or it simply gets too loud.

Is this normal?  If so, I don't think I'll ever need a more powerful amplifier?  I am able to drive a pair of Dali Rubicon 5s (considered power hungry) with this entry level NAD.  I was considering upgrading the amp but wonder if it would make any difference at all?  
prashanth13485
adg101
1,062 posts
 
Isn’t digital out on the streamer a fixed signal, meaning there’s no volume control? 

prashanth13485 OP
51 posts
 
@adg101 - Not really, I am able to use the volume control on the node unless i selected volume output fixed. 
prashanth13485 OP
51 posts
 
coz of this thread, I stumbled upon the differences between optical and coaxial cables.  it seems that unless I use a glass fiber optical cable, the SQ won't be as good as a decent coaxial.  Looks like that might be an opportunity to improve the overall performance of my system :)
adg101
1,062 posts
 
I use a Nordost Silver Shadow between my Bluesound Vault 2 or Cambridge 851C to the RME. Great cable and they are still available new at a pretty decent discount. I’m very happy with it.

https://www.musicdirect.com/cables/nordost-silver-shadow-digital-cable-anordss10mr

I’ll have to check on my Vault 2 as I don’t recall ever messing with volume settings when going digital out but just figured it’s like a transport and the volume is fixed but maybe I did as it’s been awhile.

I also changed out the power cable on the Bluesound too and if you look at my system I have a picture of the cable I made from VH Audio. The PC made a nice improvement as well. Using the same type of PC on the power supply to the RME as well... again it improved things.

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,797 posts
 
Just ordered a RME DAC to pair with my Vault 2i..... can't wait !  


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