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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
 
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 !  


adg101
1,062 posts
 
@oddiofyl 
You will be surprised how much better the RME is over your Vault... it’s not even close but it’s only going to be as good as the cables you use. Right out the box the RME sounded great. 
RME claims changing the power supply will not make a difference but I contacted Teddy Pardo and they have sold their PS to RME owners and they state it does indeed improve things so I ordered.one and can’t wait to hear for myself. Will report my findings when it shows up.

Congratulations on your purchase as you’re buying a great little DAC. It’s a complex unit but I run min as a DAC only with everything set to fix so no volume, Eq, tone control, loudness, and etc. If you haven watched the videos on RME’s website for setup I would recommend that as well.
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,797 posts
 
I'm currently using a NAD M51 which is pretty good , I'm on the fence whether to sell it.  I think I'm just going to keep it for the heart of a 2.1 system in my tv room in the near future
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,797 posts
 
I started digesting the manual... this thing is incredible.  I mainly bought this for its feature set and its ability to apply crossfeed to my headphone amp.   I also bought it on the advice of several people in pro audio circles that had direct experience with RME dacs.

Hopefully it's not a lateral move, the NAD is a great sounding DAC, but its dated.  I love gadgets so this unit should keep me busy playing with all of its features.
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