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DACs to look at?

I have been thinking of adding an Anthem STR or McIntosh 2600 to my system....but music is always going to be third on my list: movies and gaming will always be first. I realized that's a lot of money to spend. I currently use a BS Node 2i, running RCA to a Marantz 8805, which is connected to a Krell amp. In the next month, I'll be switching to an ATI 7 channel, and might eventually go to Anthem for processing. But, I'm looking to make my 2 channel just sound "better." I like the BS, but I'm never wowed w/ the sound from music. It sounds really good, but I've heard friends w/ my same speakers (JTR 212RT) say music is jaw dropping for them. I'm just curious if there's some DACs I should look at? Ive been reading about Schitt, they seem to make some good stuff. Ideally, I'll connect the DAC to the BS and use the Node for its OS and streaming....and I'm assuming an upgraded/better DAC will make everything sound louder/cleaner/etc.

Please let me know your suggestions - and if I"m way off base!
ethos4lyfe
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
4,119 posts
 
I just picked up the RME ADI -2 fs DAC and it is awesome!!!   To my ears it is better than the NAD M51 it is replacing.  The bass quality is the best I've ever experienced at home.  It is so clear and has great detail without ever being in your face or harsh.   I connected my Samsung Tab A to it's USB and pressed play on Qobuz and it played 24/192 tracks no problem and sounded fantastic.     The DAC actually locked on when I plugged the USB into the tab.  It says USB Disconnected when unplugged along with many other status and  fault messages.   The feature set is unlike anything on hifi / consumer DACs.   5 selectable digital filters, balance, bass treble, EQ,   four selectable output levels along with "auto reference" level. 20 preset memory for all of the above features to be stored. 

It has an excellent volume control, which sounds virtually step-less much like the NAD but unlike the NAD the guys at RME were smart enough to put a front panel volume knob on it.

I have not used it to drive a power amp ... it is the digital  front end of an all tube system , but who knows I might try it.

Worth every penny.  System has never sounded better
ethos4lyfe's avatar
ethos4lyfe OP
74 posts
 
@oddiofyl interesting....you're the second person to recommenced it. I guess I would just run the optical from the BS into this device? I could use the BS for streaming/OS and use this for the DAC...there are other options as well I'm sure. 
mahler123
3,531 posts
 
Almost any DAC you add will best the Node2.  Define your budget and then try to get a trial listen in your system when you’ve narrowed the field
ethos4lyfe's avatar
ethos4lyfe OP
74 posts
 
@mahler123 yea that's what im trying to figure out. I move in a month or two, so might just wait - room acoustics will be much different and I'll have a better idea of what ill be looking for. I'm mainly a HT guy, but the gold note ds-10 sure looks like. Its close to $3K though
adg101
1,063 posts
 
Many vendors have a refund policy on RME such as B&H Photo. You’ll have to call to get a discount but they will... I think I paid $1099 for mine. I would suggest from your Node to run coax over the optical. The RME will pounce all over the DAC in the Node... not even in the same ballpark or State. The RME is a killer DAC, but later add a Teddy Pardo power supply for $398 and it takes it to another level. Start with the RME only and if you don’t like it, return it but don’t be surprised if you keep it. Even out of the box it kicked my other players so don’t worry about not having enough time during the trial for the RME to sound great. Good luck.
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