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Interconnect cable recommendations for Node 2i and DAC

I just purchased a Node 2i and I am really enjoying it. I plan on adding a DAC later this year. I am currently using a pair of Kimber Hero with WBT RCA's going into my Classe Preamp. I am also using Hero XLR between my Classe CA151 and and Pre. The Hero's going to the Node 2i are a little short for where I want to place it, so if I am going to get a different pair maybe now is the time to think about something different. If I had to say anything about the system right now its a touch bright, but that could be the Nodes DAC. Any suggestions in the $250 -$300 range on interconnects? I have a Kimber D60 digital cable that I can use when I get the DAC but I want a nice interconnect that could work now with the Node or the DAC when I get it.

128x128jmphotography
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
i suggest more basic cables... you should save the extra money to upgrade your equipment when you are ready for the next move (e.g. a DAC)

get basic interconnects from tuneful cables or blue jeans or many other reasonable cable makers
adg101
1,062 posts
 
I don’t have a Node, but the Vault and I don’t find the internal DAC to be bright... if anything it’s not as revealing as a really good DAC. Definitely recommend purchasing a separate DAC later. You mentioned your Node sounds bright so I’m curious what streaming service are you using as that might be the issue more than cables or the Node. Your Kimbers are good cables and I don’t find those models bright. The DAC in the Node is good and you’re going to have to spend more than $250-300 to better it I think. Spotify Premium is the minimum to start with for sound quality and Tidal HiFi is noticeably better. If you’re using basic Spotify that could be the problem.
raindog69
14 posts
 
Agreed with the previous comment. Take that money and buy a DAC now - you'll hear more differences with, for instance, a Topping D30 sitting between the Node 2i and your amp than you will spending that money on cables. I've got a Topping D90 with my Node 2i and it's a noticeable improvement all around.
jmphotography's avatar
jmphotography OP
161 posts
 
Thanks everyone, it makes sense. I am listening to Tidal mostly and really enjoy the MQA recordings, so I guess I would need a DAC that does MQA? I will still need slightly longer RCA cables to get the Node or eventual DAC away from the preamp, right now its on top. I should have no problem selling the pair of Hero RCA's with the WBT connector, I just need a longer pair to move the equipment as well as a DAC.
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,556 posts
 
Putting the cart before the horse?
DAC first, then cables. Cheap stuff is sufficient to find a DAC you can live with.
Only THEN can you determine the appropriate $$ allocation for ICs.
Morrow or Audio Envy should be plenty.
Both are better than my Kimbers for me.
Morrow balanced (on sale) are THE best value around.


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