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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
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
5,629 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.


anotherbob's avatar
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anotherbob
344 posts
 
You might want to think about Qobuz instead of Tidal, better SQ and no worries about MQA decoding, also same price now, too.
guy-incognito's avatar
guy-incognito
169 posts
 
I would say dont worry about MQA decoding on your DAC purchase. If you find a DAC you like that has it, great, but I wouldn't make it a necessity. I have a Node 2i and a Benchmark DAC 2 HGC. Prior to the Benchmark I really thought MQA was impressive coming direct from the Node. After adding the Benchmark though, everything sounds good. I use Tidal and Qobuz with everything from CD quality, hi-res and MQA tracks. They all sound fantastic. I now wonder if the MQA tracks have a volume boost (or some other trickery) when played direct through the Node to make them seem more impressive.
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