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External DAC?

Hey guys,

Here's my current setup:  Node 2i > Marantz PM KI Ruby > Dynaudio Special 40.

I am considering getting an external DAC and bypass the Node's DAC.   I have seen great reviews for the Topping D90 but the MQA only works via USB (node 2i doesn't have usb out).  Not that big of a concern because I can always use Qobuz HiRes instead and to be honest, I can't tell much of a difference on most tracks.

Anyway, is the Topping D90 a worthy upgrade to the node 2i?  Or should I spend more and go for the trusted Chord Qutest?  I will be stretching my budget with the Chord but I am to wait and save up if it is worth it.  Any other DACs in this price range?

Please advise! 
prashanth13485
big_greg
6,622 posts
 
I added a $3500 (when new) DAC (Auralic Vega) to my Node 2 and it sounded better, but I would not go so far as to say it "outperformed it substantially).  It sounded better.  Replacing the streamer and DAC of the Node 2 with a TEAC NT-505 was a much bigger jump in sound quality.  I also considered Lumin's streamer/DAC products or getting a separate streamer and using the Auralic with it.

The Node 2i is built to a price point and performs admirably at that price point.  I don't understand why people don't think the streamer matters and that adding a marginally better DAC to a $500 streamer/DAC is going to substantially improve sound quality.
jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
big greg’s statement and experience notwithstanding...

i replaced my node 2i with brooklyn, auralic and lumin streamers (3-4x cost of the node) running SPDIF BNC into the same DACs I had at that time -- Chord Qutest, MHDT Stockholm, Schiit Bifrost MB, Metrum Octave, RME ADI2, Jolida Tube DAC

SQ improvement of a more expensive streamer was hardly noticeable (say 0-1 on a 10 pt scale)
SQ improvement of any of those DACs over the analog output of Node 2i (3-4 on a 10 pt scale)

my system, my internet feed, streaming tidal masters and quboz HR, my ears, my experience

your mileage may vary
jl35
3,976 posts
 
some love the Topping some don’t, some think most DAC’s pretty much sound the same, some think they sound very different...but older high end DAC’s can often be had on the cheap...
rocray's avatar
rocray
1,448 posts
 
I have two systems,the main system has a Node 2i. I’m running that through an April Music DA100 stello signature. I prefer the April over the 2i’s DAC. More detail,and way bigger,and holographic soundstage. The second system has a Node 2. That is running through a Beresford Bushmaster. Very inexpensive. I still prefer that over the 2’s DAC. A little punchier,and again a much larger,holographic soundstage. YMMV. 
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,377 posts
 
“I don’t understand why people don’t think the streamer matters and that adding a marginally better DAC to a $500 streamer/DAC is going to substantially improve sound quality.”

+1, @big_greg.
Go for a better DAC now and later upgrade the streamer. Explore high quality offerings Lumin, Innuos and Aurender.
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