2. digital
  3. 161247-88562

I DON'T GET IT!!!!!!

Hi,

I just purchased a Chord Qutest to add to my system: Heed Elixir integrated amp and Bluesound Node 2. The amp and the Node 2 work fine together using the internal DAC of the Node 2, but when I try to hook up the Qutest, I get no sound from the speakers. I initially tried connecting the Qutest to the Node 2 by USB, but then read that Bluesound players do not support digital audio output via USB. So then I tried an optical connection between the two (because it was the only other cord I had handy), and that didn't work either. I can try a coaxial cable, but I don't have one on hand, and also am confused about exactly how a coaxial cable connects to the Qutest and Node 2.

A diagram showing the entire hookup between all the components would be really helpful, but can't find one anywhere. Looking on Youtube and elsewhere has yielded no helpful information. I'm guessing this may be an easy fix, but am lost at the moment. I would really appreciate it if there is anyone in Audiogon land that could help me out with this nagging problem. Thanks!
jfarkash
jfarkash OP
9 posts
 
OK, so I was able to get the system working through the optical inputs. I'm guessing maybe one wasn't completely connected, although I checked them a few times, so who knows. 

@infoseeker 
What I see in the settings (under "Audio") is an 'Audio clock trim' toggle that mentions disabling it when using an external DAC that can't handle adjustments to the audio clock. I'm guessing the Qutest can probably handle this fine, but don't really know as there's no further info. Also, I see an 'MQA external DAC' toggle, but it's greyed out. 

At least it's actually working now, which was the main problem. But yeah, optimizing it for this setup is something I'll keep exploring. Thank you for the suggestion.
adg101
1,062 posts
 
@jfarkash 
Try the Audio Clock Trim off and to on to hear what you prefer. My RME can hand it it on or off just fine too but I hear a slight improvement with it off, a little more relax more analog I’d say. Also might want to on your node go to volume fix and just control volume through your integrated. Lastly if you’re using the stock power cord on your Node, get an aftermarket one and if you can run a Ethernet cable direct and not WiFi. Supra makes a really good Cat8 cable. Both the power cable and Ethernet connection/cable will improve the Node and let your Chord stretch its legs which will blow the DAC inside your Node away... should not even be close. Have fun.
billzame
69 posts
 
Digital connections are not the same as analog connections.  If analog cables are not connected quite right, the sound may be distorted; if digital cables are not connected quite right, there may be no sound at all.  It sounds like your optical cables were not connected quite right.
plaw
86 posts
 
The optical cables have been known to break pretty easily - they are plastic - could have been there is a break in the cable.  You need the BNC to RCA adapter if you want to use coaxial cable for the Qutest (not sure if one is in the Qutest package or not, I do not think so).  I had that same setup for a while.  It is best to use a coax cable, but you can use a regular RCA cable until you can get to the store - but you will still need the BNC to RCA adapter to put on the Qutest.
mwinkc
368 posts
 
I have a Node 2i.
I've used RCA out to a preamp and also used coax and optical out to an external DAC.
No settings changes were required. 
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