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
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. 
jfarkash OP
9 posts
 
@adg101 
@plaw
Great advice and recommendations, thanks so much. Will try all and see how it goes. Even just getting the Qutest connected with the optical I can hear some change in the sound...a slight widening of the soundstage being the most prominent. So I'm guessing using the coax cable, along with a Cat8 and adjusting more of the Node 2's settings will render more substantial improvement in the sound. 

@billzame 
Yup, I think you're right, that was probably the initial problem
hshifi
572 posts
 
Hello,
Maybe resettling the node if you can. Definitely upgrade the cables as your budget can allow. Drop the optical or toslink and go to Coax/ BnC and the network cable. Nordost purple or audio quest should do the job. One thing at a time. If the sound does not improve rerun it and spend your dollars elsewhere. 
jfarkash OP
9 posts
 
@hshifi 
That sounds good, am definitely gonna get a Coax/BnC cable and will look into Nordost and Audio Quest. Thanks for the recommendation.
adg101
1,062 posts
 
Very happy with my Nordost Silver Shadow RCA/BNC. As far as a power cord for your Node I purchased the parts from VH Audio and built my own with their two conductor shielded power cable, tied the shield to the wall plug. For plugs I went with Furutech. Take you less than an hour to put it together. Big step up from the stock PC.
More to discover