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
stevencason
93 posts
 
Just a tip  on the optical cable. 
Before plugging into the target component make sure you can see light coming from the cable.  If you don't see any you won't get a signal.
larry5729's avatar
larry5729
1,008 posts
 
The real question is do you like the sound better after adding the external DAC?  In my case, I preferred the Node 2i played by itself without the DAC.  The DAC made things sound thinner.  Probably has something to do with the quality of the DAC.  I also can hear a slight sound difference when playing MQA.  Could be the Emperors New Cloths phenomenon.  Wonder if anyone in this group notices a better sound stage when unfolding MQA entirely?  Be curious what you hear using the Qutest that you don't hear playing the Node 2i by itself.  So much to learn.  So much to spend to hear 1% to 2% more.  Only thing I need is more money and a wife that will allow me to continue to spend more money.  So far the biggest sound difference was adding a pair of REL S2 SHO subwoofers.  Once dialing them in, the sound stages becomes so much bigger.
twoch
429 posts
 
Marv,   did you D L the driver with the Qutest 
invalid
1,209 posts
 
I believe the  usb port on the node2 is for diagnosis not for output. Try a coaxial cable.
jfarkash OP
9 posts
 
@larry5729 
I'm curious about the MQA comparison myself, whether the Node 2 will "do better" with its built-in DAC that's optimized for MQA. As soon as I get everything in place with the right cables and such, I'm going to do a direct comparison of the two DACs regarding MQA. Still waiting on some cables, but should be soon...
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