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Got a Node 2i, what's next?

So, I admit that I'm not much of a digital guy.  I ordered an Node 2i for the main HT system mostly for Amazon HD.  Much better than roku --> Denon AVR-X3600.  I liked it so much I ordered another for my previously all analog 2 channel system.

It's not bad, and convenient. Not even close to vinyl on the same release and level matched recordings, but then again, I didn't expect it to be.  I keep reading about how you can easily improve the sound by adding in an external DAC.  Here's where I get confused.

I don't want to spend a lot on a DAC, because at best it's a secondary source.  I'd feel comfortable in the $500 - $1000 range, but I'm really confused over the options and how they relate to sound quality.

First, r/2r vs I guess delta sigma?  What are the sonic advantages of either, there are widely differing opinions there.  I understand how each works from reading around, but how does it relate to sound quality?

Second, multibit vs whatever else.  Same basic questions, what are the basic sound characteristics of each?

Third, oversampling or no.

And lastly, what bitrate/bit depth is considered adequate?  24/192 seems to be standard but some dacs only have 24/128 over optical.  Will this make any difference real world with HD streaming?  I also have an old NAD cd player with coax digital out I might want to hook up for kicks.

I've researched three so far, the Denefrips Ares II, , the Schiit offerings below $1K, and the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M.  I would like to have balanced outputs to keep the digital circuitry as far away from the analog stuff as possible.

Thanks in advance for your answers.



vinylzone
helicoptank
4 posts
 
+1 to all the people who suggested upgrading the power chord.

i’m also a vinyl focused listener who uses a Node2i for streaming. Any of the DACs suggested will improve the sound but the PC that comes with the Node2i is exceptionally flimsy and thin. Swapping it out was one of the best bang for the buck upgrades i’ve ever heard. 

no need to spend much of your budget on it. around $100 will do. i got a $130 Shunyata Venom cause that’s what my dealer had in stock. I heard improvement throughout the frequency spectrum but especially in the low end. More extension and clarity there. 
hifijunky
126 posts
 
I have a Node 2i. It hooked to my router with a Cat 8 cable. Digital coax out to Esoteric K-05x with DH Labs 750 cable. I am using Amazon HD which works well with the Bluos app. The ease of trying albums, I have not heard before is great. From what I have read SQ is much better with Qobus. Which I may try in the future. Some albums sound pretty good but comparing SQ with their vinyl or cd equivalents it's not even close.   
tennisdoc56
128 posts
 
In this subject, how do you rate the node as a streamer.   I have the bluos module in my NAD integrated.  I assume that the onboard dac of the integrated is doing the conversions.   Just ordered a stand alone R to r dac.  Is there a price value relationship in the streamer?
tennisdoc56
128 posts
 
In this subject, how do you rate the node as a streamer.   I have the bluos module in my NAD integrated.  I assume that the onboard dac of the integrated is doing the conversions.   Just ordered a stand alone R to r dac.  Is there a price value relationship in the streamer?
vinylzone OP
288 posts
 
Frankly, I get a laugh from the guys who buy low bucks for digital because it couldn't be as good, and then of course it isn't because they bought entry level stuff and hooked it up with whatever they had left over lying around, because they didn't want to spend money there either.
Seriously, I have no opinion on how good digital can be because at this point I just don't care.  FYI, I have already replaced the power cords (I build my own).  I'm using the same interconnect between the node and my preamp as I am between the Herron and the preamp, also DIY.  I've been making my own cables since the 90's, and even sold some of them back then to other audiophiles.

At this point, I just want the digital setup to not give me a headache after an hour, so I can use it for background music or to check out some new music.  Maybe sometime in the future I'll look at digital seriously.  Maybe not.
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