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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
larry5729's avatar
larry5729
1,008 posts
 
I love my BlueSound Node 2i.  The dealer talked me in to adding a ProJect S2 DAC and I felt the bass sounded thin.  I sold the DAC on Audiogon for half price.  I still would like to hear crisper highs.  Maybe it is time for new speakers.  I stream Tidal and love it.  I would be curious to hear some more expensive DAC’s.  However I think the difference in sound quality is like splitting hairs.  I think there must be a time when you say enough is enough and be satisfied with what you have.

What still amazes me is how very few people own a stereo system.  A realtor has been sending me listings of homes on the market in our area for years and I yet to speakers in any of their rooms.  People buy $7,000 entertainment cabinets with a wide screen TV and they are listening to the speakers on their TV.  You have got to be kidding me.  A lot of these homes are on the market for over $1 million.
varchard
39 posts
 
My advice is to send your node 2i back, and get the Cambridge Audio CXN V2 which has a good dac built in.  It runs about $1k and includes your dac and streamer
vinylzone OP
288 posts
 
My advice is to send your node 2i back, and get the Cambridge Audio CXN V2 which has a good dac built in. It runs about $1k and includes your dac and streamer
Not an option, it doesn't support Amazon HD, only SD via chromecast.  The wife is used to Amazon, and I'd get all kinds of grief if she had to learn other interfaces.  The wife and technology don't mix well.
mattyc73
2 posts
 
I’ve had two Node 2’s feeding several DACs ... and have used them in two separate systems, one a CJ preamp/amp setup into Focal 1028be’s, the other a secondary system feeding into a Rogue Integrated Sphinx V3 into Monitor Audio Silver 200s. 
I started with the Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ (which is great but out of your desired price range), a dragonfly cobalt (which has no business being used for anything other than iPhone or computer speaker use), a Topping D70s, and an RME Adi-2 DAC fs (the latest one with the upgraded chipset)...
While everyone’s ear and system is different, I think the Topping is very good bang for the buck - no distortion, good detail and excellent transparency (and perfect for my smaller system) though lacks the depth, staging of the Mytek or RME. As for the others, I had the Mytek for 3 yrs and loved it but just did my own side by side in my CJ/focal setup comparing the Mytek and the RME and I have to say, the two are sonically very close. The Mytek may win a bit on soundstage but the RME wins on clarity of detail. Again, both are great and very very close performance wise. And the RME has more features and ability to fine tune, which takes a while to get the hang of but I enjoy those benefits. Which led me to sell my Mytek, and I got hundreds more back for what I paid for my new RME... !
net, try different DACs and see what suits you... but RME is fantastic especially for the price. Hope that helps!
anton99
54 posts
 
My Node 2i runs through a Neko Audio D100 MKII; that DAC is available with balanced or unbalanced outs, and I think it's currently available for $1000 (normally $1500). My integrated amp is a Belles Aria, and I use Amazon HD.

For what you are looking for, I don't know that spending any more would be prudent. I'm very pleased with using the streamer to discover new things, and some selections sound fabulous (try "Harry Belafonte Sings the Blues"). I play cd's and vinyl more, but the Node is a steal of a deal. Simple to use, and I've had no trouble with the interface.
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