Next best exponential DAC quality level?

@mapman,

I am not sure that is targeted at me or others, but one must first assess who you are in conflict with. I seem to be in "conflict" with a small but very vocal set of people. Others have applauded me, and based on their other posts, I care more about their acceptance, than about those "in conflict".

You have heard the, attributed to Japanese culture, "The nail that sticks out highest, is the first to be hammered down". Did you know that came from a taoist proverb, 木秀於林，風必摧之?  Which translates, not by me, to "The tree that grows tallest, will always be the first to be toppled by the winds". This proverb is not saying "don't be the tallest tree", it is a cautionary tale, that if you are the tallest tree, which is viewed as the best tree, to be prepared. Do you want to be the Bristlecone pine, that while the longest lived, no one cares about and no one goes to see, or do you want to be the Giant Sequoia that lives almost as long, but which people plan trips around and have on their bucket list? History is full of people who changed the world, and who had to go through a lot of "conflict with others" to get there.

Legend 😁

Yes well when one is a new kid on the block it is usually a good idea to not make too many enemies. Some people are better at that than others but it is no doubt a good strategy for success. Too much conflict never ends well. It’s a failure plain out. Better for a wise man to learn how to get along with others for the benefit of all. Of course it’s an imperfect world so one can only strive with the knowledge that some things are out of one’s control. But many are not. Like how you treat and respect others including those with differing views.

If accused falsely I would merely clearly deny it. If it persists after that then one has done their part and can only move on. Best to not get caught up in constant pissing contests. It’s a bad look for all! No winners.

Just my opinion…..

I am in a transition of my system and was stuck with just the Dac inside the Node 2 for a few weeks. It sounded pretty descent. Locally just bought a Burson Composer 3xp. No contest. Could I pass a blind test? Yes I believe I easily could. Could tell from the 1st 10 seconds. Wish I still had my RME to compare. I liked that one as well. 

@mofojo 

The Node 2 is a bit of a black sheep. I had one too. I think a lot of us did. If you said you passed a blind test, I would not be one to be discounting it. It not only measures not very well, but I was convinced that the performance was variable. I think I read that someone showed it was susceptible to inter-sample overs, but I could never be bothered to find out. My son is quite happy with it now.

I know a lot of people who own RME products. They are really solid. I don't have any experience with the Burson.