Bluesound 2i coaxial output sound quality

Agree completely with geof3 and jjww49, my combination of a Node 2i with an external Bel Canto DAC 3 sounds superb and I find the both the Bluesound OS and the Tidal Connect app very well designed and reliable.

It's worth looking into upgrading the power board with PD Creative and power supply with Sbooster. The high noise floor of the stock Node 2i streams lo-fi at best, even with an external dac.

better DAC will definitely improve the sound, but wouldn't spend too much, as the streamer itself will limit sound quality...I use mine with Denafrips Ares ll , but wouldn't spend more than that (it's about $800 new )...

I plan on using a Cary 306/200 cdp

 

 

@wlutke ,

Will adding $500 worth of upgrades to a $500 streamer give you better than a $1000 streamer?  I bought the new Node and got a bad one and sent it back and am waiting for a replacement. As I am waiting, I’m wondering if I could do better.

All the best.

JD