Bluesound 2i coaxial output sound quality

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

 

there is an endless debate about the importance of the streamer itself, though there seems to be agreement that the DAC in the 2i is not very good...

@curiousjim , That's a very good question. Sorry, I haven't heard a $1000 streamer in my system so I can't answer it. I broke into streaming at entry level with the Node 2i and then the newest Node. I do like the OS and especially the remote. It has finer volume adjustment than my pre, allows me to surf preset radio stations, mute, pause, skip and can switch me from Spotify to radio. I have $1700 invested in an MHDT Orchid, new Node Sbooster power supply and power board upgrade. For $2200 including Node I think I would get a different flavor of sound and different OS in a streaming dac. Maybe someone who has done the upgrades and moved on can comment. Certainly the upgrades seriously shame the stock Node as a streamer.