I started without external DAC…sounded good…then Added ares II…sorta sounded better but not big difference….added external power supply…no difference but it looks cool…upgraded DAC to Pontus II and immediate sound quality upgrade. Well worth it. You mileage may vary but that’s my journey…
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- 48 posts total
My experience of the Node N130 mirrors that of @daveinpa when combined with the Ares II. But very much a case of "ymmv", and very subjective. I sold my Ares II and later upgraded the Node with a power supply upgrade kit and external PSU - which made a pleasantly surprising improvement. This can be done relatively inexpensively, especially the kit from PD Creative in Poland. Even if you bypass the Node's DAC, the PS upgrade still benefits. I'm now using a direct sale, hand made DAC from a tiny 2 man operation in England - NJC Audio. A lovely neutral DAC with great clarity.
Good luck with your journey 👍 |
- 48 posts total