How To Connect a DAC?

How do you think a separate DAC will help?
If it sounds good, then there could be other places where you might more benefits.

Do your active speakers have any room correction stuff built in?

Ideas:

I note that my DAC has only XLRs and what looks like a TRS, so one would need an XLR to RCA adapter… or maybe run the XLR to the speakers and the TRS wired to goto the subs.

I would think that XLRs would be better to go direct to you active speakers if they have XLR inputs, and then use the TRS or RCA to go to the subs. That assumes that they are both active at the same time.

And it would be even better if you can apply parametric EQ setting to the TRS/RCA outputs, and then you could do a bit of assistance on the sub to get a better and more even response, independent of what goes to the active speakers.

^That^ sort assumes that you abide a DAC with EQ capability.

I am cautiously optimistic that a separate DAC will sound better.

My speakers do not have any room correction.  Nor do they have XLR inputs.  Sub 1 has XLR inputs.  Sub 2 is connected via wireless transmitter which does not have XLR inputs.

I am cautiously optimistic that a separate DAC will sound better.

I doubt it… but I am not an optimist 😀
If you could describe what is lacking, or how it could be better then it can be easier to determine whether it might be better than the NODE 3.

My speakers do not have any room correction.  Nor do they have XLR inputs.  Sub 1 has XLR inputs.  Sub 2 is connected via wireless transmitter which does not have XLR inputs.

I would suspect that REW and a UMIK might be worthwhile.

The DAC I have has a few PEQs that can be used for equalisation.
I could pretty easily believe that you could get a notable improvement by implementing some EQ without too much optimism. And particularly so in the bass.

I would suggest you avoid a DAC solely as a DAC, unless it also gives you some EQ options.

But I would also suggest you await some more learned suggestions.

If you had a stunningly good room, then maybe a different DAC would be better, or be different… but I do not know your room, nor your NODE 3, so it is at best just a guess.

Have you experimented with sub placement in your room?

What’s the rest of your equipment and budget for a DAC?

@tcotruvo There is no issue with using RCA splitters to go to both your active speakers and subs.

There are many DACs that will be better than the one inside of the Node 3. It you’re not planning to invest thousands, you should just look into Node mods like the linear power supply upgrade and others that will improve the sound of the Node 3 itself. If you are planning to invest thousands, you may as well spend double and move on from the Node 3 on a dedicated streamer as it will bring even more clarity into the delivery. Of course, you can always get a good DAC first and upgrade to a better streamer down the road.