How To Connect a DAC?

Keep and use the Node 3. Trying to add a separate DAC is a futile endeavor at best. For real sound improvement buy a better pair of speakers. Don't pay attention to the audiophools who spend thousands on DAC's and streamers!

@jasonbourne52 You’re patently out of your mind.  What DAC and streamer are you using that supposedly can’t be improved upon?

^that^ Might be a bit premature.

We probably would want to know what active speakers are being used before we would know if the Streamer/DAC is the long pole in the tent or not.

And budget comes into play here. If we are comparing some $30k DAC to a $300 DAC then that assumes that we are also not playing the $30k DAC through $300 speakers.

While I would generally opt for the better speakers over a DAC… maybe headphones could help the OP make an assessment on the DACs if there are places that have them locally?
(I believe that it should be easier to carry the Node3 to the local DAC shop… and that removes the room and the speakers from the assessment.)

Thx!  Here’s more information.

My active speakers are BeoLab 8000’s.  My room is 20’ x 40’ with mostly hard surfaces, but also broken up by furniture, protruding bookshelves, etc.  The only option for treatment is ceiling absorbent panels.  I’ve already added a Pardo LPS and found improvement in SQ.  I’m just looking for the next step up in SQ.  Mostly I’d like more detail and nuance in vocals.  My budget is up to the cost of a Pontus II or Gustard R26.

I’m cautious because others have said that adding an Aires II to the NODE made no difference.  I know it’s a risk that I will get little or no improvement.  I’m in a smaller city with only a Best Buy nearby.

I’d be surprised if you didn’t hear an improvement with either the Pontus ll or Gustard (BTW you can read very good, in-depth reviews of both at soundnews.net to help make a decision).  Another good option and a bit cheaper is the Musician Pegasus (that I currently own), which is very close in design and performance to the Pontus ll and also reviewed on the same site mentioned above.  BTW, whatever DAC you choose, don’t skimp on the digital cable as it does make a big difference.  Best of luck. 

@tcotruvo 

@audiotroy has offered the simplest way to resolve your query. Use the SPDIF coaxial output of your Node to the coaxial input of the Dac you purchase. From there use the unbalanced rca outs from the Dac to each respective speaker. The wiring to your subs would remain as you have it now.

designsfx

OK, the DAC’s I mentioned have 2 unbalanced RCA Outs, a R and a L. I have 2 speakers and 2 subs to connect to them. That was my question….how do I do that? Are you suggesting that I connect the 2 speakers to the DAC, and leave the 2 subs plugged in to the Sub Out on the NODE? So in that case the lowest frequencies wouldn’t go through the DAC.