How To Connect a DAC?

@soix

You make some very good points!  As to some degree I’m taking a shot in the dark, I never thought about buying new and returning if it’s not worthwhile.  I’ll have to see if the ‘return’ is to China, as shipping could get expensive.

I seriously considered the Gustard R26 on sale - but it is a lot of money for me.  Also a return either because it was faulty or I didn’t like it would be to China, and no way am I going to take a risk on international shipping of an expensive electronic item.  So, I bought a used SMSL M400.  I’ll try it and learn something. If/when it goes, I will be out very little.  My thinking is that new purchases should be a step up from the rest of my equipment, but a whole flight of stairs might be a waste of money.

Well, I bought the SMSL M400 thinking, ‘it costs more than the entire NODE, and is bigger that the NODE, so as a DAC only it must be better than the little DAC in the NODE.’  This is what my untrained ear noticed with the new DAC:

More bass - too much - I’ll turn down the subs

More detail

A wider difference in loudness between the quiet and loud passages

The little errors in music like swipes on a guitar are more noticeable.

Ending notes hang on longer as decay.

So, I like the new DACand will experiment to get the sound better for my taste and ears.