2. digital
  3. 182006-133116

Can a Bluesound Node's Streamer Be Bypassed and be used as an External Dac?

Can I bypass the streamer on the Bluesound Node and use it as an external DAC?

I just bought a Aurrender N200 streamer.  It's current paired with an older external DAC.  I can barely listen to my system now because of ear fatigue!  The higher frequencies are shrill!  Previously, I used the Bluesound Node and enjoyed it and could listen and moderate volume levels for hours. 

I want to confirm that it's the older DAC is the problem.  Can I bypass the streamer on the Bluesound Node and use it as an external DAC?

Thanks!

 

malatu
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,980 posts
 

So are you using a format that is only 16/44k?   Most of those early DACs were not even capable of a full 16 bits of resolution anyway.   Digital has come a long way, if you are auditioning the N200 and can exchange it for an A200 I am sure you would find that is sounded great with Qobuz or Tidal

The N200 is worthy of a great DAC so if you pair a modern DAC with it I am pretty sure you will like it 

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,980 posts
 

I went from a Vault to the N200 and thought it was a nice upgrade.   

jerryg123's avatar
jerryg123
3,429 posts
 

You need to upgrade to a new DAC.

jond's avatar
jond
5,894 posts
 

I’d buy a cheap reasonable Dac like an Ifi, Schitt, Topping or something off Amazon that you can get ASAP for under $200 to give you something listenable as you search for a suitable good Dac.

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,980 posts
 

Wow , that Sony DAC was $1800 in 85 , over over $5k in today's dollars. 

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