DAC/Pre-Amp Advice

I (and several others on these threads) have ordered the recently released LHY power supply and LPS upgrade for the Node 130; the cost is $280 for both at Beatecknik. I have not received mine yet, and even when I do it will be a while until I have the time to get them installed and do any comparison......at least a month. The link to order is here

OP, until you get the room as close to "right" as possible (see the graph I posted) money on electronics is like putting lipstick on a pig as they say. You gotta measure AND listen, not one or the other. Get the room right first. That includes speaker positioning, room treatment, and DSP.

I think the NAD C-658 checks the boxes on a DAC upgrade to the Node and adding DIRAC to the mix.

@soix I can easily bring them out from the wall a bit more, but getting them closer is going to be difficult because my TV console is what is separating them. I'll see what I can do when I get home from work.

@daledeee1 

Currently running WIFI, which I'm gathering is a big no no based on a couple of the other comments. I have a router not too far away, so a wired connection shouldn't be difficult.

@ronboco & ​​@vthokie83 

This is a completely new thing to me. What benefits would a linear power supply provide? Just clean up noise?

@adg101 

Your advice is noted. While I have been a fan of REL in the past, and sold many of them, my AMP sadly doesn't support the high level input feature on their subs. This is why I had settled on SVS, mostly because of the solid app support to help tweaking the sub to be a bit easier. I'll look into JL Audio, as I haven't had the pleasure of listening to their stuff yet.

@kota1 

I think you are right on the C-658, it is definitely going to be and upgrade from the Node, but I think it will most likely be my fall back option. I'm interested in doing a bit more research before throwing in the towel.

Thank you all so much for the responses. You all are really opening my eyes to so many different things I don't know if I could have gleaned by watching videos and sifting through forums myself.

@chuck_tamu 

Its a little hard to pin it down. I believe it did clean up the noise.  The music was clearer with more detail and a blacker background. I was pleasantly surprised at the result myself. 

When you get the ethernet hooked up, I would recommend a EMI/RF filter.  The Netwotk acoustics ENO or MUON would be excellent.  I have $50 Dx Engineering  ones.