DAC/Pre-Amp Advice

@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.  

Just did a little upgrading. Hagerman Trumpet preamp. Fed by Swagman LPS.

Black ice DAC. Put together a set of open baffle speakers . Caintuck and Lii audio.

Also a new pair of Fritz Carbon 7's. Still have 30 year old Klipsch Fortes . Depending on what I listen to sometimes the music almost encircles me.

Chuck_Tamu,

The issue with the Node (even the 130) is that it is trying to be a jack of all trades at an extremely reasonable price. You've got class leading software development, streaming, DAC, power supplies, etc all in a $600 package.....all aspects cannot be state of the art, costs must be saved.

Lot's of Node owners have opted for a linear power supply (LPS) upgrade package, and report excellent results (blacker background, soundstage width, imaging, greater clarity)....the most common one I believe is the Teddy Pardo kit which comes in at $500 to $550 depending on your Node model.

I have experience with Alvin Chee who is principal distributor for LHY, Denafrips, and Jays Audio CD transports.....I have quite a complete Denafrips stack from DDC through amp and he did recommend the kit which comes in at $280 for the power supply upgrade with the LPS. I'll give it a try, see how much it improves things; and if not, I'm only out $280