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Best quality connection from Network Streamer (BluSound Node II) to Preamp (MC C2700)

Hello, 

This is my first post so I appreciate anyone who takes the time to look at this and provides any feedback. 

I just bought a McIntosh C2700 preamp and would like to connect my Bluesound Node II as a network streamer. I wanted to see what you all thought the best possible way to connect it to my preamp would be. 

I guess the first question is which DAC will I actually use. 

  • Bluesound has a 32-Bit, 384kHz DAC
  • McIntosh C2700 has the DA2 which is a 8-channel, 32-bit 24-bit/192kHz DAC

The Possible connection types that are available between the two units are:

  • Analog Stereo RCA (Fixed or Variable)
  • Coaxial RCA
  • TOSLINK digital optical
  • USB Audio 2.0*

I really appreciate your all's help on this issue. 

zcook79
2psyop's avatar
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2psyop
1,643 posts
 

I agree with jjss49 and carlsbad2. I have a Node 2 and used the internal DAC, then moved to a Schiit Bifrost DAC, then to a Bifrost 2 DAC, then to a Denafrips Pontus 12th DAC and it was an uptick in sound performance with each step. I also upgraded the power supply in the Node.

12many
277 posts
 

I have been pleased with the coaxial RCA output into my dac.  

vonhelmholtz
911 posts
 

I have the DA2 in my integrated and find it to be a good place to start. Which interface to use is a tough one. I would eliminate Toslink. That leaves coax and USB. Buy from a source with a great return policy and buy equally priced coax and USB and let them fight it out. Lots of threads on bang for the buck cables.

baylinor's avatar
baylinor
1,434 posts
 

It is correct that the Node II does not have an USB out. So chosing coax over toslink would be an easy pick for me.

bjp9738's avatar
bjp9738
68 posts
 

Had similar setup for awhile. 2700 and newer Node with USB out. My ears found the USB connection to be the best sounding to me. The McIntosh DA2 DAC definitely sounded better than the Node’s DAC. I later borrowed an older Naim DAC-V1 from a friend, and the improvement over both the Node and the DA2 DACs was very easy to hear.

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