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External DAC?

My question is am I going to improve sound quality by adding an external DAC to a Blusound node? For example, a SCHITT BIFrost and what is the best connection method? And another question to ask is about usage of my Bluesound node …just being a Streamer? Am I losing anything by doing it this way? Thanks

128x128moose89
vonhelmholtz
911 posts
 

Are you wanting some improvement in the sound, or are you trying to maximize your system’s performance?  Do you have a set budget?  If you are trying to maximize your system, then please let us know what components you are using.  Generally, adding an external DAC of a value the same, or above the cost of your all in one streamer/DAC will improve the sound, but lots of great and and not so great gear at these price points.  You would most likely use the USB out.

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,797 posts
 

I have used my Vault 2i with several DACs over the years.  Sounded great with each one,  plus the great thing about a DAC is it can decode all of your digital sources 

A DAC will have a lot to do with your overall sound,  make sure you demo at home e if possible no matter what your budget

hilde45's avatar
hilde45
4,974 posts
 

External DAC will make an improvement, likely. It depends which Node you have (you didn't specify) and which DAC you get. Reason being that Bluesound has improved their DAC over the years, so which external DAC you get will matter vis a via beating the DAC in the Bluesound. I have not found connection method to matter nearly as much as which DAC is used.

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