Is it worth it? DAC question


I have a simple second system consisting of a Sugden A21, a Bluesound Node and  Tekton Lore speakers. I have a spare Ifi Zen DAC V2 that I used about a year ago when I used my MacBook. Is it worth it to try and connect the Ifi as an external DAC or is the Node better as is? If I did try it, how do I connect the Node to the Ifi?

bluorion

You’re likely to get a meaningful upgrade with the iFi, but you’ll likely need a decent SPDIF digital cable to run from the Node to the DAC to be able to realize the advantages. If you can spring for something like this Acoustic Zen MC2 cable I think you’d be in for a real treat.

 https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650034624-acoustic-zen-mc2-rca-coax-cable-1m/

Best of luck. 

Thanks for the responses so far--I had to order a 5v adapter so hopefully it'll be here in a couple of days. Will keep you posted.

I also recommend strongly considering the Teddy Pardo external linear power supply for the Node. The DAC on the Node is mediocre. The Node’s streamer is very good. It sound great with my MHDT Orchid DAC with both the digital coax (Node -> MHDT Orchid DAC with output tube stage) and RCA to balanced XLR (DAC -> BAT VK-6i tube preamp) interconnects from Silnote Audio. They only sell direct, based in Roanoke, VA. Their line of cables are all top quality, great sounding - clean, tight, dynamic with no hard sonic edges - and affordably priced. They also have great customer service.

You already own the iFi, so plugging it to try it will cost you nothing, so just do it.  That said, I've never listened to it, but I've heard the BlueSound DAC isn't very good.  I own the iFi Zen DAC Signature V2 and the iFi Zen One Signature and I find their somewhat muddy performance lacking.  You might find the iFi's affect works well with the Tektons.

Ifi makes some great products, so does NAD. I’ve recently put a ifi zen signature dac and streamer in my vintage system and am very very pleased with it. I would say they are both in the same league, so it will come down to your preference. However, I’d bet you’d really like the ifi dac. Good luck.