The current Node model has USB out. It's what I use as in my system, USB sound better than spdif.
- Bob
Streamer/DAC combinations
Looking for opinions on Streamer/DAC combinations. I am currently using a Node as my streamer and DAC. Considering upgrading. The options seem to be endless, so thought I'd solicit some of your opinions. My node is currently running through a McIntosh C42 Preamp into a McIntosh MC352 Power amp. Using Klipsh Forte IV's. The node sounds good, but I think I may be leaving something on the table in SQ. Not wanting to break the bank so to speak. Maybe spend in the $2-3K area for budget. Opinions???
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- 52 posts total
I was using my Vault 2i with RME dac which was good, bought the excellent sounding LAB 12 DAC 1 Reference. Great sounding combo. I ultimately put the Vault in my second system. It sounds great with my Integrated amp's built in DAC. I have Forte IV in my main system and the Vault / Lab 12 combo sounded great. I ended up getting an Aurender , wasn't really looking to replace the Vault it's a great machine but I got such a great deal on an Aurender N200 I couldn't pass it up Node/ Vault is a great streamer and pairing it with a great DAC is worthwhile. |
Hi @davegolf2424 , why do you feel that way? If your music stream seems deficient, it’s more likely to do with the masters used by the service, and perhaps the way your speakers x room are rendering the files. Assuming all devices in between those two ends are reasonably competent, they should have less influence. Especially a streamer. |
I like the Matrix Audio integrated streamer/DAC/preamp products. They provide top of the line ESS DAC chips (two of them, in some models), most available I/O options (including I2S and HDMI in some models), and excellent IR remote controls. They support very high digital sampling rates and are among the best-tested DACs in (FWIW) the ASR measurements. Priced from < $1K to > $4K. Lumin is another good Chinese brand. |
- 52 posts total