Davegolf2424,
I just posted this on the other thread that you started, I'll repost it here as well.
"I don't believe you mentioned which Node you have. The Node 2 and Node 2i, do not support USB out.....and the Iris only accepts USB input. The Node 130 (3rd gen) supports USB output, which is what I have.
Input USB into the Iris using a nice cable, you don't need to break the bank. I've used a Supra Excalibur (they sell on eBay) to good results in the past....and it's $130 if I recall.
DEFINITELY I2S from Iris to Pontus II 12th using a really solid HDMI cable, I'm currently using an Audioquest Vodka 48 which I believe is around $450...but be careful of eBay, those may be Chinese fakes. I've also used Supra 2.1 HDMI (which is legit on eBay) and Audioquest Cinnamon 48 as well......better cable will produce better results
I also use XLR out of the Pontus to my preamp, works a treat"