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Node 2i + DDC Upgrade to PulseMini?

Currently I have a Node 2i streamer that feeds a Denafrips Hermes DDC. I have a budget of $2k max - a little less is better.  I am thinking about upgrading the Node 2i to a PulseMini.  My questions are  1) will the PulseMini sound better than the Node 2i + Hermes DDC?   2) If I get the PulseMini will it sound better if I connect it to the Hermes DDC?   3) Is there a better option for $2k or less?  I’ve read several threads on streamer options for $2k or less and it seems like the PulseMini is one of the better ones.  If the PulseMini by itself is the way to go I will use the Node 2i and the Hermes DDC for a headphone system.

Here's my system and room setup-

Hardwired ethernet to Node 2i.  Node 2i to Hermes DDC via coax.  DDC to Denafrips Pontus II via I2S.  Pontus II to Luxman 507uXII via XLR.  Luxman to Harbeth SHL5+ speakers.

The room is 23’-6”L x 13’-4”W x 8’-3”H.  The speakers are 1/3 of the room length from the front wall and 32” from the side walls. The listening position is somewhere between 1/3 and 38% of the room length from the back wall.  It roughly forms an 8’ equilateral triangle with the speakers.  The room is acoustically treated with GIK panels that includes 8’ Tri-Traps in the two front corners, two 2’ x 3’ x 7” deep Monster Trap panels on the front wall, three 6” thick Alpha absorber/diffuser panels on the back wall.  There are two 2’ x 4’ x 4” panels at the first reflection points. 

I provided the room setup so some of you might have an idea of how revealing my system is and whether a streamer upgrade will be of any benefit.  I like the way it sounds now and I enjoy listening to it.  Still, I think it could sound a little bit better.  Any suggestions or advice will be much appreciated!

dalebr
soix
9,456 posts
 

What you should really do if possible is get a Pulse Mini and run that into the Hermes and then get an external LPS for the Innuos (not necessarily the pricey Innuos LPS as there are good ones that are much cheaper) and you’ll be at a higher level.  A cheaper alternative would be to get a LPS for the Node that will give you a meaningful performance boost although not likely on the level of the Pulse Mini with LPS.  Either way you want to keep running the Hermes with the Pontus to take advantage of the i2S connection that makes a big difference in performance.  Just my $0.02 FWIW.

zlone
658 posts
 

My experience has been that streamer upgrades make a big difference if you have the system to support it, and you do. The Pulse would likely be a step up, though I have not heard it. My strategy is to aim a little higher than the entry level, and buy used. Either way, I think that a better streamer will be a benefit. 

gkelly's avatar
gkelly
151 posts
 

I went from a Marantz avr HEOS app streamer to the Innuos Pulse Mini. Was by far the best upgrade experience I had made to date. The Zen LPSU made a great addition to the sound. There is comments about using a different lpsu, the factory says that if you use an off brand lpsu and they conclude that it bricked the box they won’t honor the warranty. Have heard others say that it is a marketing tactic. I guess if you are an electrical engineer or know one you might be comfortable saving a few nickels. Also if you can find a great dealer(Olsens HIFI Lynnwood WA) they will give you a %100 trade in for the Pulse upgrade within a year of purchase. Which is an easy thing because it gives you a reason to want to save for it. This Pulse is a beast. 

painter24's avatar
painter24
287 posts
 

Haven't heard the Pulse Mini, but I did upgrade my Node N130 to the Innuos Zen Mini mkiii with the Innuos LPSU some time ago; that was a significant upgrade. I'm sure the Pulse Mini, would be a similar if not greater uptick in performance. My Node was modded with the PD Creative board and external LPSU, just for context.

I currently have my Zen Mini feeding a Denafrips Iris 12th into the Ares 12th-1, which has been a very pleasant surprise. The Ares/Iris combo was an experiment/exploration, and has kept my more expensive DAC off my rack; I'm sure your Pontus/Hermes combo sounds fantastic, especially with the rest of your system 

Good luck with your search, and Happy Listening 👍

dalebr OP
6 posts
 

Thank you all for sharing your experiences and good advice.  I will get a PulseMini and run it into the Hermes.  Any suggestions for a good third party power supply?

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