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!
