Totally depends on what improvements/sound characteristics you’re looking for, so I ask again…
Best EXTERNAL DAC suggestions
Yes, I have the latest addition to the Bluesound node, I guess third generation, prior to the most recent anniversary X addition. I know they have improved the inner DACS with each version but now I’m asking what would be some thing better in your opinion and one that is in the ballpark.
I have Cornwall Heritage IV speakers, and I am currently running a NAD C 316BEE amp( which pairs well with Klipsch 102 db) at 40 WPC. In the winter my Mancave is heated by a tube Cary SLI-80, UL /Triode 4/8 OHMS.
either way, I love the ability of the Bluesound node to be my preamp and facilitating my Apple Airplay 2 and the eArc into the TV/CD. Mancave is treated, speakers and me complete a 6’ triangle.
Showing 9 responses by soix
Your goals are crying out for a tubed DAC. At just above your price target there’s the excellent MHDT Orchid others have recommended here. At a bit below your price target there’s the Black Ice Glass DAC. In both cases you have the benefit of being able to tube roll to further customize the sound to your liking if you so desire, and if nothing else it’s nice to have the option. If you’re tube averse a good R2R DAC like the Denafrips Ares II, as others have mentioned, is worth a look. Hope this helps, and best of luck. |
First, congrats on the new pre! I’m sure you’re gonna hear very significant improvements, and please let us know what you think once you getter burned in a bit. |
@retrocrownfan Just curious what have you compared the Canare and Mogami cables to? Would be interesting/useful for context. |
FWIW, if I’m you my next move would be to a Denafrips Ares 12th Anniversary DAC with a good digital cable. The reason is this version comes with an i2S input so you can later add a DDC (like the Denafrips Iris) and get a further significant performance bump. For a digital cable I’d highly recommend the Acoustic Zen MC2 (read reviews) that I recently bought used and was a huge upgrade over a good but budget digital cable, and if you’re patient they can be found used on hifishark for around $200 and very well worth every penny. These two purchases will launch you to a higher performance level entirely. Just my $0.02 FWIW.
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You can improve your streaming performance by using a Mesh system and running an Ethernet or CAT 7 or 8 cable from a Mesh node to your Node. Many people do this here and report significant improvements over using Wi-Fi. Alternatively you could get a simple Wi-Fi extender like this, plug it in an outlet in your listening room and just run a cable from from it to the Node (but many here seem to prefer Mesh so I’d do that if it’s in budget)… Here’s a CAT8 cable some people here think performs well… Just one more way to boost your streaming performance that’s not terribly expensive FWIW. |
@ericsch Nice system man! Hey, if you didn’t hear a difference you didn’t hear a difference — end of story. But it’s great that you have the confidence and ability to honestly trust your own ears — that’s a true gift several here don’t seem to possess, and glad to hear you no longer have to deal with uber-annoying dropouts! That’s huge in and of itself. |