Thanks for everyone response to my post. Experimented at the weekend with an optical/toslink connection to the preamp (C52 does the D/A) and analog from the Bluesound Node to the C51 (Bluesound Node does the D/A). Not really a great deal of difference IMHO. The optical/toslink connection was probably slightly better (clearer/crisp?)?
Best Way To Connect A Bluesound Node
Just upgraded to a Bluesound Node streamer and would appreciate your thoughts on how best to use it. Set it up yesterday; iPad Air running Bluesound software (running Qobuz and Tidal) via WiFi to the Bluesound Node, analog out into a McIntosh C52 preamp, MC312 power amp and Magico A5 speakers. SQ was excellent IMHO. I know I have to try this for myself, but, will SQ improve if I connect via bluetooth instead of WiFi? Similarly if I connect the Bluesound Node via an optical cable into the C52 and have the McIntosh act as the DAC? Any other suggestions you have to optimize SQ would be appreciated.
Finally, those of you that have upgraded to a C53 from a C52, is this a worthwhile upgrade?