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Better DAC: Asgard 3 w/ multibit DAC vs Bluesound Node 2i

I have a Rega Elicit-R integrated arriving on Wednesday. I am moving the two front channels from my Marantz HT to the Elicit.  I plan to use the Elicit's Direct In from the Marantz receiver preamp outs so I can use the Elicit amp to drive the front speakers (Kef R3 non-meta).  Then, for 2-channel listening, I'm going to stream from the Node 2i to the analog inputs on the Elicit.

I also have a Schitt Asgard 3 with the multibit DAC module that I'll use for headphone listening (the Elicit has neither a DAC nor a headphone amp).

Does anyone had any thoughts on whether I should run analog out from the Node 2i to the Elicit -OR- run digital out from the Node 2i to the Asgard, then let the Asgard convert D to A and run that to the Elicit.

1. Node 2i analog out -> Elicit analog in

2. Node 2i digital out -> Asgard digital in -> Asgard analog out -> Elicit analog in

Am I missing any better options?

thobro01
lanx0003
830 posts
 

Path 2 but, since there is no Dac in Asgard, path 2 should be revised to

2. Node 2i -> MultiBit Dac -> Asgard -> Rega Elicit

The reason for path 2 is simply that internal Dac in Node 2i is not that impressive. Actually it is also suggested that you upgrade your streamer to something better like Node X BS, Ifi Zen Stream or Wiim Pro Plus

soix
9,456 posts
 

You can and should obviously try both ways, but I’d be surprised if the Asgard’s multibit DAC wasn’t noticeably better.  And a good digital cable is a must so don’t skimp there.  Also, if I was you I’d definitely get an external LPS for the Node from the likes of Teddy Pardo, etc. unless you’re planning on upgrading your streamer soon as it can provide significant improvements for not that much $$$.  Best of luck. 

thobro01 OP
1 posts
 

Thanks all for your input and insight!  Sounds like Asgard multibit DAC >> Node 2i DAC.  I'm not putting any more money into the system but I appreciate the recommendations for upgrades.

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