Thanks Dave for your insight. I am considering the PowerNode 2i. However there are a few things that concern me about that unit:
1) No digital outputs (save the ARC HDMI)
2) No preamp outputs
These two omissions seriously preclude upgrades except to add a sub-woofer
3) No 4 ohm rating. A couple of the speakers I am considering -- the Wharfdale EVO 4.2, and B & W 606 present 4 ohm loads (The Wharfdale is 8 ohm compatible but have minimum 4 ohm impedance) The other speaker I am considering is the Klipsch RP 600M, which should be pretty easy to drive.
My current leaning is toward the Wharfdale.
1) No digital outputs (save the ARC HDMI)
2) No preamp outputs
These two omissions seriously preclude upgrades except to add a sub-woofer
3) No 4 ohm rating. A couple of the speakers I am considering -- the Wharfdale EVO 4.2, and B & W 606 present 4 ohm loads (The Wharfdale is 8 ohm compatible but have minimum 4 ohm impedance) The other speaker I am considering is the Klipsch RP 600M, which should be pretty easy to drive.
My current leaning is toward the Wharfdale.