Bluesound Node settings

Turn off wifi 

USB out to Denafrips

No need to use the tone controls in the Audio menu. Turn them off so that the music from your streamer plays flat (no EQ).

Thanks for the replies…USB? I’m going coax to

the DENAFRIPS. Is there a difference? 

YES

When I had the Node, I thought the usb was decidedly inferior to the other digital outs.  As for the rest of the OPs question, if it ain’t broke…

Enjoy.   My first streamer was the Bluesound Vault 2i.   That machine changed my life...    I have never discovered so much great music in such a short time.   

I still play LPs but find myself streaming most of the time.  

Try them both.  When using Coax or Tos you are using the Clock in the source , when using USB the Clock in the DAC is used.   May be audible differences,  may not ....

Thanks @oddiofyl ​​​​​@mahler123. I have literally been all over the map trying to find if there are differences in Coax vs USB. It seems it's almost a split but more leaning towards USB a tad. I know like everything else it's so subjective. Problem is I don't have a USB to try so I'd have to buy one. I currently have a Transparent Premium Coax. I'm looking at DH Labs Mirage for USB...

Yes, the Node is already life changing-LOL! I had held out so long (and swore I'd never stream) because my router is on another floor from my rig and moving it is not an option. So I felt like without hardwire streaming would be a waste. I realize the Node does WiFi but my WiFi in my house SUCKS! Then someone pointed me towards the TP-Link Powerline adapters and I now have hard wired in my room-also life changing, LOL! So I pulled the trigger and got the Node for $399 brand new. And right out of the gate on its own it honestly sounded better than cd. I was FLOORED. I never ever expected it to sound that good. So now that I have switched Pontus from CD player to Bluesound I want to make sure I am squeezing every ounce of quality I can which led me to the USB vs Coax dilemma...

My last few cable purchases have been DH Labs. I think the D750 Coax and Mirage cables are excellent quality for the money.   I also have their Air Matrix Cryo RCA and my all tube system is dead quiet ....  put your ear right against the horn tweeter and it is silent .  Cabling has a lot to do with nice black backgrounds. 

I use  both digital cables in my system and really think any perceived difference is the quality of the DAC clock VS the source clock.  You really don't know until you try, but don't buy a USB unless you think your system can exploit any small difference..   I think the logic for USB to the Pontus is that it's clock is superior.    I find myself using Coax in my system but I know my source clock is better than my DACs clock... is it in my head?  Placebo effect?   Do I read too many USB  VS Coax threads?   Who knows 

They do exactly what a good cable should do in my system, reject noise and impart no sound or seem to alter tonal balance.     

I have all Transparent speaker cables and IC’s. My first DH Labs was their Power Plus Cryo cable for my Denafrips Ares II DAC which I use for my Brennan B2 cd ripper. I have since come to really appreciate DH Labs cables. It was John at The Cable Co who recommended that DH Lab power cable and he was so right. So moving forward DH Labs will be on my very short list when upgrading/switching cables…

I actually just sent a final price request on the Mirage USB at Cable Co. I do see myself pulling the trigger. Just so I can compare. And if there is a difference, I’ll just keep either and sell the other🤷🏼‍♂️…

Be sure to adjust your Node to "fixed output" or "fixed volume".  Not at home so don't remember the exact name.

There is “Output Level Fixed” and “Audio Clock Trim”. Do I want these 2 settings on or off?

@kingbr If you are using an external DAC and preamp, you want the Output Level Fixed. 

With regard to the Audio Clock Trim, according to Bluesound: ”The Audio Clock Trim switch was added to adjust an issue with some specific chipsets of external DACs. If you are hearing noise, dropouts or jitter, please disable Auto Clock Trim.”

@kingbr - treat your Node to an Audio Envy digital cable (USB or RCA)

Also get an Audio envy Power cable for the Node

I found there was a noticeable improvement across tha board by replacing the interconnect and power cables. I connect the Node directly into the amp using high quality OCC Silver interconnect cables

Also upgrade the cables for the Denefrips and you’ll have exceptional sound quality.

You might want to first try changing the cables on the ndoe and take the Denefrips out of the system just to see how much better the Node sounds - you can always add it back later if needed

Regards - Steve

Thank you @dinosore I adjusted those settings. I had reached out to Vinshine and got a reply with a link to a video they have on the DENAFRIPS/Node combo. Very helpful! 
 

@williewonka Thank you, I had already ordered the Wireworld Stratus Mini power cable for the Node and already have Transparent Super Blanced from the DAC to my processor and Transparent Premium Coax. Also have a Shunyata Delta PC on the DAC. I am going to order a DH Labs Mirage USB cable as well…definitely a believer in the benefit of good cables!

Appreciate everyone’s replies! Merry Christmas!

+1 for an aftermarket C7 cable to power your Node.
Wireworld makes a good one.

Thanks @lowrider57 always love to hear good things about an already made purchase, especially this one as this will be my first ever Wireworld product😀! Appreciate the confirmation my friend...

I have a BS Node X after having 3 other BS products including a Vault 2. I also have the Pontus 12 Anniversary but also decided to add a Teddy Pardo PS to the Node X. Like you I am continually surprised at the quality of the sound. Everyone has to try different streamers, DACs, streaming services and decide what they like. I never like it when someone asks me “what is your favorite color?” Why pick, there are infinite colors in light and pigment. So too, are there infinite setups and equipment. Just sit back and enjoy the music!