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Can a streamer without DAC improve streaming?

Currently I’m using Bluesound node2i and Chromcast Audio to stream tidal via optical out to my preamp/ DAC Michi P5 
for some reason I like chromcast Sound Better than bluesound My question is can any streamer without DAC under $1k improve my tidal/ Qobuz and Spotify experience ?
i just add some photos to my system page thanks 
128x128lordrootman
8 responses Add your response
djones51
4,947 posts
 
Are you using the DAC in the Node2i? If so run coax out and bypass the internal dac.
lordrootman's avatar
lordrootman OP
379 posts
 
@djones51. No I’m using Audioquest carbon coax and optical 
gdnrbob
4,450 posts
 
@OP, 
I use AQ USB and optical to my Ayre Codex- from the Node.
Works like a charm.
I actually demoed the difference between the onboard Node DAC vs the Ayre Codex. The Codex was significantly better.
B
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
node 2i onboard dac is very mediocre, tuned for a smooth sound at expense of clarity and transient response - big improvement going to well reputed outboard dac in 500-800 bucks price range imho
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
Yes, a streamer without DAC can improve streaming but probably not much with a budget less than $1K compared to Node2i.  As others have mentioned, you will get more improvement applying that $1K budget towards upgrading the DAC while continuing to use the Node 2i as your streamer.
lordrootman's avatar
lordrootman OP
379 posts
 
thanks everyone for great response

@three_easy_payments The DAC in my Michi P5 is great I don’t need a new DAC my question is can a streamer Without DAC improve streaming Quality I have tried Cambridge Azur 851N and bluesound node 2i Via COAX out to my Michi P5 they both sounds the same to my ears Chromcast sounds different maybe because I boost the EQ little to my taste  lol so I like CCA better than both Bluesound has  EQ but It doesn’t really have any effect like CCA 
With CCA i can only stream up to 24/96That’s why I need to upgrade at least 24/192  thanks 
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
@lordrootman  I think you'd need to move up to say a Lumin U1 mini to get a noticeable improvement in streaming SQ. So that pushes the budget up to around $2K.
gdnrbob
4,450 posts
 
@OP, 
Another brand to consider is Schiit. The Yggy and Gungnir are pretty close to the Codex soundwise, and can be had used at a nice discount.
-Though used Codex's are moving to the $1K price range if you are patient.
B
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