Can't get Bluesound Node to connect to DAC via iFi iPurifier2 ?
Hello, I am hoping that the collective wisdom of this community can help me figure out what I am doing wrong. I have Bluesound node as a streamer going into Audio Mirror Tubadour III SE via DH Labs 750 Silver Sonic RSA coax cable. The Dac connects via RSA to a Topping Pre90 for volume control back to my Audio Note Oto SE. This configuration works fine when streaming Quboz music. I then decided to add a SPDIF iFi iPurifier2 to the chain. I connected from Bluesound Node Coax input (they only have one) via DH Labs cable to the input section of the iFi Purifier and then connected the iFi output to the Coax input on my AM DAC. When I go to set the AM Dac to Coax, nothing comes out and the light that normally lights up to confirm the Coax selection isnt lit. Similarily, I tried to use Toslink DH Labs optical cable connecting it as well from the iFi optical output to the optical input on my DAC. Again nothing. But when I take the iFI iPurifier out of the link and do just coax Bluesound node to DAC, no problem - it sounds great. I was just trying to see if the iFi would take out some of the jitter from the Bluesound node before it went to my DAC. Any ideas, suggestions would be appreciated. And yes I did turn the complete system on and off to see if the Bluesound Node would recognize the device in the digital chain. Thank you again !!
I have a Node 130 and use the USB output to a Denafrips Iris DDC, which then outputs I2S to a Denafrips Pontus II DAC.....it works brilliantly, and the SQ is excellent. No it is not the same as an Aurender N20 or N200, and yes I will upgrade sometime in 2025 If I were in your shoes, I'd send the iFi back, and buy the Denafrips Iris DDC ($550 new, $400 used if you can find one), then use I2S from the Iris to the Tubeadour. |
Just to be clear, from the instructions for a Node N130, the USB "input" can indeed be used as an OUTPUT. |
So my experience with my Bluesound Node and Ifi wasn't good either. I have an Ifi Zen DAC V2 that worked great when I connected it via my MacBook to the stereo. BUT, connecting it to the Node didn't work out. I tried every connection imaginable, called and emailed Bluesound only to find out the my Node isn't compatible with the Ifi Zen DAC (according the Bluesound). Hopefully, you'll have better luck. Keep us posted. |
@audiostick Scroll down to connections it lists USB as audio output https://www.bluesound.com/usa/node you can also check their manual. |
@audphile1 Show me a Node with USB Out. |
@phill55 you should send it back. Also, if your node has USB out you should definitely try that with your DAC. It may potentially sound better than spdif |
@mahler123 - the chip in the Audios Mirror Tubadour III TUBADOUR III SE – Audio Mirror uses a Analog devices AD1865N-K flagship DAC chip. This chip is superior to the node chip. Interesting feedback from one of the technicians at Bluesound. The node outputs PCM format and the iPurifier2 is looking for bitstream format. Same goes for the CD player. Unless someone has another idea - looks like I will be sending it back. |
Speaking of the DAC in the Node, is it possible to use the iFi device without the external DAC and just use the internal DAC in the Node? The Node would have to output the stream to the iFi and the iFi would then send it back to the digital input of the Node. If that is possible, and if that works, then at least you know that the problem is with the iFi-AM DAC interface |
Vlad the Impaler wants $1K to place a buffer in a digital outlet that you won’t be able to use? What a guy.
I don’t want to sound like an a—hole, and I realize that it isn’t my money, but I would cut bait. Sell off the DAC, Node and iFi component. use the funds to buy a streamer DAC that will easily best the Node. The new Cambridge Audio series, which I think uses the same ESS chip as the Node, could probably be purchased for what you will make by selling the current setup. As someone who has owned both the Node and the CXN 100, I guarantee you that CA does a lot better job at implementing the chip.
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that is incorrect. |
@phill55 does your Node have a USB out? If so, why wouldn’t you use that instead of spdif? |
@mahler123 , I dont believe the Audio Mirror Tubadour III DAC has a reclocker as the builder Vlad will install one for a pretty significant fee (I believe it was $1,000) via IS2 connection, which the Bluesound Node does not have. @lowrider57 I do have the 5 volt iFi wall mart - in fact I bought the new iFi PowerX wall mart. I will contact customer service to see if they can diagnose the problem. |
Yes that would be the first question. Is the iFi device even on? I don't see the need forthe iFi device; I'm glad that @lowrider57 enjoys his product, but any DAC worth it's digits these days should be able to store the feed in a buffer and reclock it to remove jitter from the source. If the Node is that bad in relation to jitter, using a device like this sounds like having a broken axle on a car and putting duct tape on it while you drive twenty miles to a service station |
I've had very good results using the iPurifier2 from Node2i to an Audio Note DAC. BTW, the SPDIF coax on the Node is an Output. I assume you're using the IFi wall-wart. Is the red power light on the iPurifier ON? Try contacting iFi customer service, they were very approachable when I had an issue (a dead iPurifier).
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