Connection options from Node to Denafrips Iris to Pontus

I don’t think you can.  The Iris requires a USB input and the Node only seems to have SPDIF and optical outputs.  You’d need to step up to the Hermes, which is considerably more expensive, to get an SPDIF input. 

I think my Node has a USB output.  I'll check when I get home.  I just checked the Bluesound website and it shows a USB out. I sure hope so!

🤞🤞🤞

I have the Node 2, and the manual states about the USB port that “This is not for consumer use. Only Authorized Bluesound Service personnel can access this USB port and  SERVICE control button.” Of course it’s possible your version has the USB output too.

Houston, we have a problem.....

On my previous thread, one of the posts stated that they use the USB from their Node to connect to a DAC.  So you're saying 'there's a chance".

Now that I think about it...Alvin from Vinshine told me to use the USB port, so I'm hopeful.

I just looked at the current version’s specs, it’s quite different than mine, and the USB output is listed.

From memory, the USB on the Node N130 received a firmware update which enabled it to output to an external DAC. I don't think this was the case with earlier versions of the Node

What model Node do you have?  That’s the key question here.

Davegolf2424,

I just posted this on the other thread that you started, I'll repost it here as well.

"I don't believe you mentioned which Node you have. The Node 2 and Node 2i, do not support USB out.....and the Iris only accepts USB input. The Node 130 (3rd gen) supports USB output, which is what I have.

Input USB into the Iris using a nice cable, you don't need to break the bank. I've used a Supra Excalibur (they sell on eBay) to good results in the past....and it's $130 if I recall.

DEFINITELY I2S from Iris to Pontus II 12th using a really solid HDMI cable, I'm currently using an Audioquest Vodka 48 which I believe is around $450...but be careful of eBay, those may be Chinese fakes. I've also used Supra 2.1 HDMI (which is legit on eBay) and Audioquest Cinnamon 48 as well......better cable will produce better results

I also use XLR out of the Pontus to my preamp, works a treat"

Are all HDMI cables able to support I2S?  I've seen on some discussions that you have to be careful of what I2S cable is used because there is no standard and some companies us different formats.  I'll definitely be checking my Node when I get home to see what gen it is.  Thanks to all for contributing to this!  I'll update when I know what gen the Node is.

It is true that there is no agree upon standard, but the Pontus does have configurable inputs on it's I2S should there be an incompatibility. I do know that Audioquest 48 cables are compatible

davegolf2424,

Also you could always pop an email to Alvin Chee at Vinshine (I'm assuming that's where you are buying your equipment?), he'll be more than happy to give you some recommendations on good I2S cables for the Iris/Pontus pairing

Vthokie83,

   Excellent idea.   I'll touch base with Alvin. I have a couple of photos of the connection side of the Node that may help.  It is a 2i, so that may not be good news.

It is a 2i, so that may not be good news.

Bad news is that’s not gonna work as it’s only got SPDIF and optical outs. Sorry man, I feel for ya FWIW. Good news — Daddy gets to shop for a new, better streamer! Woohoo!!!

Are all HDMI cables able to support I2S? I’ve seen on some discussions that you have to be careful of what I2S cable is used because there is no standard and some companies us different formats.

From what I’ve read any “normal” HDMI cable should work perfectly fine, and your main concerns should be sound quality and budget. Hell, I’m using a sub $5 6” HDMI cable from Monoprice, and not only does it work it’s been excellent to the point I’m in no rush to upgrade, so if that works it’s really not something worth worrying about. The bigger issue is the non-standard i2S pin configuration, but since your DAC and DDC are Denafrips you’re obviously all good there. Now, about that streamer…

Well, not what I wanted to hear, but it is what it is.  

Ok. So here we go again.  Streamers.  A quick look online and a couple of models pop up.   Eversolo 6.  Innuos mini. Thoughts?  Other choices?

Or .abe a newer model Node?

Cambridge CXN V2?

Streamers.  A quick look online and a couple of models pop up.   Eversolo 6.  Innuos mini. Thoughts? 

I’d go Innuos assuming you mean the Pulse Mini.  It’s a new model incorporating some of their latest developments/thinking, and their app consistently gets top marks for both usability and sound.  They also offer excellent customer service if needed.  You can get a nice performance boost by adding a separate linear power supply down the road if it’s not in the budget now.  Good ones can be had for around $400 new and less used so not too bad for the performance increase you get.  That’d be a kick butt combo with your DAC and DDC.

For a good entry level streamer, that will work with your incoming Denafrips gear: Bluesound Node 130 ($499 new, $300 used), the new Node X ($750 new, $600 used), the Eversolo DMP-A6 ($850....they are in such high demand that you'll not find them used I don't think)

That's a good, better, better option list.....best will cost more.....the Pulse mini looks like a great option if the money is available

I will say that I have had the Node 130 for 2 years, and the with the Iris/Pontus II combo for just less than that. I have not once said to myself that this combo didn't sound good. I have tested (and will upgrade to) an Aurender/Innuous/Lumin at some point, but not running out the door right now to do it....but those units all sound great with the Pontus as well; and I've had 4 different units in to test.

My NODE has a USB out and I have always used it connected to my Gustard X26 PRO, now in my second system. Posters are thinking of older models which did not have it. Use it, that way the dac's clock will be used instead of the Node's which will be disabled. All other connections use the Node's, which is inferior.

vthokie83 and soix,

So for me; the real question is, does the Pulsemini deliver enough of a boost in SQ to warrant the cost?  I know it's an unaswerable question really.  Is it $1000 better than a newer node?  $500-600 better than an Eversolo?  Or any potential streamer out there.  I don't like to buy things twice, so to speak, but I don't want to spend $$$'s on equipment that doesn't give a ROI...First World problems....

the real question is, does the Pulsemini deliver enough of a boost in SQ to warrant the cost?

Unfortunately I don’t know never having heard either so I’ll just share the way I’d think about it.  If I got the Node or Eversolo I’d do it understanding that maybe not too far down the road I’d make the jump to a significantly better streamer.  With the Pulse Mini, especially with adding an external LPS that’s said to put the Zen Mini on the level of the Zen, I’d consider holding onto that longer term and upgrade other equipment instead.  That’s all I got and hope it’s somewhat helpful.

The Innuos Pulse mini was the best upgrade I’ve ever made. Was worth the wait saving for it. Then the linear power supply addition was a pleasant addition. Came into some nickels and along with other equipment, I was able to get the Pulse. Can’t tell whether it is better than before because it now all sounds great 😊. Moral is save and save. 

@gkelly What did you upgrade from?

Soix,

  Does the Pulsemini support MQA from Tidal?  Is this a "real" consideration in your view?  Does it support Roon?  I am an absolute neophyte about Roon, so I have no idea if it's something that is worth going after.  

Tidal library is gradually undergoing a conversion from MQA to Max which is the same as Qobuz hires. I wouldn’t make MQA support a requirement. 
What’s the budget for the new streamer?
 

The $1500 for the Innuos Pulsemini is definitely streching it to the absolute limit. But then, I don't want to regret not getting as good as possible and then wanting to upgrade later on. 

Lumin U1 Mini for around a grand?

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650074852-lumin-mini-u1-black-streamer/

UI is not the best but sounds pretty good. 

The U1 I have was considerably improved with the Sbooster power supply. The Node worked well with a USB out into the Iris and then out into the Pontus via I2S. The sound was exceptional. However, once you have the Iris, it ONLY has a USB input. 

Does the Pulsemini support MQA from Tidal? Is this a "real" consideration in your view? Does it support Roon? I am an absolute neophyte about Roon, so I have no idea if it’s something that is worth going after.

I’m not, nor ever will be, a Roon subscriber and as such I’m happily Roon ignorant. I did a quick search with mixed results. I pulled this blurb off the Innuos page for the Pulsemini and don’t know what it means but here it is FWIW…

“On Endpoint Mode, the PULSE Network Players connect to a main Music Server, be it an Innuos Music Server, Roon Core, HQ Player or any Logitech Media Server based server. The PULSE will then show as a zone on the respective music server app and you will use that app to browse and play music on the Pulse Network Players.”

There have been several Roon subscribers here who stopped using it when they got an Innuos streamer because their outstanding Sense app got them close enough to Roon while also sounding better, and it’s FREE and is constantly being upgraded with further improvements. If you get a Pulsemini I’d just use the Sense app and see if it’s even worth pursuing Roon. Plus, Roon is now going through an ownership change so who the hell knows what’ll happen from here and who needs the potential hassle?

+1 @audphile1 regarding MQA. It’s going away as we speak so I wouldn’t give it a second thought, but the Pulsemini handles MQA anyway so it’s a non issue.

The $1500 for the Innuos Pulsemini is definitely streching it to the absolute limit. But then, I don’t want to regret not getting as good as possible and then wanting to upgrade later on.

Yeah, as per my prior post if that’s your preference bite the bullet and get the Pulsemini and be happily done with it. Several people found the Zen Mini to be very close in performance to the upscale Zen when they added an external LPS, and I have to believe the Pulsemini would sound even better than the Zen Mini which is why I would be very comfortable keeping a Pulsemini for the longer term and wouldn’t feel the same about the Node and Eversolo. Just add the LPS when funds allow, and I’m of the opinion you don’t necessarily have to pay up for the $1100 for the Innuos LPS as there are other good ones out there that’ll be perfectly fine for a lot less. The Lumin U1 Mini may be good too, but from what I’ve read the user interface is not on the same level as Sense, and UI is a very important consideration. Hope this helps.

 soix,

You've been extremely helpful.  Now all that's left is to place the order....

Love to hear your impressions as you add the new equipment after it’s burned in a bit.  You should be very excited!

There’s a used pulse mini on us audiomart for $1200 or so

baylinor, 

All Node models have a USB port, but it wasn't until the Node 130 that they were activated for USB output. Now for this part I am not 100% on, but Bluesound was supposed to turn on the USB in the 2i via a firmware update....but I have no idea if that ever happened.

davegolf2424,

Best of luck to you.....getting new equipment is always a great time. In the past month I've got two new amplifiers and a set of speakers. My wife says I'm obsessed, and she's a bit agitated.....so I'm taking her on vacation :)

Please let us know how you're getting along, and feel free to drop a note if you need anything. Also remember that Alvin Chee is a great guy, and very generous with his time.....just remember he's in Singapore

Thanks,

Yes the 12 hour time difference is an obstacle.  I have touched base with him on whatsapp.