Connection options from Node to Denafrips Iris to Pontus

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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. 

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

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…

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.

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.

@gkelly What did you upgrade from?

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.

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