DAC/Pre-Amp Advice

Which Node do you have, the Node 2 (or 2i) or is it the newest Node 130 with USB output? Also don't worry about MQA, it's a farce

Chuck_Tamu, here are some recommendations.....these will al be R2R ladder DACs.

(1) Denafrips - Pontus II 12th Anniversary DAC $1,850. You will find many many reviews on this DAC, almost all of them glowing. Add  a Denafrips Iris DDC at $560, and you have a killer set up with the Node 130. This is the what I currently have (except I have the Pontus II and not the anniversary, and am extremely happy with it....especially at $2,400

Output USB from the Node 130 to the Iris DDC (bypassing the internal Node DAC), use I2S from the Iris DDC to the Pontus II 12th, and then from the Pontus to the Yamaha.

(2) I have never heard the Gustard in my system, so I can't offer an opinion.

(3) Soix already recommended Musician, and I have heard and enjoyed their DACs. I believe Soix uses the Pegasus with the Denafrips Iris DDC. I preferred the Pontus II over the Pegasus, both going through the Denafrips Iris DDC.

The Musician Aquarius is another animal entirely at $3,100. I compared the Pontus II and Iris DDC straight up against the Aquarius....and I must say that it was really close, the Aquarius is a rockstar. For some reason I did not add the Iris to the Aquarius, but my assumption is that it would be killer.

(4) Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE edition at $3,200. Another great DAC for the money. I lust after it's big brother the Holo Audion May DAC KTE.....but that is up at $5,600, and that brings a lot of other DACs into the mix

Hope that helps a little bit.

I (and several others on these threads) have ordered the recently released LHY power supply and LPS upgrade for the Node 130; the cost is $280 for both at Beatecknik. I have not received mine yet, and even when I do it will be a while until I have the time to get them installed and do any comparison......at least a month. The link to order is here

Chuck_Tamu,

The issue with the Node (even the 130) is that it is trying to be a jack of all trades at an extremely reasonable price. You've got class leading software development, streaming, DAC, power supplies, etc all in a $600 package.....all aspects cannot be state of the art, costs must be saved.

Lot's of Node owners have opted for a linear power supply (LPS) upgrade package, and report excellent results (blacker background, soundstage width, imaging, greater clarity)....the most common one I believe is the Teddy Pardo kit which comes in at $500 to $550 depending on your Node model.

I have experience with Alvin Chee who is principal distributor for LHY, Denafrips, and Jays Audio CD transports.....I have quite a complete Denafrips stack from DDC through amp and he did recommend the kit which comes in at $280 for the power supply upgrade with the LPS. I'll give it a try, see how much it improves things; and if not, I'm only out $280

Chuck, best of luck and let us know once you order!