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Distortion using Node 2i as streamer with Denafrips Pontus Dac

Hi all, has anyone had trouble with distortion when coupling a Node 2i streamer with a Denafrips Pontus Dac? 
I have tried using an optical, coax and usb connection from my iMac and after about a half hour to an hour I get distortion from both left and right speakers. 
On Alvin Chee’s recommendation I turned off the “Audio Clock Trim in the audio setting of the Node 2i but I still get the same distortion. 
I did have success being able to stream cd music from an Oppo CD player using an optical cable. 
Has anyone experienced similar problems? Any luck getting it resolved? I’ve only had the Pontus for a few weeks. Any suggestions would be helpful. 
I am thinking about trying another Node 2i to hear if I have the same problems. 
Bill
wgs57

Showing 7 responses by wgs57

wgs57 OP
28 posts
 
Hmm, well I am trying to figure out the distortion I am getting. I don’t think it’s the Node 2i creating the issue. I am going to upgrade the firmware of the Pontus Dac and see what the results are. Alvin Chee of Vinshine is very helpful but his location is in Singapore and I am in Canada so I can’t just drop in for some help but he is offering lots of guidance over email which I will follow and provide feedback. I am sure we will get the problem resolved. 
Bill
wgs57 OP
28 posts
 
I am thinking about upgrading the streamer but I spent my budget on the Dac which was around $2,000 CAD. I do want to keep the Node 2i for the time being until I can afford something better. A few users have same some good recommendations but I may just go with the Roon Nucleus next year. 
wgs57 OP
28 posts
 
King Barbuda, yes I did know there was no usb output on the Node 2i...I wish it had one though. Do some streamers have that feature? I am still very much new at this but I had assumed usb out was for computers, maybe tablets? 
wgs57 OP
28 posts
 
My apologies, I don’t think I explained myself properly?

I tried various outputs from the Bluesound Node 2i to the Pontus.

1) My first try was the optical out of the Node 2i to the Pontus using a new optical cable and there was some very strong distortion after an hour of playback.
2) I tried another optical cable that I know is working and same problem.
3) I tried a very short coax cable, same problem.
4) I ordered a USB cable to use from my iMac using Roon and it starts off sounding excellent then after about 15 minutes I have a background white noise that overshadows the music.

UPDATE! Alvin Chee has sent me a firmware update that I will try and hopefully that will clear things up?

Bill
wgs57 OP
28 posts
 
Hi cd45123, I will definitely check out the two streamers you mention. Thank you for your advice. 
Bill
wgs57 OP
28 posts
 
Thank you for the link! I am rather discouraged as I spent over $2,000 CAD for the Pontus and I have not been able to enjoy the Dac at all as the problem occurred almost immediately. I will try to help Alvin diagnose the problem if I come to a happy ending. 
When it did work I was overwhelmed how wonderful it sounded. 

Bill
wgs57 OP
28 posts
 
Hello all,  I wanted to let everyone know that the hiss/distortion I was having has been resolved thanks to Alvin Chee’s help. It took a few weeks and a firmware update has corrected my issues. I am very pleased with the outcome. Many thanks Alvin for your genuine concern. 
Bill
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