I've been using the Node2 for about 3 years now through various developments in my system which now consists of;
Ethernet>EtherRegen>Node2>Custom SPDIF Coax>Schiit GungnirMB>Audioquest Mackenzie XLR>Luxman 507uxII>Klipsch Forte3.
I have upgraded cables throughout - mostly Wireworld mid tier. I can say that each upgrade has made the Node2 sound better and the most recent addition of the EtherRegen has been the most significant. Lower noise floor and more musical - just better all around. That said, aside from changing the PSU and adding an external linear supply I've squeezed everything I can out of the Node2 for digital streaming. I don't use any power conditioners so maybe that could reduce some noise and be the last drop if juice but i'm not ready to spend big money on power conditioners yet.
I recently visited a local hifi shop to listen the U1 mini which they had setup with the Chord Dave doing the DAC duties. They also hooked up the Node2i with the Chord Dave for direct comparison. It did not take long to hear the difference between the U1 Mini and Node2i streaming to the same same system. Deeper bass, wider soundstage and just a cleaner, clearer sound overall. A definite upgrade. I also had the opportunity to listen to the U1, T2 and X1 which were in different systems/rooms so it was very hard to know how much of an upgrade over the U1 mini but they all sounded fantastic.
It's clear to me that streamers have a considerable impact on the sound of the digital stream. In addition the reduction of jitter/noise by the addition of EtherRegen is real.
I think i'll start saving my pennies for U1. It's a big nut but I think it will be worth it. I think it could be the most significant upgrade next to speaker and power. You gotta start with the best source possible right?
One problem, I love my Node2. This thing works. No fuss, Tidal connect, custom radio streams, no dropouts - it has been rock solid. And, it sounds good!! Like really good. If someone came to my house and we put on some tunes they would never know the difference. The problem is, once you hear what is possible it's hard to go back. I'll always have that comparison in the back of my mind. But that's a $500 plastic box vs $7K dedicated streamer!!
This hobby sucks....
Ethernet>EtherRegen>Node2>Custom SPDIF Coax>Schiit GungnirMB>Audioquest Mackenzie XLR>Luxman 507uxII>Klipsch Forte3.
I have upgraded cables throughout - mostly Wireworld mid tier. I can say that each upgrade has made the Node2 sound better and the most recent addition of the EtherRegen has been the most significant. Lower noise floor and more musical - just better all around. That said, aside from changing the PSU and adding an external linear supply I've squeezed everything I can out of the Node2 for digital streaming. I don't use any power conditioners so maybe that could reduce some noise and be the last drop if juice but i'm not ready to spend big money on power conditioners yet.
I recently visited a local hifi shop to listen the U1 mini which they had setup with the Chord Dave doing the DAC duties. They also hooked up the Node2i with the Chord Dave for direct comparison. It did not take long to hear the difference between the U1 Mini and Node2i streaming to the same same system. Deeper bass, wider soundstage and just a cleaner, clearer sound overall. A definite upgrade. I also had the opportunity to listen to the U1, T2 and X1 which were in different systems/rooms so it was very hard to know how much of an upgrade over the U1 mini but they all sounded fantastic.
It's clear to me that streamers have a considerable impact on the sound of the digital stream. In addition the reduction of jitter/noise by the addition of EtherRegen is real.
I think i'll start saving my pennies for U1. It's a big nut but I think it will be worth it. I think it could be the most significant upgrade next to speaker and power. You gotta start with the best source possible right?
One problem, I love my Node2. This thing works. No fuss, Tidal connect, custom radio streams, no dropouts - it has been rock solid. And, it sounds good!! Like really good. If someone came to my house and we put on some tunes they would never know the difference. The problem is, once you hear what is possible it's hard to go back. I'll always have that comparison in the back of my mind. But that's a $500 plastic box vs $7K dedicated streamer!!
This hobby sucks....