Do different streamers really sound different when using an external DAC

I second feldmen4’s comments.  I had the same experience, except with a PS Audio DirectStream DAC.  First using Node 2, then using the Bridge II card, each with the same DAC.  PS Audio’s Bridge II is far better as a streamer than the Node 2.  More body, fuller sound, added depth.  But I have to assume that has a lot to do with the Bridge II being custom-built for (and only for) the DirectStream.  Turning to OP’s question, which suggests he’s not changing his new DAC to a DirectStream any time soon: I’ve been swimming in audio for years and, while I can’t prove it or direct you to any authoritative treatises on this, I think a dedicated streamer like an Auralic will sound better than the streamer that is 1/2 of the $500 Node 2.  But I’m not sure I’d expect a big jump from an entry level streamer; that Node is pretty impressive for the money.  

Yes. With their DAC. But I read that if you use the SPDIF digital coax out, only 24/96. Bluesound’s website does not clarify.

If I am wrong then I’d sure like to know!

vinylshadow, there’s a lot of confusion about this, but I would trust our members to confirm Node digital to Dac is capable of 24/192:

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/node-2i-coax-out

And this:
"If not playing MQA content, your external DAC should receive the original bitrate (i.e. if playing 24/192 from Qobuz (non-MQA), your external DAC will get 24/192)."

@cns1946,
I'm using a Musical Paradise MP-D2 Mk3 Deluxe DAC. They are a very small company ( one man show) in Western Canada that designs the DAC and is then made in China.

Really wonderful DAC that punches well above its price point. Also very configurable, and very well built,  great for tube rolling as in can use many different tubes in the gain section and even choose 5  or 6 volt tube rectifiers, all switchable. You can even upgrade coupling capacitors easily as they are attached by  internal  binding posts, just like speaker terminals.

True that the node 2i output is only 24/96 if using an external DAC. That being said, resolution isn't everything. Implementation is very important.

A bit like cameras where you chase the megapixels as the only determinate of image quality when there is so much more like lens quality that goes into the equation.

I use wifi and have zero dropouts. I have never considered a hardwired ethernet connection.

I have compared the quality of the same file via a drive hooked into a computer on my network vs the same file on a flash drive connected to the USB input of the node 2i and found little  discernable difference. You can't get any more direct than the USB input so I doubt in my set up a direct wired ethernet would make much of a difference.

I have thought about a better power cord for the 2i so thanks for the input on that, lowrider57

The BS Note2i does not sound good at all without the External DAC. I have to turn on the volume high but it is a convenience. I have been exchanging the Bifrost for the Gungnir and will see in the next few weeks. Hopefully, the Gungnir is much better than.

I responded before realizing I was the first one to actually directly address your initial post. The Mytek is fully MQA compatible - as is the Node 2 (note: I have the 2 not the 2i).  I stream both Tidal as well as Quboz. I’ve not heard a particular difference between those 2 services which surprised me as most on here tend to prefer Quboz. Let me know if you have any specific questions - I’d be happy to share. 
Matt

I can weigh directly in on your situation. I have a Node 2 and bought a Mytek Manhattan II DAC with network card (streamer). Initially I set it up as you have with the Node 2 going into the Manhattan via high quality Coax. Then I directly compared it to the network card in the DAC. No question that the Mytek network card sounds better than the node 2 streamer. 
I will say that the difference between the DAC in the node 2 and the DAC in the Mytek was much greater than the difference between the streamers. But yes, the streamer made a clear and noticeable difference. The only reason I ever use the Node anymore is if there is something on the radio I want to listen to - my brother-in-law is a DJ in Irvine CA and I like hearing his show - and the Mytek interface doesn’t allow for radio streaming. 
Matt

Yes. With their DAC. But I read that if you use the SPDIF digital coax out, only 24/96. Bluesound's website does not clarify.

If I am wrong then I'd sure like to know!

Bluesound Node2i will output 24/192.

Great question. That is exactly where I'm at now. I want to upgrade to a streamer and use my Classe SSP-800's DAC. I thought about the Node 2i but if you use an external DAC you only get 24/96 out of the Node.

I was looking at the Bryston BDP-π for $1300 which is about as high as I want to go pricewise. I have TIDAL and was thinking I'd want a TIDAL Connect device but since that is WiFi maybe the best sonics comes from a hard wired Ethernet connection?
I have a modem upstairs for my desktop so I'd need a downstairs Ethernet as well.

I'm not advanced enough to know what's better. Maybe one of you wise Sages can help me out. Thanks.

Upgrades for your Node; change stock PC to an aftermarket C7 cable, use CAT8 ethernet from router to Node.
I use a Cullen C7 PC and the improvement in SQ was dramatic. Also, wired is better quality than wifi, also no dropouts.
My Node is connected to an Audio Note dac.

It can of course  but in practice I’ve found any difference between two good quality streamers is relatively small compared to most everything  else so it’s about the last thing I would tend to worry about in most cases. 

I also run a Node 2i and stream Tidal, and use a tube integrated amp. Curious as which Tube DAC you use? Thanks

@ gdnrbob
The Node 2i does indeed to the full MQA unfold if using it's internal DAC but I do agree with your last comment.

@OP,
If I recall, the Node doesn't do a full MQA unfold.-Just the preliminary unfold. Only MQA Dac's do the full unfold.
Whatever.
I never found MQA to be superior to a high resolution version.
YMMV
Bob

@fuzztone

I do have an external DAC that I really like that I have the Bluesound hooked into and like what I hear compared to the internal DAC. Just wondering if a streamer upgrade with my new DAC will bring me more. My external DAC does not do MQA, So I am not getting all the unfolds of the MQA process but despite that, MQA Tidal sounds better with the new DAC than full unfold through the internal DAC of the Node 2i.  I'm not convinced that with Tidal Masters MQA of itself is what makes it better. 

Every DAC sounds different to a degree. Glad you determined that any streamer sounds better than a computer. When you find a DAC you really enjoy plug the BluSound in. Enjoy the internal one now but remember it’s only a $100-150 DAC.
Sorry, no ’change up’ here. I bought 4 more, all better and use them all.  BluSound is the only one that does Tidal Comnect.

All great suggestions, thanks.
I have found the node 2i a significant improvement over a macbook via USB so am committed to streaming. Using a better outboard DAC improves further on the internal DAC. 

So now I'm just trying to figure out the next step for further improvement. Hopefully someone who was using a Node 2i with an external DAC who changed up their streamer can pipe in.

What I don't want to do is spend $$$ on another streamer, only to find it to be a lateral move to a different sonic signature that does not serve the music better. 

It sure can matter. Noise is the devil and computer vs. streamer, cable type vs others, wifi vs wired, software vs. software can all make a difference in the SQ. Not to mention UX, but that's 10 entirely different searches you should consider. 
A significant amount of content both here and at audiophilestyle cover this in great detail. Cheers,
Spencer

I posted something on this recently. The exact streamer and exact media renderer should not sound very different at all. Yet it is about implementation and of course easy to mess up setting in the process. I find one path to be absolutely flawed. 

 Thread title: "DLNA audio quality test with 3 different media renderers same speakers"

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