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External DAC?

Hey guys,

Here's my current setup:  Node 2i > Marantz PM KI Ruby > Dynaudio Special 40.

I am considering getting an external DAC and bypass the Node's DAC.   I have seen great reviews for the Topping D90 but the MQA only works via USB (node 2i doesn't have usb out).  Not that big of a concern because I can always use Qobuz HiRes instead and to be honest, I can't tell much of a difference on most tracks.

Anyway, is the Topping D90 a worthy upgrade to the node 2i?  Or should I spend more and go for the trusted Chord Qutest?  I will be stretching my budget with the Chord but I am to wait and save up if it is worth it.  Any other DACs in this price range?

Please advise! 
prashanth13485

Showing 6 responses by jjss49

jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
@prashanth13485

your settings are correct i believe, it is how i used it

you want the auto level working at max db for max effect, it uses the full dynamic headroom of the akm dac chip set that way
jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
@prashanth13485 

you made a good call imo

the rme is remarkably clear and clean sounding, while still coming across as fairly natural and relatively non fatiguing - benchmark dacs are cut from the same cloth tonally but cannot compete with rme on value - the rme sounds just as good but does so much more and costs less

you have identified tne only, quite minor weakness of the rme being its highly centered image with inadequate width and height... depending on other gear this can be compensated for

have fun listening, you have chosen a winner
jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
agree with fuzz

hifi heaven very good, very reasonably priced, very attentive

recently bought an mqa module to try in a sonnet dac from them... they were fast, responsive, excellent all around
jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
@lalitk

and some would call those you mention (as good as they are) exactly that... "cheap toys" ... LOL

value judgements are always in the eye of the beholder

@fuzztone

to me the metrum flint/amethyst is superior to the topping which i bought and subsequently returned to Apos - the D90 sounded clear but shrill compared to the lovely Metrums


jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
big greg’s statement and experience notwithstanding...

i replaced my node 2i with brooklyn, auralic and lumin streamers (3-4x cost of the node) running SPDIF BNC into the same DACs I had at that time -- Chord Qutest, MHDT Stockholm, Schiit Bifrost MB, Metrum Octave, RME ADI2, Jolida Tube DAC

SQ improvement of a more expensive streamer was hardly noticeable (say 0-1 on a 10 pt scale)
SQ improvement of any of those DACs over the analog output of Node 2i (3-4 on a 10 pt scale)

my system, my internet feed, streaming tidal masters and quboz HR, my ears, my experience

your mileage may vary
jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
d90 or qutest will outperform your node 2i internal dac substantially, will be heard clearly through your dynaudios

mqa is over sold over hyped highly inconsistent in delivering its promise - good dacs converting redbook signal will outperform mqa

that said d90 or chord will have a ’super clear’ solid state-ish sound signature, dunno if you prefer that kind of super hi fi sound, some do

other end of the spectrum are warm, dimensional more analog sounding dacs - in the 700-1300 dollar price range look at ayre codex, metrum amethyst, denafrips ares, neko d100-2
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