Has Anyone Compared the DAC On a Bluesound NODE 3rd Gen to a Separate DAC?

My experience of the Node N130 mirrors that of @daveinpa when combined with the Ares II. But very much a case of "ymmv", and very subjective.

I sold my Ares II and later upgraded the Node with a power supply upgrade kit and external PSU - which made a pleasantly surprising improvement. This can be done relatively inexpensively, especially the kit from PD Creative in Poland. Even if you bypass the Node's DAC, the PS upgrade still benefits.

I'm now using a direct sale, hand made DAC from a tiny 2 man operation in England - NJC Audio. A lovely neutral DAC with great clarity.

Good luck with your journey 👍

painter24

That’s good information!  I appreciate the lessons learned from others who have upgraded from the NODE.  I know that my equipment, room and probably music is different, but it helps me narrow my choices.

I got the 3rd gen Bluesound Node about 2 months ago and am returning it to my dealer.  The sound, to my ear, is thin with a smaller soundstage.  Both my Schiit Bifrost 2 and Topping D90 OG streaming from my iMac Pro sound better. I’m going into the Hegel H190 integrated. 

Do you have to purchase the Pontus II online or any available domestically? Thanks

 Singere,

Denafrips products in the US are only sold by Vinshine Audio, and their amazing owner Alvin Chee. He and Vinshine are based in Singapore, and their US repair center is Tech Specialists in Buda, Texas. All Denafrips products sold by Vinshine include a fully transferrable 3 year warranty

Alvin is quick to answer a question (except night in Singapore), offers what I have found to be honest advice. A good part of why have four Denafrips products (Pontus II DAC, Hades Pre-Amp, Thallo Amp, and Iris DDC. All of  the products that I own punch way above their price, and I am extremely happy.