How To Connect a DAC?

How do you think a separate DAC will help?
If it sounds good, then there could be other places where you might more benefits.

Do your active speakers have any room correction stuff built in?

Ideas:

I note that my DAC has only XLRs and what looks like a TRS, so one would need an XLR to RCA adapter… or maybe run the XLR to the speakers and the TRS wired to goto the subs.

I would think that XLRs would be better to go direct to you active speakers if they have XLR inputs, and then use the TRS or RCA to go to the subs. That assumes that they are both active at the same time.

And it would be even better if you can apply parametric EQ setting to the TRS/RCA outputs, and then you could do a bit of assistance on the sub to get a better and more even response, independent of what goes to the active speakers.

^That^ sort assumes that you abide a DAC with EQ capability.

I am cautiously optimistic that a separate DAC will sound better.

I doubt it… but I am not an optimist 😀
If you could describe what is lacking, or how it could be better then it can be easier to determine whether it might be better than the NODE 3.

My speakers do not have any room correction.  Nor do they have XLR inputs.  Sub 1 has XLR inputs.  Sub 2 is connected via wireless transmitter which does not have XLR inputs.

I would suspect that REW and a UMIK might be worthwhile.

The DAC I have has a few PEQs that can be used for equalisation.
I could pretty easily believe that you could get a notable improvement by implementing some EQ without too much optimism. And particularly so in the bass.

I would suggest you avoid a DAC solely as a DAC, unless it also gives you some EQ options.

But I would also suggest you await some more learned suggestions.

If you had a stunningly good room, then maybe a different DAC would be better, or be different… but I do not know your room, nor your NODE 3, so it is at best just a guess.

Have you experimented with sub placement in your room?

Keep and use the Node 3. Trying to add a separate DAC is a futile endeavor at best. For real sound improvement buy a better pair of speakers. Don't pay attention to the audiophools who spend thousands on DAC's and streamers!

@jasonbourne52 You’re patently out of your mind.  What DAC and streamer are you using that supposedly can’t be improved upon?

^that^ Might be a bit premature.

We probably would want to know what active speakers are being used before we would know if the Streamer/DAC is the long pole in the tent or not.

And budget comes into play here. If we are comparing some $30k DAC to a $300 DAC then that assumes that we are also not playing the $30k DAC through $300 speakers.

While I would generally opt for the better speakers over a DAC… maybe headphones could help the OP make an assessment on the DACs if there are places that have them locally?
(I believe that it should be easier to carry the Node3 to the local DAC shop… and that removes the room and the speakers from the assessment.)

My active speakers are BeoLab 8000’s. My room is 20’ x 40’ with mostly hard surfaces, but also broken up by furniture, protruding bookshelves, etc. The only option for treatment is ceiling absorbent panels.

Is there a rug on the floor?
Or a couple of indoor plants?

I’m cautious because others have said that adding an Aires II to the NODE made no difference. I know it’s a risk that I will get little or no improvement. I’m in a smaller city with only a Best Buy nearby

If they have said that adding the Aires II it made no difference, then why consider it? Why take the risk?
There has to be something with greater certainty of SQ success to pursue.

When I do not know what that is, I usually try and go slow.

In this case, you are considering investing money in “hope”, which against the evidence of the reports that said it made no difference.

We have 7 4’x6’ utility rugs on the floor.  A carpeted stairway comes into the space.  Upholstered couch and 12 chairs/stools.  6 bookshelves.  3 plants.  Etc.  I don’t notice it being echoey

I was thinking more of boomy bass modes, but being it is a large room… usually helps.

The hard part here is to understand whether any of the room, subs or bit-stream/DAC gear is going to be significant… and which is more significant.

I would be more tempted to suggest MiniDSP (DIRAC), or some DSP/EQ … or a DAC with EQ as I mentioned previously.
But Roon and some of the other streamers also have S/W-EQ that can implemented for streaming… which points us back to REW and a UMIK to understand what is happening and whether anything needs to be considered.

(We just do not, or cannot know if any of that is significant without a mic or some ears.)

The Beolab advert sheet mentioned that one can stream through the iPad.
How do they sound when doing that?
If it is not vastly different from the Node3, then I suspect that one is giving up some convenience and a lot of $, for no significant improvement. 

EQ would be significant, but if it is already good, then the only way it can go is to get significantly worse… I doubt it is perfect.

@tcotruvo I think that is referred to as the “fear of missing out” (FOMO).

Could more people telling you have it “dialed in” help?

There will always be ones trying to sell things to get to nirvana, and I too can sometimes not stop when I should.

You certainly can try other things, and they could help, but if it is good and you like it now… are you missing out on anything (other than possibility)?

Oh, I’m in Duluth. 

I know ~50+ people in Duluth, but none to my knowledge are into this stuff.

But you can stop at the donut shop in Hinckley on your way to the cities. 😉

Minnesota is a bit of a hotbed for audio manufacturerers.

You should be able to find a good shop in the twin cities.
I know a few people around Duluth and Millacs lake.