2. digital
  3. 161247-88562

I DON'T GET IT!!!!!!

Hi,

I just purchased a Chord Qutest to add to my system: Heed Elixir integrated amp and Bluesound Node 2. The amp and the Node 2 work fine together using the internal DAC of the Node 2, but when I try to hook up the Qutest, I get no sound from the speakers. I initially tried connecting the Qutest to the Node 2 by USB, but then read that Bluesound players do not support digital audio output via USB. So then I tried an optical connection between the two (because it was the only other cord I had handy), and that didn't work either. I can try a coaxial cable, but I don't have one on hand, and also am confused about exactly how a coaxial cable connects to the Qutest and Node 2.

A diagram showing the entire hookup between all the components would be really helpful, but can't find one anywhere. Looking on Youtube and elsewhere has yielded no helpful information. I'm guessing this may be an easy fix, but am lost at the moment. I would really appreciate it if there is anyone in Audiogon land that could help me out with this nagging problem. Thanks!
jfarkash

Showing 7 responses by jfarkash

jfarkash OP
9 posts
 
Thanks facten. That's definitely correct about the Node 2 coaxial taking an RCA plug and the Chord having a BNC input. I'll look into the cables your describing and test something out as soon as I can. Will let you know how it goes. Thanks again.  
jfarkash OP
9 posts
 
OK, so I was able to get the system working through the optical inputs. I'm guessing maybe one wasn't completely connected, although I checked them a few times, so who knows. 

@infoseeker 
What I see in the settings (under "Audio") is an 'Audio clock trim' toggle that mentions disabling it when using an external DAC that can't handle adjustments to the audio clock. I'm guessing the Qutest can probably handle this fine, but don't really know as there's no further info. Also, I see an 'MQA external DAC' toggle, but it's greyed out. 

At least it's actually working now, which was the main problem. But yeah, optimizing it for this setup is something I'll keep exploring. Thank you for the suggestion.
jfarkash OP
9 posts
 
@adg101 
@plaw
Great advice and recommendations, thanks so much. Will try all and see how it goes. Even just getting the Qutest connected with the optical I can hear some change in the sound...a slight widening of the soundstage being the most prominent. So I'm guessing using the coax cable, along with a Cat8 and adjusting more of the Node 2's settings will render more substantial improvement in the sound. 

@billzame 
Yup, I think you're right, that was probably the initial problem
jfarkash OP
9 posts
 
@hshifi 
That sounds good, am definitely gonna get a Coax/BnC cable and will look into Nordost and Audio Quest. Thanks for the recommendation.
jfarkash OP
9 posts
 
@adg101  
Thanks, I have a pretty good Morrow power cable I can try with it, will see how that goes. And definitely checking out Nordost for the coaxial. These alterations are gonna take a little time to implement, but looking forward to hearing the improvements. 
jfarkash OP
9 posts
 
@ericsch
Thanks for another great suggestion, will check it out.

@sokogear
In due time...very much planning on getting back into vinyl, but need to work with what I have first.
jfarkash OP
9 posts
 
@larry5729 
I'm curious about the MQA comparison myself, whether the Node 2 will "do better" with its built-in DAC that's optimized for MQA. As soon as I get everything in place with the right cables and such, I'm going to do a direct comparison of the two DACs regarding MQA. Still waiting on some cables, but should be soon...
More to discover