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
facten
2,881 posts
 
I don't have either unit so I can't say why you are having the  problem you described.

Regarding your question about the coaxial connection , if my eyes aren't deceiving me from pictures of the backs of both units the Bluesound has a coaxial output that appears to take an RCA plug while the Chord has a BNC input. If that is correct you would need either a Digital S/pdif cable that has an RCA connector on one end and a BNC on the other, or a Digital S/pdif cable that has either 2 BNC connectors or 2 RCA connectors and then get an adaptor plug to convert either one BNC connector to RCA, or the converse
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.  
infoseeker
4 posts
 
Check to see if you have the 'use external dac' setting chosen on the node2.
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.
adg101
1,063 posts
 
@jfarkash 
Try the Audio Clock Trim off and to on to hear what you prefer. My RME can hand it it on or off just fine too but I hear a slight improvement with it off, a little more relax more analog I’d say. Also might want to on your node go to volume fix and just control volume through your integrated. Lastly if you’re using the stock power cord on your Node, get an aftermarket one and if you can run a Ethernet cable direct and not WiFi. Supra makes a really good Cat8 cable. Both the power cable and Ethernet connection/cable will improve the Node and let your Chord stretch its legs which will blow the DAC inside your Node away... should not even be close. Have fun.
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