Other than the software and user interface if you are using an external dac why would the streamer affect the sound that much isn't it just passing the stream on to the dac to convert? It will be interesting to read your impressions if you move up to a more expensive streamer I have been wondering about this as well. How exactly does this Innuos Zen trounce a Node2i? I have the Node2i and use an external dac and it sounds really nice in my system.
Moving up from a Node 2i
I want to keep it between 1K and 1500.00, closer to a grand if at all possible. I don't care about onboard DACs, since I have a keen liking for mine. What is out there for a streamer, new or used, that will sound better than the Node when outputting to an external DAC? I like the functionality of the Node, don't want something with a sketchy user interface. But honestly, I think my old Allo Digione (Raspberry Pi) might have sounded a little more organic and fleshed out than the Node.
What say ye, Audiogon?
Oz
What say ye, Audiogon?
Oz