Node 2i to Lumin D2 using internal DAC

Hi,

I recently moved on from a Bluesound Node 2 running into a Mytek Brooklyn DAC. I got the Lumin D2 with SBooster.

I can say that while both setups are of excellent quality - it’s going to come down to preference of your ear. I thought I always loved the clinical, precise sound but when I got the D2 I was blown away by the musicality. You can certainly hear the difference between the two setups, and I’m glad I made the move to a one-box solution. Not saying it’s better or worse than the Mytek/Node2 - just different.

****EDIT - when you say "2-box, are you referring to amp + Streamer/DAC, or just talking Streamer+DAC?******

I don’t see the point, however, of using the D2 as the DAC for the Node 2i. If you want a two-box solution, I would suggest saving a ton of money and keeping that Node and pairing it with a Mytek Liberty, which is the same DAC as the Brooklyn but without the "pre-amp" capabilities.

There are, of course, plenty of other DAC solutions but why would you pay for the Lumin streamer when you aren’t even going to use it? Buy a dedicated DAC if you want to use the Node 2i as a streamer or just upgrade to a one-box with the Lumin D2. Or whatever one-box floats your boat.

Lastly, take some of that money you will save and invest in Roon. I never wanted to believe the hype, and now I can’t live without it.

Happy to answer any more questions based on my experiences. If you want to get more in depth just let me know and we can chat offline.

--saggy

*****if you meant you just wanted amp and digital interface as your two boxes then I would unequivocally recommend the Lumin D2.  Best audio purchase I've made in a long time.  I can stop listening to my system and remember to listen to the music.******

I think your choice of the D2 is a valid one. They offer superior sound without going to a multi box solution. There are obvious benefits to having the streamer and DAC combined.

"Why not just add an outboard Dac to the Node? The switch to Lumin may be a worthwhile improvement but I am personally a fan of separating the streaming and Dac functions." 

Tried it with my Antelope Gold and it made no difference plus i don't want loads of cables.

Chances are that either an external DAC for the node, or upgrading to the Lumin D2, will bring an improvement. I would only suggest that you purchase from a vendor that will let you return if not satisfied. 

Why not just add an outboard Dac to the Node? The switch to Lumin may be a worthwhile improvement but I am personally a fan of separating the streaming and Dac functions.