That’s a nice system! Underserved by the Node I think. As others have said, let it settle in for a bit. Clocking and noise are key factors with digital. If you are using coax, the Node is providing the clock, which is not ideal. If you are using USB the DAC is providing the clock. Try both once things settle. Good digital cables make a huge difference. I just upgraded my USB cable and experienced a huge improvement in clarity and soundstage.
So, I bought a Chord Hugo TT2...now what?
Hello all!
Today, I ordered a Chord Hugo TT2 DAC from my local dealer...should be able to pick it up late next week. It will be fed by a Bluesound Vault 2 that I'm using to stream Tidal and Qobuz, as well as play my ripped CD collection.
As the TT2 is definitely several orders of magnitude better than the on-board DAC of the Vault, I now have a quandary regarding what my next upgrade step should be. So, if you could only make one more upgrade, would you get the Chord M Scaler, which from everything I'm reading/hearing is the ideal pairing for the TT2 and takes it to near reference-class Dave levels? Or, would you upgrade the streamer, since the TT2 is only as good as the files/data you're feeding it?
For reference, the rest of my system consists of Audio Research's LS7 line stage, PH3 phono stage and (2) D240MKII amps running as monoblocks. Speakers are Kef Blade Twos (non-Meta versions) and my turntable is a Technics SL-1210GAE.
Thanks for any thoughts or suggestions!
Arvin