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Streamer/DAC combo or stand alone DAC with Node2?

greetings,

I am looking to complete/upgrade my hifi setup and would appreciate divergent thoughts on the topic.  

System:  McIntosh MA252 Hybrid, Spendor D7, Node 2 for Tidal.
Budget:  Anything under $3000.
Based in Belgium with a journey to the States in the summer.

I listen to Tidal 95% of the time. The Node2 is fine, but is now the weak link in my system.   I've heard the Chord DAVE and the Qutest, both good.  I found Mytek LIberty and Brooklyn + to not do much beyond the Node. Surprising.  

As I pretty much only use Tidal and will never use a computer or Roon etc., I want one more box to either improve the Node2 or replace it.  I don't want to open up the MQA debate, bit it would be nice to have a MQA capable device.

Suggestions please. 
alchemyman
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 
^^^...as it should for 8x the price...
How does the user interface compare to BlueOS?
mgrif104
344 posts
 
Oldschool: good question.  I had a couple of reasons.  I wasn’t sure that the MDC was as supported and updatable for the OS as the Node 2 and the price was about the same.  Further, I had a different preamp and dac in there when I originally bought the Node 2.  But, because of reason 1, I’d go the same route again today.
Best,

woolfie
1 posts
 

I am also about to update my antiquated hifi system and am waiting for the new Spendor D7 model (apparently about to be released….they have been especially coy in trying to extract details) to demo with the valvelicious ma252 and contemplating matching either with Qutest/Moon Mind 2 combo or Mcintosh mb50 both about £3000 so likewise in your budget scope. Anyone with experience/views on these potential catwalkers? 

alchemyman OP
21 posts
 
I am also about to update my antiquated hifi system and am waiting for the new Spendor D7 model (apparently about to be released….they have been especially coy in trying to extract details) to demo with the valvelicious ma252 and contemplating matching either with Qutest/Moon Mind 2 combo or Mcintosh mb50 both about £3000 so likewise in your budget scope. Anyone with experience/views on these potential catwalkers?

I'm currently looking at the RME ADI 2 DAC.  I demoed the Qutest and found it opened the sound stage and added some air, but for 1300 euro I'm not hearing enough to justify the cost.  


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