I completely agree that the Node 2i's internal DAC is not the greatest but as a gateway to a high-end DAC it's hard to beat for simplicity, versatility and price. I use one for Tidal streaming to a Bel Canto DAC 3 through the coax SPDIF output and the combination is trouble-free and exceptionally good sounding.
Streaming Novice Question: Experience with SmallGreenComputer vs. Fidelizer Products?
Hello All!
While I am a life-long audiophile with experience in "the industry" and well versed in analog as well as "traditional" digital, 15 years spent away from the hi-end audio game has left me scratching my head on the "new" computer based/streaming digital options. At the same time I have been truly smitten with TIDAL! What a fantastic idea for music lovers. And I must admit my Surface Pro 5 plugged directly into the "USB-DAC" input of my Marantz KI Ruby SACD player sounds promising, especially on TIDAL's MQA files. :)
But as an audiophile, more is more, right?
The question: Where to start in the upgraded streaming world? I read about these two companies here and got to thinking maybe our collective community could help? I am NOT opposed to more pricey options, but recall one thing about digital-it gets "old" fast, meaning the tech moves SO FAST it's easy to be saddled with yesterday's latest greatest at a not insignificant financial penalty. ;)
System: Technics 1500/AT cart; Marantz KI Ruby SACD; Benchmark LA4, (2) Benchmark; AHB2's bridged into mono; Martin Logan Renaissance ESL's; Benchmark cables (interconnects and speaker cable).
Thank you,
BH
While I am a life-long audiophile with experience in "the industry" and well versed in analog as well as "traditional" digital, 15 years spent away from the hi-end audio game has left me scratching my head on the "new" computer based/streaming digital options. At the same time I have been truly smitten with TIDAL! What a fantastic idea for music lovers. And I must admit my Surface Pro 5 plugged directly into the "USB-DAC" input of my Marantz KI Ruby SACD player sounds promising, especially on TIDAL's MQA files. :)
But as an audiophile, more is more, right?
The question: Where to start in the upgraded streaming world? I read about these two companies here and got to thinking maybe our collective community could help? I am NOT opposed to more pricey options, but recall one thing about digital-it gets "old" fast, meaning the tech moves SO FAST it's easy to be saddled with yesterday's latest greatest at a not insignificant financial penalty. ;)
System: Technics 1500/AT cart; Marantz KI Ruby SACD; Benchmark LA4, (2) Benchmark; AHB2's bridged into mono; Martin Logan Renaissance ESL's; Benchmark cables (interconnects and speaker cable).
Thank you,
BH