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Streaming to outboard DACs - file format issues

Hello,

I recently purchased a Node2i and prefer the qualities of my original Peachtree Audio Dacit over the built-in DAC (bottom end on Dacit is significantly better to my ears). I’m streaming to my DAC via Coax, and from my research the Dacit supports high res file formats via Coax.

However, I’m having trouble streaming high res files from various platforms. For example;

1. AmazonHD: Files won’t play. I can play the simple HD and lower files no problem, but none of the UltraHD play
2. Spotify: All files play
3. Tidal: Even with my settings set to Hifi and not MQA (the Dacit is not MQA compatible), some songs play and others don’t. Anything with a ’masters’ tag is 50/50 playing. This doesn’t make sense to me since I have my settings not to play MQA.

Is this just streaming in general? Are my issues with an older DAC or is it streamer based? I have some time to return the Node2i but would like to know where the issue lies before I do that, or buy a new DAC; is this a streamer or DAC or platform issue?

Thanks for your time,

J
halifaxj

Showing 9 responses by halifaxj

halifaxj OP
13 posts
 
audiotroy; 

So all coaxial out is limited to 24/192? What would be the best way to make use of external DACs when streaming hifi?

I'll see if the files that won't play are higher res.

Thanks. 
halifaxj OP
13 posts
 
With the Node2i analog out, every file plays. 

The problem seems to be when using Coax and external DACs. 

Thanks. 
halifaxj OP
13 posts
 
fuzztone;

I mostly want to make sure that when I buy another DAC, I'm not having the same issues (I have a dragonfly, but that's USB). 

It seems most dacs support 24/192, but my Peachtree Dacit doesn't. 
halifaxj OP
13 posts
 
Just did a bit of research on the Peachtree Audio Dacit originial - it seems that it can only support 24/96 via digital inputs (optical can do 24/192). 

Could this be the issue? the DAC itself?
halifaxj OP
13 posts
 
mike_in_nc;

I myself agree and tend to find that the sound qualities of the DAC (or speakers, amp, etc.) will make a bigger impact on how I enjoy my music. The resolution is nice but I doubt my ears can hear a difference on my system (I’ve blind tested and couldn’t tell the difference between 96 and 192, fwiw).

However, the problem is that Amazon HD wants to send the higher res file possible to the node2i, so there’s no way for me to throttle it down to 24/96 (or even lower for that matter), which I would if possible and enjoy my current DAC (it sounds very musical and full to my ears - maybe just tuned to my preference)

I’v’e been looking at a few DACs that support up to 24/192, but doesn't mean I'll enjoy them as much as my current setup. 

J
halifaxj OP
13 posts
 
fuzztone - your outboard dac? Seems that most dacs now support up to 192. The original peachtree doesn't. 

Since I'm streaming hifi from Tidal and Amazon HD, the 192 files just won't play. 

If I use the dac that's in the node2i, it plays any file I throw at it. 
halifaxj OP
13 posts
 
Upon further research, it seems that the Dacit should be supporting data at 192. So something might be wrong with the Node2i that it is not sending high res files through?

Or maybe I'm missing something about using external dacs and streamers. 
halifaxj OP
13 posts
 
both Tidal and Amazon have not provided any meaningful support - just generic answers about going into my settings. I've done that but still have issues. 

I've written PeachTree to see if they have any insight. 

Just want to make sure it's not my Node2i, which I can return if it is. But difficult to pinpoint. 
halifaxj OP
13 posts
 
To add to the confusion...

Almost 99% of the Tidal streams, set to Hifi, will play. However, some songs will have pops along the way. I would typically assume this is related to a bad connection somewhere. I can replay the song, and there is a pop every time. 

Now if I switch to high quality instead of hifi, the pops go away. 

Does this sound like I have a deffective node2i?
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