Two Sources, One DAC


Hi all, 

Thinking of dusting off my Denon SACD/DVD/CD player.  It's a bit dated, so was thinking would I be better off running it through a more modern DAC?  If I were to do that is there any reason I cannot also run my Node 2i through it also?   I see Schitt has optical, dig coax and USB on a couple of their models, for example.  If this is a good idea, any guidance on which connection to use where?  

Could be a rookie question, if so feel free to let me know.  

Thanks in advance.  

128x128mtbiker29

The Bluesound Node 2i has optical and digital coax output options.  I don't think it outputs USB.

I think the digital coax (SPDIF) is considered to be superior so use that for your primary or superior source.  If you have any high resolution files then they will only work over SPDIF so that could make the decision for you.  I would guess your SACD player outputs redbook via digital outputs and SACD only via analog.

Your Denon will probably only have COAX and Toslink digital outputs as does your Node so they will both be fighting for the same COAX input on the DAC unless the Denon has aes/ebu out or you can find a DAC that takes two COAX inputs. Forget Toslink. The Denon will play SACD through it's digital outputs but it'll be DSD over PCM (DoP) not native DSD, but it's a good idea to get a DAC with DSD capabilities because it'll allow you to upsample to DSD which you may like and use DSD in the future.