Get a new DAC and use the coax out, not Toslink. Later you can either add an upgraded linear power supply to the Node or get a better streamer for a nice performance improvement.
Upgrade from BluNode 2i with a new DAC or Integrated Streamer DAC?
I have owned the Blue Node 2i for a few years. I would like to upgrade for ~ $1000 - $2000. Would you recommend something like the NAD C 658 or a similar priced used piece or just spend the money on a better DAC and stick with the Blue Node as the streamer? Likewise for the money used vs new. I have a vintage system with Magnapan 3.1s which are powered by Emotiva XPA Gen 3s and Mark Levinson 26 preamp. Had to replace the Mark Levinson dual Monos amp a few years ago and refurbished the Maggies. I’m confused by the jitter issues of connecting two devices which would be either coax or Toslink as a potential negative to just putting the money into the DAC.
Showing 4 responses by soix
At your price point I’d recommend looking at the Denafrips Pontus II DAC as it will greatly reduce your listening fatigue and provide significant performance benefits across the board. Also, it’s been well documented that adding a LPS to a Node also provides a very worthwhile performance boost so I’d definitely put that on the list for down the road. Last, adding a DDC (like the Denafrips Iris) before the Pontus to take advantage of its i2S input will get you another significant performance boost if you feel like going that far, but at least the option is there. Hope this helps, and best of luck. |
These aren’t the specific models you’re asking about, but if you skip to the Comparisons section I think you’ll get a useful glimpse into the differences in house sound between the two. https://soundnews.net/sources/dacs/denafrips-venus-review-the-birth-of-a-deity/ |