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What am I missing streaming music with a Node 2i

Just getting my feet wet with some separates and better speakers. I started out streaming Tidal through a Marantz AVR and needed something to stream to the preamp and went low dollar with a Bluesound Node 2i. It sounds good and all I plan on doing is streaming, I'm not planning on ripping CD's or tying into a PC. Do I need to spend more on streaming equipment or will this get it done?
mastercraft1990

Showing 2 responses by big_greg

big_greg
6,708 posts
 
That seems like a question only you can answer.  Is it meeting your streaming needs?  Are you happy with the way it sounds?

I have a Node 2 in my main system and am running it through my Auralic Vega DAC and the sound quality is better than using the internal DAC in the Node 2.  The Node 2 is not bad by any means though.  I have one in my bedroom and am running it directly to my preamp using the Node 2's DAC and it sounds very good.  I plan to add an external DAC at some point, but there's no rush on my part to do so. 

Supposedly the 2i sounds better than the Node 2, so you're probably not "missing" anything.
big_greg
6,708 posts
 
The DAC in the Node 2 is very good considering its price, but connecting the Node 2 to my Auralic Vega takes it to another level.  I already had the Vega before I got the Node 2, but I don't consider adding a better DAC to be a "waste". 

I'm planning to add a dedicated DAC to the Node 2 in my bedroom.  It's currently connected to my Oppo BDP-105D.  There's a noticeable improvement listening using the Oppo's DAC.  For convenience sake, I'd prefer to have a dedicated DAC.

I don't think adding a DAC to the Node 2 is a necessity either.  It's very listenable using the internal DAC and if the rest of your system isn't able to resolve the added detail, it might not make sense to add a DAC.
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