Distortion using Node 2i as streamer with Denafrips Pontus Dac

Thats not encouraging... 2 users of the denafrips dacs on this thread, both had different issues and then someone else mentions that its common?  In singapore?  No thanks

@wgs57   yes I did know there was no usb output on the Node 2i...I wish it had one though. Do some streamers have that feature? I am still very much new at this but I had assumed usb out was for computers, maybe tablets?

USB out streamers

https://www.allo.com/sparky/usbridge-signature-player.html $249

https://hifiheaven.net/shop/Cocktail-Audio-X45-High-Resolution-Audio-Player-and-DAC-Black?manufactur...
$2300

Hey guys,

I should chime in to let you guys know that I am actively assisting @wgs57 to troubleshoot the issue. 

Statistically, the failure rate of the DENAFRIPS DACs is low. We ship hundreds of DACs monthly, the failure rate is less than 0.5%, i.e. 2 out of 500 DACs.

We don't rule out the DAC is faulty. We work with the owner to run through a few tests to identify the root cause before deciding the next course of action. Instead of jumping into the conclusion that the failure is on the DAC, of which, may wrongly diagnose and cost everybody more time and money unnecessarily. 

A classis example recently was, a customer received the Ares II notice annoying ground loop hum in the system. We run through a few tests by removing the earth cable, trying to break the loop but the hum persisted. We decisively (wrongfully too, sadly), ship a new Ares II to the customer. The new unit hum too. After a few more in depth rounds of troubleshooting with the customer, it turns out to be the subwoofer and AVR integrated in the stereo system was causing the audible hum at the loudspeakers. 

Nonetheless, please be sure that we are here to help. We standby our warranty and customer services. 

Many thanks.

Yours sincerely, 
Alvin Chee
Owner of https://www.vinshineaudio.com/

I purchased a Node 2i from a dealer and was talked into adding a DAC.  I got it home and discovered the Node 2i sounded better without the DAC.  I for some reason felt MQA sounded better and by adding a DAC you give up the complete unfold of MQA.  Still wonder if I talked my ears into hearing MQA better than it was, as I know many of you do not see any difference with MQA.  When I added the DAC, it sounded thinner.  Think most underestimate the quality of the DAC inside the Node 2i.

@larry5729
The problem was the DAC you purchased was subpar from the internal DAC in the bluesound. If I remember correctly from your previous posts, it was a Pro-ject DAC Box S2. Thats like saying a $300 turntable doesn't sound as good as the Bluesound Node 2i so obviously the Node is better than vinyl. You need a better DAC to realize the potential of a stand alone DAC.