2. digital
  3. 161335-144972

Distortion using Node 2i as streamer with Denafrips Pontus Dac

Hi all, has anyone had trouble with distortion when coupling a Node 2i streamer with a Denafrips Pontus Dac? 
I have tried using an optical, coax and usb connection from my iMac and after about a half hour to an hour I get distortion from both left and right speakers. 
On Alvin Chee’s recommendation I turned off the “Audio Clock Trim in the audio setting of the Node 2i but I still get the same distortion. 
I did have success being able to stream cd music from an Oppo CD player using an optical cable. 
Has anyone experienced similar problems? Any luck getting it resolved? I’ve only had the Pontus for a few weeks. Any suggestions would be helpful. 
I am thinking about trying another Node 2i to hear if I have the same problems. 
Bill
wgs57
guy-incognito's avatar
guy-incognito
169 posts
 
@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.
guy-incognito's avatar
guy-incognito
169 posts
 
Also, they make MQA DACs that can fully unfold MQA if that's your thing.  The Topping D90 MQA comes to mind.  Its $100 extra over the non-MQA version to add MQA compatibility. Mytek also makes MQA DACs. 
wgs57 OP
28 posts
 
Hello all,  I wanted to let everyone know that the hiss/distortion I was having has been resolved thanks to Alvin Chee’s help. It took a few weeks and a firmware update has corrected my issues. I am very pleased with the outcome. Many thanks Alvin for your genuine concern. 
Bill
More to discover