2. digital
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Got a Node 2i, what's next?

So, I admit that I'm not much of a digital guy.  I ordered an Node 2i for the main HT system mostly for Amazon HD.  Much better than roku --> Denon AVR-X3600.  I liked it so much I ordered another for my previously all analog 2 channel system.

It's not bad, and convenient. Not even close to vinyl on the same release and level matched recordings, but then again, I didn't expect it to be.  I keep reading about how you can easily improve the sound by adding in an external DAC.  Here's where I get confused.

I don't want to spend a lot on a DAC, because at best it's a secondary source.  I'd feel comfortable in the $500 - $1000 range, but I'm really confused over the options and how they relate to sound quality.

First, r/2r vs I guess delta sigma?  What are the sonic advantages of either, there are widely differing opinions there.  I understand how each works from reading around, but how does it relate to sound quality?

Second, multibit vs whatever else.  Same basic questions, what are the basic sound characteristics of each?

Third, oversampling or no.

And lastly, what bitrate/bit depth is considered adequate?  24/192 seems to be standard but some dacs only have 24/128 over optical.  Will this make any difference real world with HD streaming?  I also have an old NAD cd player with coax digital out I might want to hook up for kicks.

I've researched three so far, the Denefrips Ares II, , the Schiit offerings below $1K, and the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M.  I would like to have balanced outputs to keep the digital circuitry as far away from the analog stuff as possible.

Thanks in advance for your answers.



vinylzone
musicfan2349's avatar
musicfan2349
206 posts
 
IMHO, I wouldn't limit yourself to balanced outputs. I think for this application it's not going to make THAT significant a difference. For one thing, when you connected your Node to your preamp, you were using unbalanced RCA interconnects anyways. And when you do get a DAC, you're still going to have a "digital" signal between Node and DAC. I wouldn't sweat it. <G>

I do agree that the Node2i benefits greatly using an external DAC. The integrated one is adequate, but only just. I tried a Jolida first and while an improvement, I knew there was better out there for not that much more money. I'm currently using a Border Patrol and am very happy with it after it's burn-in. I spent a little bit more and had some Morrow audio interconnects made for it and it will do me for some time in my current system.

Happy listening.
vinylzone OP
288 posts
 
IMHO, I wouldn't limit yourself to balanced outputs. I think for this application it's not going to make THAT significant a difference.

I'm looking for balanced because the difference it would make is purely placement.  Currently, my analog gear including my 2 channel preamp is 40 feet of cable run away from the power amp, which is located near the TV/HT system where the power amp (and main speakers) are hooked up to both systems.  I want to locate the digital gear as far away from the analog stuff as I can.
secret_mission_1964's avatar
secret_mission_1964
16 posts
 
My node 2i runs through a firs gen Schiit Bifrost I found on eBay for $300 used. Sounds amazing. The newer Bifrost 2 has your balanced outputs - go for it: https://www.schiit.com/products/bifrost-1
midareff1
182 posts
 
Frankly, I get a laugh from the guys who buy low bucks for digital because it couldn't be as good, and then of course it isn't because they bought entry level stuff and hooked it up with whatever they had left over lying around, because they didn't want to spend money there either.
If you want better then entry level sound get better than entry level gear and do all your homework with testing power cords, cables and so forth.  If you put the same effort into digital as analogue I think the analogue will be better.
helicoptank
4 posts
 
+1 to all the people who suggested upgrading the power chord.

i’m also a vinyl focused listener who uses a Node2i for streaming. Any of the DACs suggested will improve the sound but the PC that comes with the Node2i is exceptionally flimsy and thin. Swapping it out was one of the best bang for the buck upgrades i’ve ever heard. 

no need to spend much of your budget on it. around $100 will do. i got a $130 Shunyata Venom cause that’s what my dealer had in stock. I heard improvement throughout the frequency spectrum but especially in the low end. More extension and clarity there. 
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