DAC/Pre-Amp Advice

@chuck_tamu 

An external LPS for the node would be a noticeable upgrade and leave you with enough money for a nice stand alone DAC. 

Are you running ethernet or optical from router to Node?

$2-3k budget? Definitely look for a DAC as the one in any Bluesound device is ok at best, better as a streamer only. If you don’t upgrade to a LPS then definitely or regardless get a better C7 power cord and run ethernet not wireless. I’d look at spending $1k on the DAC and get a nice SPDIF cable that is at least 1M long, longer is better yet. Forget DSP for two channel and work on your room and speaker placement. With $2k left I wouldn’t entertain two lower priced subs, as they will not have the speed likely of one quality sub unless you want boomy bass, then why worry with room correction? Stick with one sub for now and look at REL as it will be the easiest for hookup going with their high level input. Later you can always add another sub if you feel you need it. Plenty of nice DAC’s for $1k that will outperform the Node easily, and REL has subs under 2K. JL Audio is another line of subs to look into. You get what you pay for.

I (and several others on these threads) have ordered the recently released LHY power supply and LPS upgrade for the Node 130; the cost is $280 for both at Beatecknik. I have not received mine yet, and even when I do it will be a while until I have the time to get them installed and do any comparison......at least a month. The link to order is here

OP, until you get the room as close to "right" as possible (see the graph I posted) money on electronics is like putting lipstick on a pig as they say. You gotta measure AND listen, not one or the other. Get the room right first. That includes speaker positioning, room treatment, and DSP.

I think the NAD C-658 checks the boxes on a DAC upgrade to the Node and adding DIRAC to the mix.