@cosmic_charlie - I have the Node 2i in my system and use the onboard DAC, but I took a very different approach to improving sound quality.
I use very good cables i.e. both power and interconnect cables.
The resolution of the Node 2i is exceptional - i.e. when the cables allow it to be.
Unfortunately the cables I use are an extremely good DIY cable geometry, built from scratch using high quality parts/wires, so they are a little expensive and not for a novice DIYer.
But there are members willing to make them.
Take a look at this thread on the cable forum to give oyu an idea as to how good these cables are...
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/duelund-conversion-to-diy-helix-geometry-cabling
If you want to go with commercially available cables I recommend cables from
- Nordost
- Inakustik
- KLE Innovations,
It may seem strange to equip, what is seemingly a budget streamer with expensive cables, but most of todays electronics is extremely good, but to keep costs low they skimp on power supply
- adding good power cables elevates the Node 2i to exceptional levels of performance
- adding good IC’s allow the Node 2i to convey its exceptional sound quality
FYI - I use the Node 2i connected via Ethernet - which improved sound greatly and I stream content from internet radio, Amazon Music and my NAS drive - they all sound amazing
I originally had the Node 2, but the Node 2i proved to be a lot better.
Another option would be to use one of the NAD streamers. The two companies are "related" and share a lot of the internal design approaches, but the NAD has a better power supply.
If you have any questions - ask away :-)
Regards - Steve
I use very good cables i.e. both power and interconnect cables.
The resolution of the Node 2i is exceptional - i.e. when the cables allow it to be.
Unfortunately the cables I use are an extremely good DIY cable geometry, built from scratch using high quality parts/wires, so they are a little expensive and not for a novice DIYer.
But there are members willing to make them.
Take a look at this thread on the cable forum to give oyu an idea as to how good these cables are...
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/duelund-conversion-to-diy-helix-geometry-cabling
If you want to go with commercially available cables I recommend cables from
- Nordost
- Inakustik
- KLE Innovations,
It may seem strange to equip, what is seemingly a budget streamer with expensive cables, but most of todays electronics is extremely good, but to keep costs low they skimp on power supply
- adding good power cables elevates the Node 2i to exceptional levels of performance
- adding good IC’s allow the Node 2i to convey its exceptional sound quality
FYI - I use the Node 2i connected via Ethernet - which improved sound greatly and I stream content from internet radio, Amazon Music and my NAS drive - they all sound amazing
I originally had the Node 2, but the Node 2i proved to be a lot better.
Another option would be to use one of the NAD streamers. The two companies are "related" and share a lot of the internal design approaches, but the NAD has a better power supply.
If you have any questions - ask away :-)
Regards - Steve