Get stuff on trial and see. No one knows what makes you happy.
Node 2i and $1k DAC or Cambridge CXN V2?
Yes, weird question but here is the situation.
For a year or so I had a Node 2i and used a Topping D50 DAC in my main system. I upgraded that system and moved the Node/Topping to a living room setup. I "upgraded" to an iFi Zen Stream and Schiit Modius.......
The iFi is trash, like literally, my second unit, and still has issues and is going back to the retailer. Now thinking about what I want to do for around $1k. I could move the Node 2i from the living room and put a simple Bluetooth adapter on that living room system since it’s only used for wireless audio and then spend $1k on a new DAC OR I can spend $1k on a unit like the Cambridge CXN and use the onboard DAC (and sell the modius) or use the Modius with it.
I don’t want a Pi based setup, I don’t use windows computers to set my own up and I don’t want to deal with any issues.
If using an external DAC will I notice the lower build quality issues of the Node 2i (power supply etc)? I like the idea of the Cambridge unit with the screen and the modwright upgrades in the future but is $1k better spent on a DAC? I think the under $1k DAC market though is kind of a waste of money, I’ve personally never heard a $900 DAC that was much better than a $300 DAC but I could be wrong (and quite often am) ;)
edit: I use Roon & Qobuz, so software of the streamers doesn't really matter to me.
For a year or so I had a Node 2i and used a Topping D50 DAC in my main system. I upgraded that system and moved the Node/Topping to a living room setup. I "upgraded" to an iFi Zen Stream and Schiit Modius.......
The iFi is trash, like literally, my second unit, and still has issues and is going back to the retailer. Now thinking about what I want to do for around $1k. I could move the Node 2i from the living room and put a simple Bluetooth adapter on that living room system since it’s only used for wireless audio and then spend $1k on a new DAC OR I can spend $1k on a unit like the Cambridge CXN and use the onboard DAC (and sell the modius) or use the Modius with it.
I don’t want a Pi based setup, I don’t use windows computers to set my own up and I don’t want to deal with any issues.
If using an external DAC will I notice the lower build quality issues of the Node 2i (power supply etc)? I like the idea of the Cambridge unit with the screen and the modwright upgrades in the future but is $1k better spent on a DAC? I think the under $1k DAC market though is kind of a waste of money, I’ve personally never heard a $900 DAC that was much better than a $300 DAC but I could be wrong (and quite often am) ;)
edit: I use Roon & Qobuz, so software of the streamers doesn't really matter to me.