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So I'm up and running with my streamer but....

I finally have my node2i hooked up and linked to everything. Here's the interesting part... when I stream a CD quality Flac file, or a 320mb mp3 through the node to my Yamaha integrated and revel speakers, it doesn't really sound discernably different than streaming through my firestick/TV to a parasound z DAC >Yamaha integrated > Revel speakers. Both node and the TV are hardwired to the router by ethernet cables. I feel like I could have just used the firestick as a streamer instead of paying for the node. What am I missing here?
p.s. I haven't tried using the node  through the Z DAC, but it's very weird that the firestick and  parasound zDAC sounds as good as the bluesound node 2i. 
Am I doing/hearing something wrong or is the DAC the only thing that makes a difference when streaming? If so, I could sell the node2i for a more expensive Dac for the firestick.
Anybody else ever experience anything like this? 
128x128labguy

Showing 1 response by ncdogdoc

ncdogdoc
31 posts
 
You have many more options now with the Node. The first thing to try is streaming a higher resolution signal than Spotify. Most have a free trial period, and none would be easily accessible without jailbreaking the Fire.
The other is the fact that I consider the Node more of a streamer and less of a DAC, not trying to be elitist here. I am streaming through Transporter to a R2R dac I bought off of MassDrop for $300, and will probably sell my Mytek as it is 90% there and in some ways better.
Unfortunately you have opened a can of worms, because as soon as you "wonder what if", you fall head first down that rabbit hole!! Good luck.
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