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Streamer/DAC combo or stand alone DAC with Node2?

greetings,

I am looking to complete/upgrade my hifi setup and would appreciate divergent thoughts on the topic.  

System:  McIntosh MA252 Hybrid, Spendor D7, Node 2 for Tidal.
Budget:  Anything under $3000.
Based in Belgium with a journey to the States in the summer.

I listen to Tidal 95% of the time. The Node2 is fine, but is now the weak link in my system.   I've heard the Chord DAVE and the Qutest, both good.  I found Mytek LIberty and Brooklyn + to not do much beyond the Node. Surprising.  

As I pretty much only use Tidal and will never use a computer or Roon etc., I want one more box to either improve the Node2 or replace it.  I don't want to open up the MQA debate, bit it would be nice to have a MQA capable device.

Suggestions please. 
alchemyman
gdnrbob
4,408 posts
 
I use an Ayre Codex for my Nodes.
They are redily available used and offer a significant upgrade to the Dac inside the Node.
Bob
Post removed 
theo's avatar
theo
2,658 posts
 
I say keep them separate. I am using the Node2 and just bought a Cutest and am very happy for streaming  Deezer FLAC. I thought one unit less cables, but upgrading down the road will be easier one piece at a time. My thought, anyway.
alchemyman OP
21 posts
 
@theo 
I just picked up the Qutest for a couple days home demo.  As the Pre-Amp of my Mac integrated is tube based, a "valve-head" advised me to set output voltage at 3V.  The very initial impressions are that the articulation and space between instruments is enhanced.  I need some quality time tomorrow to make some more informed judgements at a greater SPL. And, I need to explore the filters a bit.
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
@alcechemyman

as a side note, I see your speakers are the D7s. What size room are you using them in and how do you like them? Maybe I should have messaged you privately...feel free to respond to reply in private so we don’t go into a tangent.
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