I’m a Roon addict and a Node 2! user. They go together well. Some don’t like the DAC in the Node 2i.
All the outputs of the Node 2i are “hot” so it is really easy to connect up all its different analogue and digital outputs to your amp/dac and then just by switching source you can have a listen to see if there are differences you can hear, and if so then settle on the route you prefer.
I run my Node’s coax to the digital input of my amp. I think maybe I heard a small difference compared to the optical alternative, but I doubt it really. But my son was convinced the DAC in the amp gave a better sound to the DAC in the Node, so we don’t use the analogue out option.
Roon gives you a view of your signal path, a DSP option, and great metadata. Your Mac is a good home for the Roon software.
All the outputs of the Node 2i are “hot” so it is really easy to connect up all its different analogue and digital outputs to your amp/dac and then just by switching source you can have a listen to see if there are differences you can hear, and if so then settle on the route you prefer.
I run my Node’s coax to the digital input of my amp. I think maybe I heard a small difference compared to the optical alternative, but I doubt it really. But my son was convinced the DAC in the amp gave a better sound to the DAC in the Node, so we don’t use the analogue out option.
Roon gives you a view of your signal path, a DSP option, and great metadata. Your Mac is a good home for the Roon software.