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Will adding an external DAC to my setup improve SQ significantly?

Hello everyone,
My current setup is as follows:
  • Buchardt S300 MK2 stand mount speakers
  • Peachtree Audio Nova 125 integrated amp
  • Bluesound Node 2i streamer
  • OPPO BDP93 Universal player
  • ProJect Debut Carbon Esprit DC w/Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge 
  • Bluejeans cables and interconnects throughout

The context:

Nowadays, my music comes 70% from SPOTIFY/QOBUZ/TIDAL streaming to the Bluesound Node 2i, with the rest coming from local files stored in my laptop, as well as older vinyls and CDs.

I listen mostly to all styles of Jazz, Classical, World Music, some Classic Rock, and even some easy listening tunes when the mood strikes me, all of this at reasonable volumes, but sometimes cranking it up some...

My listening room is our untreated living/dining room ( 550 square feet).

Now for my question:

While I very much enjoy the sound I'm getting for this modest but pretty good sounding system, I have read here and there that adding an external DAC can potentially improve on the overall SQ, as opposed to sticking to the Bluesound's internal DAC...

Before I go and spend hard earned money on what may not be a significant/worthwhile improvement, I wanted to ask those of you with much more experience than I your opinions. Of course, Bluesound owners are especially invited to chime in.

I really love the Buchardt speakers and would love to get the very best out of them.

Thanks very much for your input, experiences and of course, eventual advice as to what external DAC would fit the bill.

My budget is limited to around $1000, as it wouldn't make sense to spend more on a DAC in a system this modest, or am I wrong?

I have beend advised to checkout the upcoming SMSL M500. Any of you guy know much about these chinese machines (Topping/ SMSL/ Denafrips...). They appear to be very competitive price and specs wise, but I'm too much of a newbie to tell the difference, especially as it applies to my specific gear and circumstances.

Regards to all!

jlr261
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Showing 1 response by jbhiller

jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller
1,361 posts
 
Great advice to you here! 

I agree on trying out the DAC in the Peachtree as it’s a free and fun thing to do. 

I have a NODE 2i as well. It’s a fairly good DAC but nothing special and it’s a tad noisy.  See https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/review-and-measurements-of-bluesound-node...

as folks say, it’s really a matter of improving overall quality while zoning in on what you want most. Some DACs are state of the art and won’t offend but may sound sterile to you. 

I moved to a tube DAC.  The Doge Audio 7. See https://www.doge.audio/products/tube-dac/doge-7-tube-dac/

It’s slightly north of your budget. 

One thing you you could do on the cheap is to reduce jitter. I love this product ! See https://ifi-audio.com/products/spdif-ipurifier/


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