2. digital
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Decent DAC/Streamer

My current system has two potential weak links.

The first is my DAC through which I play ripped CDs (my primary medium). It is a Schiit Modi 2 Uber. To be honest, I don't really perceive any issues with it. It approximates played CDs fairly well.

The second is my streaming set up. Currently Amazon Music (so no hi-rez) via Apple TV to the Schiit via optical. There are noticeable SQ issues here that I think have more to do with the Apple TV than the file size from Amazon.

So I'm wondering about a DAC/Streamer combo. The Node2i certainly comes to mind and if it is likely to be an improvement over Apple TV AND its DAC would be superior to the Schiit Modi them it would probably be the lowest price solution.  

I've also seen the Oppo Sonica (now discontinued) for sale in the $850-$1000 range and wondering about its DAC and ease of use with an iphone or laptop.

Open to other ideas but would say my potential future budget (there are currently _zero_ funds available) would be under $1000.
n80
mahler123
3,031 posts
 

OP

THe Node 2 is a renderer.  The files on the external HD can be read by the Node 2 and then either convererted in analogue in it's own DAC or sent digitally to an exernal dac.

  Whatthe Node 2 can't do is serve as a DAc for another digital component, such as the Apple TV, or a CD player, or even a regular TV that you wish to run through your AV system.  You can use your current DAC for all of these components but if you sell off the Schiit and rely on the internal DAC of the Node2 to try and play these other pieces through your system you will not be able to

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meadowman's avatar
meadowman
140 posts
 
Mahler123 The Node 2i has a 3.5 MM toslink optical digital input to allow it to accept a digital source. It even comes with an adapter to convert from toslink to 3.5mm optical. I run an ancient California Audio Delta transport into one of mine.
gregdude
222 posts
 
The apple tv is not known for sq. Start there.
mahler123
3,031 posts
 
Interesting I thought the toslink on the Node 2 was an out (that is how I use it) but it can also be an input?
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