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Schitt Yggdrasil Vs. Bluenode 2i (Shock!)

I am having a bit of a dilemma. I recently added a Node 2i to my setup to be used primarily as a streamer. My digital rig consists of
- Amp: Rogue Stereo 100 (GE and Amperex Nos tubes)
- Preamp: Primaluna Evo 100 (GE and RCA cleartops Nos tubes)
- DAC: Latest model of Schiit Yggdrasil
- Speakers: Monitor Audio Platinum 100 II
- Analog & digital Interconnects: Audioquest Silver Extreme
- Speaker cables: Audioquest Rocket 44
- Power cables are all stock, and no attention has been paid to power supply

I had been pretty satisfied with my setup after breaking in the Yggy; I subsequently added the Node 2i and was using it as a dedicated streamer and never bothered using it as a DAC. A buddy of mine who is contemplating the node 2i came over and I offered to use the Node DAC on my system so he could get a sense of the performance. I was initially pleasantly surprised by how good it sounded, but the shock came when I started doing A/B comparisons with the Yggy and I honestly could not hear the difference between the 2 DACs. I subsequently spent the last few days comparing them and I still can't discern a difference. So my question is
- Is the Node 2i just that good?
- Or is my system not transparent enough to highlight the difference?
- Or are my ears are just not sensitive enough to pick up the difference?
- Do I need to invest in more expensive power cables and supply?

I'm interested to hear from others who have had experiences with these DACs or similar, because I'm seriously contemplating putting my Yggy up for sale.
Ag insider logo xs@2xarize84
audiojedi
225 posts
 
If you can't hear an appreciable difference then I'd just enjoy the Node on it's own.

I'm running this exact combo and can attest to the lengthy break in time that the Yggdrasil needs before showing what it can really do - I'd make sure it's been sitting for a good long time before ditching it.

I did the A/B comparison to see if missing that last MQA unfold was really a big deal or not and I found the Node 2i to sound a bit mushy and rolled off in comparison, it still sounded good but it's trying too hard to be warm and smooth sounding in comparison.

I didn't mess with power cables much but I did find that moving between digital cables did make a difference - the Black Cat was super crisp and clean sounding, the Analysis plus was warm and sluggish in comparison and the Green Hornet sat really nicely in the middle.

I was running a Chord DAC previously which was really impressive fast and snappy sounding, the Schitt is more laid back and matter of fact - I'm a proud member of the DAC of the month club but I'll be hanging onto this one for awhile as it's easy to live with once she settles down...
adg101
1,057 posts
 
I find the difference with my Vault 2 by its own or running into the DAC of my Cambridge 851c to be very noticeable and that being the Cambridge is more refined at both the top and bottom being more extended. The Cambridge is more open and relaxed where the Bluesound is a little closed in and softer. The Bluesound is fine and probably in most system it does not require a separate DAC. I do use aftermarket cables, both signal and power on both devices so that does push the performance on both. I would think Yggdrasil is in another league over the Node 2i.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,393 posts
 
If your Yiggy is fully broken-in, you should hear a noticeable difference in SQ compared to the Node dac.
I suggest you audition a different S/PDIF coax. Each digital cable I have used has presented a discernable difference in sonics. Your Audioquest digital cable may be a weak link. Maybe try a brand other than Audioquest.



Ag insider logo xs@2x
arize84 OP
56 posts
 
Thanks for the responses. My schiit is definitely broken in, I have had it a few months and have never turned it off; I also listen to it everyday. I think lowerrider57's suggestion to look at the coax cable is a good place to start. I also believe that the tube preamp adds a lot of its own character to the sound which probably blurs the difference in SQ between the sources. When I connect the Node directly to the power amp, the sound quality/signature is very different (read worse) than going through preamp. I would be appreciative to get some recommendations for coax cables under ~$300. 
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,393 posts
 
Your tube components may be colouring the sound, but that’s not the issue. And byw, the Node can’t be hooked up to drive a power amp, it has the correct voltage to be used with a preamp.

For digital coax cables, try auditioning one from a dealer that has a trial period or return policy.
I have used Cerious Technologies Graphene Extreme...
http://www.cerioustechnologies.com/#products

Also Acoustic Zen and have heard good reports about Black Cat Cables.

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