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Can a streamer without DAC improve streaming?

Currently I’m using Bluesound node2i and Chromcast Audio to stream tidal via optical out to my preamp/ DAC Michi P5 
for some reason I like chromcast Sound Better than bluesound My question is can any streamer without DAC under $1k improve my tidal/ Qobuz and Spotify experience ?
i just add some photos to my system page thanks 
128x128lordrootman
djones51
4,947 posts
 
Are you using the DAC in the Node2i? If so run coax out and bypass the internal dac.
lordrootman's avatar
lordrootman OP
356 posts
 
@djones51. No I’m using Audioquest carbon coax and optical 
gdnrbob
4,409 posts
 
@OP, 
I use AQ USB and optical to my Ayre Codex- from the Node.
Works like a charm.
I actually demoed the difference between the onboard Node DAC vs the Ayre Codex. The Codex was significantly better.
B
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,609 posts
 
node 2i onboard dac is very mediocre, tuned for a smooth sound at expense of clarity and transient response - big improvement going to well reputed outboard dac in 500-800 bucks price range imho
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
Yes, a streamer without DAC can improve streaming but probably not much with a budget less than $1K compared to Node2i.  As others have mentioned, you will get more improvement applying that $1K budget towards upgrading the DAC while continuing to use the Node 2i as your streamer.
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