My suggestion would be the Denefrips Ares ll. Buy a Shunyata Venom digital cable for your Node 2i, you’ll thank me!
Got a Node 2i, what's next?
So, I admit that I'm not much of a digital guy. I ordered an Node 2i for the main HT system mostly for Amazon HD. Much better than roku --> Denon AVR-X3600. I liked it so much I ordered another for my previously all analog 2 channel system.
It's not bad, and convenient. Not even close to vinyl on the same release and level matched recordings, but then again, I didn't expect it to be. I keep reading about how you can easily improve the sound by adding in an external DAC. Here's where I get confused.
I don't want to spend a lot on a DAC, because at best it's a secondary source. I'd feel comfortable in the $500 - $1000 range, but I'm really confused over the options and how they relate to sound quality.
First, r/2r vs I guess delta sigma? What are the sonic advantages of either, there are widely differing opinions there. I understand how each works from reading around, but how does it relate to sound quality?
Second, multibit vs whatever else. Same basic questions, what are the basic sound characteristics of each?
Third, oversampling or no.
And lastly, what bitrate/bit depth is considered adequate? 24/192 seems to be standard but some dacs only have 24/128 over optical. Will this make any difference real world with HD streaming? I also have an old NAD cd player with coax digital out I might want to hook up for kicks.
I've researched three so far, the Denefrips Ares II, , the Schiit offerings below $1K, and the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M. I would like to have balanced outputs to keep the digital circuitry as far away from the analog stuff as possible.
Thanks in advance for your answers.
It's not bad, and convenient. Not even close to vinyl on the same release and level matched recordings, but then again, I didn't expect it to be. I keep reading about how you can easily improve the sound by adding in an external DAC. Here's where I get confused.
I don't want to spend a lot on a DAC, because at best it's a secondary source. I'd feel comfortable in the $500 - $1000 range, but I'm really confused over the options and how they relate to sound quality.
First, r/2r vs I guess delta sigma? What are the sonic advantages of either, there are widely differing opinions there. I understand how each works from reading around, but how does it relate to sound quality?
Second, multibit vs whatever else. Same basic questions, what are the basic sound characteristics of each?
Third, oversampling or no.
And lastly, what bitrate/bit depth is considered adequate? 24/192 seems to be standard but some dacs only have 24/128 over optical. Will this make any difference real world with HD streaming? I also have an old NAD cd player with coax digital out I might want to hook up for kicks.
I've researched three so far, the Denefrips Ares II, , the Schiit offerings below $1K, and the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M. I would like to have balanced outputs to keep the digital circuitry as far away from the analog stuff as possible.
Thanks in advance for your answers.
- ...
- 80 posts total
| Post removed |
OP, I owned a TNT long ago and then tried the Classic 3 they are very nice tables just not for me. I really like my Exemplar Audio tube Oppo 105 it's a very analog sounding CD player. I was content with cd and vinyl. I tried streaming just for background music and to find new music to buy cd's and albums. I think if you bought a MHDT or same type dac sold your node and found a Auralic streamer with femto clock or equal quality streamer for around $600 bucks you may rethink your turntable situation. Maybe all in little over $1000 with sale of node. If you can find used you can sell them fast without losing a dime. I spent 15% on streaming compared to vinyl and listen to 80% streaming compared to my records, I did not expect this to happen. |
@vinylzone I cannot suggest a DAC, but simply to explore and you will find how nice hi-res streaming can be. I bought an integrated last year that had a very nice built-in DAC as a bonus. I also picked up the Node2i and sometimes the digital version is really close to vinyl. I am still quite a newbie to streaming. I did a quick comparison of Qobuz, Tidal & Amazon HD and didn't hear much difference so stuck with Amazon as it offered other family bonuses with the service. Good luck finding a good DAC as you can absolutely far surpass the onboard DAC in the Node2i |
Hello, I own the Node 2i and love it. There are better DACs like a Lumin D2. Based on what you are using it for do not upgrade by getting a cheap DAC. I have compared that DAC in the Node 2i with other DACs costing more than the Node2i. Unless you want to change the sound signature do not waste your money unless you go past $1,000. If you want a R2R get the Denifrips Pontus. Look for used, people upgrade all the time. If you want a chip based unit go with the RME. The RME has an adjustable EQ. Both of these will be perfect for a long time. If your system is tubes stay away from the Ares II. Too mellow. Bottom line try before you buy. Below $1k you are wasting your money. If you have a good power cable lying around get the nema c13 to C7 adapter on Amazon. Or the Nordost Purple Flair. The power cable makes a BIG difference. If you want to remove some of that digital sound add a Puritan Classic cable with the C7 end so it is ready to go. It also comes in matching black or white colored sheath. The store in the Chicagoland area sells BlueSound, Lumin, Nordost and Puritan. For the DACs you will have to order online. https://holmaudio.com/ This is the store. Sadly BlueSound discontinued the PowerNode 2i but they have the Node2i. They also ship! The DAC will be worth it once you get well above the level of the one in the Node2i. |
- 80 posts total