DAC/Pre-Amp Advice

@soix 

How do you propose the OP connect the DSPeaker Anti-Mode 2.0 you recommend with an integrated amp? The Sony uses HDMI for SACD's, I don't see how this will work in the chain with out a separate amp and preamp???

OP, your Node will take care of MQA using the RCA outs. Most room correction software is either built into the preamp/integrated amp or is in a device that sits between your amp and preamp. You could insert a DSP device between a source like your Node and your integrated amp via RCA or s/pdif but you would need inputs of the right type for each source, including HDMI for your Sony.

Replacing the Node with an NAD C-658 will get you Dirac room correction, inputs for most of your devices (except HDMI), and a pair of sub outs for subwoofers.

The C-658 does have a "card" you can purchase that can add 3 HDMI inputs as well as an HDMI output you can insert. This should work for SACD two channel but ask the dealer to confirm before you pull the trigger.

@soix 

I had planned on getting two subwoofers, and SVS was at the top of my list due to the ability to control crossover and everything from an app. I have been very impressed in listening to the clarity and punchiness from SVS subs for the money. I don't think I could see myself going a different direction here.

I'm doing research into the Pegasus and Gustard DAC's as we speak. I really appreciate you pointing me into those directions. I've also now added the DSPeaker unit to my list as well.

@kota1 

I think looking at the connections I would connect as follows:

UBP-X800 to TV via HDMI, TV to Node via ARC, Node to DSP via Toslink, DSP to DAC via Toslink, and then DAC to Amp via RCA. Part of me deep down wishes I would have saved another chunk of change for the A-S2200 for the balanced inputs, but I'm not that worried about it.

The NAD C-658 does seem to check all the boxes, and it is a unit that I was familiar with prior to posting on here. The only thing that is giving me pause is the amount of 50/50 feedback I have seen about the unit on forums like this and else where. Do you have this DAC?

Thank you both for your speedy responses, really appreciate the direction and advice given.

The connections path you posted has too many connections for my taste. A lot of cables and connections means more potential noise and jitter. Audio Advice is an NAD dealer and  recommended the C-658 when I was looking to upgrade my Node. I would follow up with a dealer and see if you can get one with a 30/60 day audition period. The price is attractive too.

@kota1 Good questions. Normally it’d be connected through the tape monitor jacks, but as I just saw his Yammy doesn’t have that it might be as easy as connecting the anti-mode between the pre out and main in jacks, but that’d need to be checked — I have my doubts. He could definitely connect the DAC to the Anti-Mode, but that’d leave the turntable with no room correction.  Both DACs I recommended have HDMI inputs but not sure if they’d work with the with the Sony so that’d need to be checked as well. This is a bit of a tricky situation all things considered.