When I mentioned my budget was $500 it was because I had no real idea. It is clear to me from these responses and other research I have done that $500 isn’t going to buy me meaningful improvement. That is exactly what I didn’t know but needed to know. I am willing to move to the $1,000 range for noticeable improvement. Thanks for helping to guide me there.
Seeking DAC Advice for a Secondary Two Channel System
I have a secondary two channel audio system in my home office consisting of an NAD 326BEE integrated amp, Dynaudio Excite X14 speakers and a single REL T5x subwoofer. While I also have a Rega RP3 turntable and an NAD CD player, I mainly just use this as a digital system. I use Roon with an Innuos Mk.3 as my Roon Core and a Bluesound Node 2i as a streamer/endpoint. When streaming I use Tidal and Quobuz. Occasionally I stream with Spotify which I do directly from the Bluos app because of the lack of compatibility with Roon. Music preferences are rock, Americana, folk, soul/R&B and some electronic music.
I want to see if I can upgrade the sound and am operating under the assumption that the Node is my weakest link. It has been suggested to me that one option would be to buy an external DAC and bypass the DAC imbedded in the Node. Alternatively I could replace the Node altogether. I think my budget is around $500 but I don't know what I don't know. I would also hope whatever piece of equipment I buy is somewhat small in size. I don't have a lot of room on my rack to spare.
I would greatly appreciate any thoughts/suggestions this board might have on this quest.
Thanks in advance.
@puppyt
- ...
- 17 posts total
@puppyt Of course! When we aren't bickering about things, this forum can be a really helpful place. I'd check out the sales side of Agon (as opposed to the forum side which we are on now), as well as the other competing Audio Mart site. Sort by price in the DAC section, and start a list to research. |
@puppyt for a dac with a small footprint look into a used Chord Qutest. Excellent dac in your price range. Another option is Geshelli Labs but between the 2 I’d probably opt for Chord. |
- 17 posts total