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Decent DAC/Streamer

My current system has two potential weak links.

The first is my DAC through which I play ripped CDs (my primary medium). It is a Schiit Modi 2 Uber. To be honest, I don't really perceive any issues with it. It approximates played CDs fairly well.

The second is my streaming set up. Currently Amazon Music (so no hi-rez) via Apple TV to the Schiit via optical. There are noticeable SQ issues here that I think have more to do with the Apple TV than the file size from Amazon.

So I'm wondering about a DAC/Streamer combo. The Node2i certainly comes to mind and if it is likely to be an improvement over Apple TV AND its DAC would be superior to the Schiit Modi them it would probably be the lowest price solution.  

I've also seen the Oppo Sonica (now discontinued) for sale in the $850-$1000 range and wondering about its DAC and ease of use with an iphone or laptop.

Open to other ideas but would say my potential future budget (there are currently _zero_ funds available) would be under $1000.
n80

Showing 3 responses by mahler123

mahler123
633 posts
 
I don’t know the DAC that you use, but the DAC in The Node2i is no great shakes.  Easiest thing would be to try the Node by itself and make your own comparison running the Node into your DAC.
  Remember, you can’t use the Node as a DAC with other digital sources, so eliminating the Schiit comes at the cost of losing some functionality 
mahler123
633 posts
 

OP

THe Node 2 is a renderer.  The files on the external HD can be read by the Node 2 and then either convererted in analogue in it's own DAC or sent digitally to an exernal dac.

  Whatthe Node 2 can't do is serve as a DAc for another digital component, such as the Apple TV, or a CD player, or even a regular TV that you wish to run through your AV system.  You can use your current DAC for all of these components but if you sell off the Schiit and rely on the internal DAC of the Node2 to try and play these other pieces through your system you will not be able to

mahler123
633 posts
 
Interesting I thought the toslink on the Node 2 was an out (that is how I use it) but it can also be an input?
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