2. digital
  3. 140483-121861

Streamer/DAC combo or stand alone DAC with Node2?

greetings,

I am looking to complete/upgrade my hifi setup and would appreciate divergent thoughts on the topic.  

System:  McIntosh MA252 Hybrid, Spendor D7, Node 2 for Tidal.
Budget:  Anything under $3000.
Based in Belgium with a journey to the States in the summer.

I listen to Tidal 95% of the time. The Node2 is fine, but is now the weak link in my system.   I've heard the Chord DAVE and the Qutest, both good.  I found Mytek LIberty and Brooklyn + to not do much beyond the Node. Surprising.  

As I pretty much only use Tidal and will never use a computer or Roon etc., I want one more box to either improve the Node2 or replace it.  I don't want to open up the MQA debate, bit it would be nice to have a MQA capable device.

Suggestions please. 
alchemyman

Showing 2 responses by mahler123

mahler123
633 posts
 
OP
i am surprised that you didn’t find the Brooklyn to be an improvement over the DAC in the Node2.  I have found the Manhatten, the Bryston DAC3, the Oppo 105, and the PS Audio Digital Link III to be significant upgrades over the Node2 DAC
mahler123
633 posts
 
I just added a Bryston BDP3 to my two channel System.  So far listening playing it over usb into my Bryston DAC3, it’s killing Bluesound sonically via toslink into the same DAC
More to discover