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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
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
211 posts
 
@alchemyman

You could also continue to stream from your Node2 but use an upgraded DAC before connecting to your McIntosh. I know many are happy with the Mytek and Benchmark DACs in this same price space.  I know there are many other choices.  
alchemyman OP
10 posts
 
@three_easy_payments 

Yes, this is a serious option.  Outside of the Chord and Mytek Dacs, there is not so much on offer here, or that I am familiar with.  Additionally, given that something like the Brooklyn DAC+ has a good ten features I would never use, I don't see the point in paying for them.  The Qutest is the only DAC I know of that really seems to be meant for conversion only from a preceding digital source like a transport or streamer.

Finally, I heard both the Brooklyn and Liberty bypassing the Node's DAC into an Octave V40 tube integrated and then into Q Acoustics concept 500 loud speakers.  The difference in sonic quality was negligible.  I was a bit surprised given Mytek's reputation.
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gdnrbob
2,421 posts
 
I use an Ayre Codex for my Nodes.
They are redily available used and offer a significant upgrade to the Dac inside the Node.
Bob
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theo's avatar
theo
2,331 posts
 
I say keep them separate. I am using the Node2 and just bought a Cutest and am very happy for streaming  Deezer FLAC. I thought one unit less cables, but upgrading down the road will be easier one piece at a time. My thought, anyway.
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