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Bluesound Node 2i & Ayre Codex - How would this work?

I just picked up an Ayre Codex and I’m looking for a streamer - basically there are 3 options, a Sonore product like the micro/ultraRendu, a Bluesound Node 2i, or a Innuos Zen Mini.

I am leaning toward the BSN2i in terms of flexibility and ease of use, and the cost is a big plus vs the other options. However the BSN2i only has coax or optical out, and the Codex only has USB or optical in.

So basically this is only going to work via toslink, which I believe would have some limitations. For one, are there limitations on the sampling and bit rate that can be transferred via optical? Is the Codex a good enough DAC that it can mitigate jitter from the BSN2i optical out?

Would a Sonore product be better (though pricier)? I also really like the Zen Mini option but I think it’s really overkill. I know it is an amazing streamer because I already own a Zen MKIII hooked up to my main system. But that also makes all the other functions of the Mini redundant (no need for a HD, CD ripper, etc). Plus with the LPS option on the Mini, I could literally buy 4 Bluesounds or 2 ultraRendus.

I should add that the main purpose of the Codex and streamer will be to go into my Quad PA-One headphone amp. 
128x128jsqt
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,645 posts
 
I have heard the Node2 analog output compared with the Codex as an outboard DAC in the same system and the improvement was definitely noticeable. Not a full MQA DAC as far as I remember but still sounded better playing back MQA content.  
jsqt's avatar
jsqt OP
37 posts
 
Thanks! 

My biggest question about the Node2 into the Codex is that since the only way to connect the 2 is via toslink, and Ayre says the preferred input is USB (only way to get DSD), is that there may be a compromise in sound quality by using the optical input of the Ayre. 

I realize I won't get DSD or MQA into the Codex via optical in, but the Node2 should still stream hi res via toslink.

I've just read that optical connections were probably the worst in terms of sound quality due to jitter and bandwidth limitations, and I don't want to compromise the sound quality of the Codex if that's the case. 


mr_m
1,087 posts
 
I am using a Node2 with Ayre CODEX with Wireworld Super Nova 7 optical interconnect, and the sound is glorious! I'm not a huge supporter of balanced outputs, but in the case of the Codex, it took the SQ to another level. Excellent pairing, IMO.
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