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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
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,645 posts
 
If you’re on a real tight budget, you can start of with a Chromecast Audio puck for $35 and a HiFi subscription to Tidal at $20/month. You can run the C.C. Audio through your Modi via (mini) optical connection and manage the content from your mobile device. I have mine running through a Modi Multibit in one of systems and the sound quality is very acceptable. Worth a try given the cost.
n80 OP
1,227 posts
 
I tried the Chromecast and was not happy with it. It did not play well with Amazon Music and, to be honest, I do not particularly like dealing with Google.

Since my streaming is mostly low-res and used primarily to find music to buy, I might just need to focus on the DAC.

I keep going around in circles with this.

If I thought the SQ from the Node 2i's DAC was as good or better than the Modi 2 I might give it a try.
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

mental
1,029 posts
 
Node 2 into my Bryston’s DAC. Node 2 will see an external HDD and network to your PC music files. I cannot comment on the Node’s DAC although others gave it a thumbs up. Picked mine up refurbished, warranty, free shipping, $375.

I hard wire instead of wifi, no need for the Node 2i here.
meadowman's avatar
meadowman
124 posts
 
Mahler123 The Node 2i has a 3.5 MM toslink optical digital input to allow it to accept a digital source. It even comes with an adapter to convert from toslink to 3.5mm optical. I run an ancient California Audio Delta transport into one of mine.
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