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Experience with Bluesound Node 2 use with external DAC

I am very impressed with the Node 2.  So far my use of the Node has been with it's built in DAC.  It sounds great.  Since I don't own an outboard DAC I have had no other choice but to use the Node's DAC.  It is hard to fault it's DAC at any price much less the $500 price of the Node.  That being said, I realize there are alternatives out there than can improve upon the built in DAC.  I am at a point now where I am curious to hear what an external DAC may have to offer in terms of sound quality.  For those of you who are running a Node through an external DAC, what would you recommend and what type of improvement have you experienced vs DAC in the Node.
randyhat
gdnrbob
2,421 posts
 
When I visited Audioconnection in NJ. Johnny demoed the Bluesound Node 2 using the internal DAC vs running through the Ayre Codex.
The Ayre was a definite step up in resolution (though the onboard DAC was no slouch).
I ended up buying the Ayre for my Node 1 and love it. The Bluesound lets me listen thoughout the house and the Ayre gives me the best sound output.
B

williewonka
1,826 posts
 
@randyhat - you would need a pretty good DAC to better the DAC in the Node 2.

I had a Schiit Bifrost with the 4490 upgrade. One might think that a $400 external DAC should be better than an all-in-one box. However, the Node 2’s internal DAC+analogue output stage bettered the Bifrost considerably.

The Ayre Codex (@gdnrbob above) looks like one such DAC that can provide higher quality music - perhaps the Schit Gungnir or Yggy as well

Have you tried treating the Node 2 to some really great cables?

I already had a great power cable, but I used a IEC-C7 figure 8 adapter

Simply replacing the IEC-C7 figure 8 adapter with a C7 figure 8 connector on the mains cable made a significant improvement to SQ.

Good cables provide the following benefits...
- laser precision imaging with more space around individual performers
- larger image that exceeds the room boundaries
- significant improvement in clarity
- improved micro details e.g. more realistic venue acoustics

The Node 2 elevated my digital music to the level of my analogue rig, so I’ve stopped pursuing the next upgrade - for now at least :-).

Now I’m just enjoyin’ the music - Steve
2psyop's avatar
2psyop
779 posts
 
I have never used the Node 2 built in DAC. I have always used my Benchmark or Schiit external DAC, which I have owned for years. But I plan on trying it out.... soon.
gdnrbob
2,421 posts
 
@williewonka 
I concur, the Schiit DAC's are pretty good. I have a Gungy (after a Modi and Bifrost Multibit). Though my Gungy isn't a Multibit, it comes close to the Codex.
As, I said, when Johnny played music first through the Bluesound and then the Codex, the difference was instantly perceptible. The Codex sounded alive.
Though, I will admit the inboard DAC on the Bluesound is not to be dismissed-especially for the price.
B
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