DAC with Bluesound Node?

S

Smile

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Jan 1, 2015
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I am on the precipice of the DAC rabbit hole! Please help limit my fall. After hours of research, I may know less than when I started. I like the line from Margin Call: "Answer like you are speaking to a 10yo boy, or a golden retriever." (Though I am not totally clueless: I own an Aurender>Devialet>Magico S5.)
Several possible applications with different requirements: A son with KEF LS50s with TV input; a second system of mine, HT but also decent 2ch audio, with KEF R3s and a new AVR (with perhaps a separate ext. amp), multiroom here would be nice,...
Looking to improve on Spotify via ROKU. Like the functionality of the Bluesound NODE.... which doesn't measure well, it seems.
So, the NODE is good enough? An ext. DAC? A Schiit Modius or Modi, perhaps a Topping offering? Other solution(s)? Plug and play preferred.
Thoughts?
 
The Node sounds OK but can definitely benefit from pairing it with a good DAC. I was using my Vault 2i with a RME adi2 and it was a good pairing. Then I picked up a LAB 12 DAC 1 Reference, a non OS DAC that has a pair of 6922 in its output stage. Great sounding DAC, well built and not crazy expensive.

I'm currently using the RME to drive my 300b as I wait for my preamp to be built and it's ok but I don't get how so many people prefer DACs driving their amp..... my system has lost it's soul since removing my Zesto Leto from the system. I will miss that preamp, but hopefully it's replacement will have even better performance
 
If you are using the Node primarily for Spotify, I seriously doubt that an external DAC will make much difference. I have a Node 2i and use a Denifrips Ares II DAC for streaming Tidal and Qobuz and while the external DAC is an improvement, the differences are very, very subtle. Not sure you would hear much improvement with lower resolution streaming from Spotify.
 
One goal is to leave Spotify with Qobuz.
If I read you comment correctly, that the $700+ DAC is only a subtle improvement over the built-in BS one, that is the guidance I am seeking.
So, BS alone for son. I may experiment.
Thx.
 
Smile said:
One goal is to leave Spotify with Qobuz.
If I read you comment correctly, that the $700+ DAC is only a subtle improvement over the built-in BS one, that is the guidance I am seeking.
So, BS alone for son. I may experiment.
Thx.
Click to expand...

By "subtle improvement" I am referring to better imaging and soundstage which, by their very nature, require careful listening and a well set up system. If you've been at this for a while and know what to listen for, you'll get it. If you pull someone off the street, I doubt they will hear a difference. The DAC in the Node 2i is pretty good, and the one in the newer Node is supposed to be better (but I have not heard that one).
 
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