Bluesound NODE_2i, adding a DAC?

Milito

I have a Bluesound NODE_2i and was wondering to those who have added an add on DAC did it help much with the sound and what DAC did you add?

Keep in mind I can't spend $1000's on a new DAC, something under $700-$800 at the most. Thinking about adding one before the end of the year if it would help.

TEAforONE

I have a Node 2,and Node 2i.( I also have a Node N100) The 2 and 2i I run external DAC’s. With the 2,which is in my secondary system,I run a very inexpensive Beresford Bushmaster mkII. The biggest improvement I noticed was an increased 3D soundstage. The 2i is in my main system,and I’m running an older April Music DA100 Signature. Even with this being an older DAC,I notice better detail throughout,more air between instruments,and a much larger 3D soundstage. I would suggest going used. You won’t get the latest tech,but I feel you can definitely get much better sound. There is a very nice and highly rated Benchmark DAC1 for sale in our very own classifieds. I would give that very serious consideration,and 1/2 your budget. If I didn’t just purchase the Beresford,and two subs,the Benchmark would be in my home!

Milito

I got an adapter and put a bigger power cable on my Node 2i and that seemed to help the sound some. My concern on the Benchmark DAC1 is how old it is and I would think I could get a more current (used) DAC that would sound better and hopefully last longer. Is this right or wrong?

Thanks for the advice and comments.

TEAforONE

Milito wrote: »

I got an adapter and put a bigger power cable on my Node 2i and that seemed to help the sound some. My concern on the Benchmark DAC1 is how old it is and I would think I could get a more current (used) DAC that would sound better and hopefully last longer. Is this right or wrong?

Thanks for the advice and comments.

I did the same thing with the power cord. Pangea adapter and a Pangea AC14 which I will upgrade at some point. I agree with better performance with a pc upgrade.
As far as the sound of the Benchmark goes,the DAC 1 is very highly rated. I am very new to the DAC game,however from everything I’ve read,for that price,it would be hard to beat. Another DAC on my radar in your budget would be a Denafrips Aries II. The Denafrips is a Stereophile class B recommended piece. I’m also considering the Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital for $399. This is a Stereophile class a recommendation. It seems to get pretty good reviews from mere mortals as well! I may very well ask Santa for the Pro-Ject for Christmas.

steveinaz

There's a Benchmark DAC1 in the flea market. Why are you still here?......go get it.

TEAforONE

steveinaz wrote: »

There's a Benchmark DAC1 in the flea market. Why are you still here?......go get it.

That’s what I said!

maxward

The recent The Absolute Sound review (issue 308) of the 2i seemed to like the sound as is, but also paired it with other DACs with great results. The Benchmark for sale here seems like a good idea. You could also try one of the Schiit DACs in your budget and return it if it doesn’t float your boat. I have a Micromega Mydac that I no longer use due to a change in my kitchen system. I have not yet tried to sell it here, but may do so soon. I’d be happy to loan it to you for a few weeks if that’s something you’d like to try.

Milito

I appreciate the offer, but I'm still trying to narrow down which ones I would be interested in. If you still have it and I decide that's one am interested it I will contact you, thanks again.

The Benchmark concerns me some as no one knows how old it is. Yes Maxward, the Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital has gotten some good reviews that I have read.

BTW which DAC connection to the Bluesound Node 2i gives the best sound?

TEAforONE

I personally use the coax out.

gyosa

Maybe look for a refurb Cambridge CXN V2 on their eBay store.
It is well within your budget.

BlueSound coax into the CXN would do it.....
You might even ditch the BlueSound after hearing the CXN...

Otherwise, I’d jump on the Benchmark for sale here..
It would be perfect , and the price is certainly right !

Bk

invalid

TEAforONE wrote: »

I personally use the coax out.

Does the node2i have the same connections as the node2 or does it have USB?

Milito

USB for zip or hard drive only.

steveinaz

I have a 2TB HDD connected to my Node2i, then coaxial to my Benchmark DAC2 DX.

TEAforONE

invalid wrote: »

TEAforONE wrote: »

I personally use the coax out.

Does the node2i have the same connections as the node2 or does it have USB?

Yes, the 2,and2i have the same connections. There are two USB ports. One is for service,the other is for a usb stick.

steveinaz

The USB is an INPUT, not an output. Mini-Toslink and coaxial are available on the 2i as digital outputs.

TEAforONE

The USB port is for external HDD. I don’t think a DAC can be connected thru that port. Unless I’m reading Bluesound’s online instructions incorrectly. It can be connected to a computer to read files.
The USB port on under the ethernet port is for connecting to a storage device and the mini USB is dedicated to service.

Milito

So has anyone heard this one?

https://www.schiit.com/products/bifrost-1

Also anyone have any experience with the Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital?

How would they compare with the Benchmark DAC1?

erniejade

@Milito are you streaming tidal? If so, do you use the masters with MQA? I don't want to get into a debate on MQA with my post but, i want to point out if you do use tidal masters with MQA, make sure whatever dac you do get is MQA compatible.

All the suggestions mentioned here are spot on. Lots of choices.

Milito

I use Amazon HD. The Dac will probably be my Christmas present from my wife unless I get a used one.

The Bifrost 2 multibit at $699 got some good reviews. I was wondering if anyone here has one and what they thought of it?

erniejade

What type of sound do you prefer? Warm, neutral, or a little bit more on top? Warmer Denafrips Aries II, Neutral Bifrost 2 multibit. I cannot comment on the Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 or Benchmark since I have not heard either one.

Milito

I would say warm to neutral. I want the music to be musical not sterile.

invalid

I wouldn't worry about MQA, a quality dac without MQA will sound much better than the dac in the bluesound with MQA.

erniejade

invalid wrote: »

I wouldn't worry about MQA, a quality dac without MQA will sound much better than the dac in the bluesound with MQA.

While I agree with most of this statement, they do have many external dac's with MQA. Since the OP said he does not use Tidal, he is free to choose one without it. For Tidal users, MQA can be important to them. I have a couple of dac's. For Tidal I prefer my lumin since it does full MQA. I can hear the difference between the non mqa version and mqa version on my rig. For quobuz, it sounds better on my LKS dac. I was actually thinking of completely dropping Tidal soon but, thats a different subject.

Anyway, since the OP doesn't use tidal or have a need for MQA, I agree with Invalid's statement.

Milito

Thanks for everyone's opinions. I'm looking for one that will sound good with my LSiM 705's and my Music Hall A70.2 integrated amp.

erniejade

I think any of the choices mentioned here will be an improvement and sound good on the 705's. I used to have the 705. They take well to any changes.

kevhed72

Milito wrote: »

I use Amazon HD. The Dac will probably be my Christmas present from my wife unless I get a used one.

The Bifrost 2 multibit at $699 got some good reviews. I was wondering if anyone here has one and what they thought of it?

I had the Bifrost prior to my DAC1. The DAC1 is hands down a better sound and for sale here by yours truly. Im looking to upgrade to a DAC2 but need the funds from the DAC1. Also, I took the DAC1 out of my rig and went w just the Auralic mini's internal DAC. Listening to Orb without the DAC1 is very noticeable...in a negative sense. PM me and we can work something out if you are still the the market.

Milito

Sent you a pm Kev.

steveinaz

There you go...

TEAforONE

Smart move!

maxward

If anyone’s thinking about a Node 2i, Audio Advisor is having a $100 off sale.

Joey_V

Node 2i is great.
I use mine into my Emm.