Node N130 - Digital, Analog, and the "digital pass-through" setting.

Sander

• January 06, 2025 18:46

I have my Node N130 connected in duplicate to a pre-amp which also has a built-in DAC.

• Analog output RCA to analog input on the amp, to use the N130 internal DAC. I do this so I can listen to the TV connected to the Node via HDMI.
• Digital output Toslink to digital input on the amp, to bypass the N130 internal DAC and use the amp's DAC instead.This is for my music streaming services Spotify, Tidal and Qobuz.

By switching the input selector on my amp, I choose which option I want to listen to.

I saw in the BlueOS software that there is also an option for "Digital Pass-through", which says that the Node will only output the stream and bypass the internal DAC. When I turn this option on, I expect the analog output from the Node to go quiet and that I can only hear music via the digital connection. But the analog still works, and the digital also works, whether I turn the Digital Pass-through on or off - it doesn't matter. Shouldn't the digital output (Toslink) bypass the internal DAC anyway?

So I wonder if that option even does anything? When it comes to sound quality, I hear no difference at all when I switch Digital Pass-through on or off. I don't think I can even hear a difference between the analog or the digital connection between the Node and the amp.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this.

0

• Official comment

  

  Tony W.

  Product Support Manager

  • January 06, 2025 19:02

  Hi Sander

  Both the Analogue and Digital outputs are 'hot' and active.

  Digital Pass-Through (formerly External MQA DAC) is to be used if your external DAC is capable of MQA playback. See here for more details; https://support.bluos.net/hc/en-us/articles/360045466694
• 

  Sander

  • January 06, 2025 19:41

  Thanks Tony!

  One thing does confuse me, why not name it "MQA pass-through" if that is the only function it does?

   

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