Noob question on bypassing the Node 2i DAC

Answered

tomselleck

• November 15, 2019 15:25

I have the Node 2i connected to some Dynaudio active speakers.

I have both the RCA and Optical connections linked up.

Does using the RCS mean the Node 2i DAC is used?  And if I use optical, it means the Dynaudio DAC is used?

I can alternate on the speaker remote between Optical and Line output and I hear absolutely no difference.  Should there be a difference?

1

• Official comment

  

  Wesley P.

  • November 15, 2019 16:46

  Hello Tom.
  
  

  By using the RCA outputs of the Node 2i, the Node's internal DAC will be used. When using either Optical or Coaxial outputs on the Node 2i, you will be bypassing the Node's internal DAC. 

  As for there being no difference between the 2 outputs, depending on the DAC of your Dynaudio receiver, the cables being used by your system and the speakers connected, you may not notice much of a difference between the 2 outputs. What I would suggest is to test around with these 2 outputs at your leisure to find which sounds best in your particular audio system.

  Regards,
  Wesley P.
• 

  tomselleck

  • November 15, 2019 18:32
  • Edited

  Listened for a few hours today and honestly no difference at all.  

   

  What does the MQA External DAC option in the bluesound app do?

   

  And if I listen via Optical which is bypassing the Node 2i DAC, how come I can still use the Tone Controls in the bluesound app?  I want to make sure I am completely bypassing the Node 2i and it is only being used as a wireless receiver

  0
• 

  Wesley P.

  • November 15, 2019 20:19

  Hello Tom,

  When streaming MQA content there are 3 unfolds which must occur to receive fully rendered 192khz/24-bit MQA. The first of these unfolds is handled by the BluOS app and will output up to 96khz/24-bit audio. The next 2 unfolds are handled by the internal DAC of the Node to provide 192khz/24-bit audio. If you have an MQA certified DAC connected to your Node 2i, you can enable this MQA External DAC option to have MQA content pass through the Node 2i untouched and allow your external DAC to handle all 3 of these unfolds. For more information on how MQA works, please see the web page below.

  https://www.mqa.co.uk/how-it-works

  As for Tone Controls, these are processed by the player itself and not the DAC so they can be used for both Analog and Digital outputs.

  Regards,
  Wesley P.

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