Node 2i: Does it support multichannel audio via Digital Output to AVR?
Answered
I have an extensive collection of multi-channel FLAC music files, encoded in DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1, etc. I am a licensed user of ROON.
I plan to purchase the Node 2i as a Network Audio Adapter and connect it, via Digital Coax, to my Denon AVR. The Node 2i will be used as a ROON Ready streamer.
While Roon definitely supports multi-channel music playback, I want to confirm that the Node 2i also supports multi-channel playback via the digital output to the AVR.
In my setup, I am bypassing the Node 2i DAC and sending the digital output direct to the AVR DAC for decoding for playback in my system.
2nd Question: Does the digital output of the Node 2i support bit perfect digital output for Non-MQA music at full 24bit/192Khz resolution? In other words, when connecting to my AVR via Digital COAX will my native 24/192 FLAC music files be decoded? I seem to have read something that the digital output is limited to 96Khz except for MQA files, which are supported up to 192khz.
Thanks,
Herb...
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Official comment
Hello Herb,
The Node 2i only outputs audio in 2 channel stereo and will not support multi-channel playback or passthrough.The Node 2i also supports bit-perfect 192/24 through all outputs. When streaming MQA content, the internal DAC of the Node 2i handles the rendering stages, which means you will get 96/24 out of the digital outputs and up to 192/24 through the RCA outputs.
I hope this information helps!
Regards,
Wesley P. -
Anyone home?
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Just so I have this correct:
1) The Node 2i does not support Dolby Digital 5.1 or DTS 5.1 surround playback of FLAC music files via the digital or analog outputs.
2) The Node 2i does not support stereo playback of 24bit/192kHz FLAC music files via the digital or analog outputs (except for MQA files).
Do I have this right?
Thanks,
Herb...0 -
Hello Herb,
To clarify, the Node 2i does not support multi-channel playback through any outputs as it only outputs in stereo.The Node 2i does support 24bit/192KHz audio through all its outputs. When streaming Tidal MQA, the digital outputs will bypass the internal DAC of the Node 2i and only provide up to 24bit/96KHz audio specifically for MQA content.
Regards,
Wesley P.0 -
Thanks. That clears it up for me.
Too bad you can't do multi-channel music files.
Otherwise, it's a slam dunk decision to go with your streamer. I love everything else about your architecture (I use a Soundbar 2i in one room).
Any chance this will be a feature in a future firmware update?
Thanks,
Herb...0 -
Hello Herb,
Since the Node 2i is only intended as a stereo player, it does not seem likely that it will support multi-channel playback in the future. However, I will pass your feedback along to our Quality Assurance team for their consideration.In the meantime, if you are looking for a player that supports BluOS, Multi-channel playback and is Roon certified, I can suggest looking into the T758 v3 by our sister brand NAD.
Regards,
Wesley P.0 -
Hello,
I found this thread while searching how to stream surround audio from roon, on an m17 fully upgraded with vm300 and am17.
And well all that has been said is technically true:
It supports multichannel playback
It supports bluos
It is roon ready.That being said, altough the os clearly supports all the channels as dirac seems to run in the bluos, both raat and direct playback from network shares are limited to two channels.
Is it possible i do something wrong?
Ps the audio is correctly detected as 6 channels in tech infos
Regards, Xavier
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Hi Xavier
Though DIRAC is delivered as part of a BluOS Upgrade, that happens on the low-level chassis of your M17 - DIRAC is an independent suite of software.
BluOS is only capable of decoding 2 channel audio when enjoying music through the BluOS App.
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Thx tony completely clear :) and no issue at that level i only found the previous answers misleading and wanted to make sure i wasn't missing anything obvious.
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