Digital output quality with analogue input of Node 2i

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11 comments

  • Official comment
    Tony W.
    Product Support Manager

    Hi Hessel

    Great question! Bluesound Players will accept analogue input and convert this to a 24/96 digital signal for COAX and Optical output. It is converted back to analogue when using the RCA analogue outs. There is no analogue bypass in Bluesound Players.

  • Adam Ziarko

    Will this also work with the Node 2? I would like to connect the turntable to the Node 2 (Analog RCA) and then to TOSLINK to the soundbar. Will this work?  

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  • Seppi Evans
    Hi-Res

    The inputs are routed to the analogue and digital outputs, remember you will need a phono preamplifier either built in to the turntable or a separate unit.

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  • Jon pink

    Hi, 

    I am running my turntable through an RCA to 3.5mm AUX  (high quality Audio Quest so wire is not the issue). My turn table is an Audio-Technica (AT-LP120XBT-USB) with built in preamp that is on and I am outputting line level into the Node. The problem I am having is that the volume when I play vinyl is a fraction of what it is when I stream Tidal through the node. It is not as soft as a phono output sounds but probably about 30-40% of the volume that is experienced when I stream. 

    My volume limits a set at -90dB and 0dB so I know this is not the issue. It sounds like there is no analog bypass so the Node converts from analog to digital... then back to analog again. I am wondering if in these back and forth conversions, some sort of issue occurs that is affecting the volume and quality? If not I am looking for some guidance before I explore return options. 

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  • Seppi Evans
    Hi-Res

    Hi Jon,

    Cartridges used on turntables by their very nature produce a very low output, they generate an electric signal without using any power and only mechanical means, in the case of the AT-VM95E it’s 4mV. If you compare that to the output of a CD player which is close to 2V you can see a humongous amount of amplification is required to get it anywhere close to that level. If you had a MM cartridge it’s even worse with most hardly producing a signal at all. The stalwart budget cartridge from Rega (The Carbon) only produces 2.5mV so would be even quieter.

    If you are 100% certain that the preamp is turned on and working then there is nothing else to adjust unfortunately. Some stand alone preamps let you set gain level but of course it’s a compromise of how much you want the hum, scratches, pops & clicks amplified as well.

    I did notice on the product page that your turntable has a Bluetooth output, have a look to see if you can use this method to connect to your Bluesound device as it may very well have a higher output and satisfy your needs.

    Sending the turn table back and getting a replacement won’t help and you could end up with even less of a signal with its replacement. It matters not if you use a Bluesound device, a NAD amplifier or a device from another manufacturer, turntable inputs are in HiFi equipment always lower than other sources.

    Edit, sorry I did not answer your question..the AD conversion has no effect on the volume.

     

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  • ALI NAQVI

    Interesting response from Seppi as I have had a similar experience to Jon. I have a budget Lenco L-85 turntable which has a built in pre-amp and I have the same experience; in that to get the same level of volume as when I am streaming I have to raise the volume by around an additional 20-25%. I just thought it was because it was a cheap piece of kit rather than anything else. I had also assumed that if I used an external pre-amp (either in the amp or separately) the sound would be better as you would be using a better quality piece of kit. Is this is not the case then Seppi?

    Having said all the above, I rarely use the turntable as I find the listening experience so much better via streaming, putting the convenience to one side. But occasionally for nostalgic reasons it's nice to spin some vinyl. So my basic question is would an external pre-amp make the sound better and at a higher volume? And the other question is if I had a more premium model instead would this make a difference too?

    Thanks.

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  • Seppi Evans
    Hi-Res

    The output even from a standalone pre amp is still lower than that of a traditional hi-fi separates (CD, tuner etc.) there is only so much amplification (gain) you can add to a small signal without adding too much noise. Some preamps have settings to let you adjust / match the cartridge but the cost of these exceeds the turntables mentioned and high end cartridges can be silly money. A better preamp would sound better but only if the preceding components are of quality (turntable, cartridge, arm, bearing and arm wiring along with good physical alignment of the cartridge and arm - the list goes on…)

    At the end of the day it’s just a case of turning the volume up more and down again after listening to vinyl and not worrying and enjoying your music.

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  • ALI NAQVI

    Fair point. Thank you. 

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  • Jon pink

    Interesting. If there wasn't something happening with AD conversion I figured this had to do with the line level output of my turn table, which is 240mV (a lot higher than what you reference but still apparently 1/8th of a CD). I do have a MM cartage with a mid level turn table and have been toying with the idea of a new cartage or even upgrading the turntable. This is a hobby where you can spend lots of money to make a series of small improvements and have to balance that, but at least I have HiFi streaming dialed.

    Crating volume presets for digital and analog sources will help and I believe I saw that this is possible. Thank you for these details and explanation!

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  • Robert Marton

    I have a Rega P1+ that has a built in preamp. I’m sending the turntable signal into the analog input of the Node 2i. From there the digital signal goes to my DAC that sends an analogue signal to my amp. It sounds really good but wondering if the sound quality is degrading going through these A-D-A process. I’m doing this as I ran out of inputs on my amp. It’s also convenient as I only need to use the Bluesound app to switch between my TT and streaming. The volume on the TT seems about the same as streaming. 

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  • Seppi Evans
    Hi-Res

    @Robert Why not temporarily make an input free on your amplifier and listen to see if it makes any difference.

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