Digital output quality with analogue input of Node 2i

Answered
Hessel van Kleffens

Dear Bluesound team,

I'm unable to find info on how the Node 2i deals with an analogue input signal.

I like to connect the pre-out of my surround amplifier to the analogue input of the Node 2i, and then connect the digital coax out to my active speakers (to use it as back channel for surround sound).

I know a lot of DA-AD conversion: not optimal for sound quality, but it's just a convenient set-up to get surround back channels, in addition to my normal stereo set-up for music. I also can't connect the pre-out surround directly to the speakers.. also not digital output available on my surround amplifier..

So my main question is at what sample and bitrate will the digital coax output the signal to my active speakers?

 

Thanks a lot in advance for a reply!

Hessel

 

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Comments

7 comments

Date Votes
  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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
    • Edited

    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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