External DAC
Can someone help me set up my Node with an external DAC (Topping D90SE)?
Currently I have it connected via USB, but no sound. I know the Node is working because I also have it connected directly to my preamp via RCA and that works.
I see that the Node came with ethernet cable, but my DAC doesn't have an ethernet input (as far as i can tell).
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Official comment
Will Sahlman, the internal DAC in the Node N130 is better than average. SQ is good. Would probably need to pay over the amount you paid for the Node to get a better standalone DAC
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You were fooled by Bluesound like many others believing the Node had functioning USB Out capabilities. The USB Out was promised by Bluesound but not delivered as yet. Its been 7 month. Bluesound reps will not even address this issue as I asked yesterday. The solution to your problem is to use the COAX output of the Node into COAX input of your D90SE
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Thanks! Why doesn't bluesound have a help line? They've emailed me a few times with curt answers. I have a coax coming today so hope that works. I'm starting to be skeptical that streaming music can come in audiophile quality.......
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So, i got the coax and it works!
So...when i A/B the Bluesound with and without the external DAC, it's only about 10% better. Is this normal? I was hoping for night and day. Maybe streaming is limited compared to cd or vinyl, but i thought with all this lossless tech it would be great.
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Hi Will, the DAC in the Node is very good so an external DAC will give you a different presentation which you may or not prefer.
There are quite a few users on a UK hifi forum (Pink Fish) who don’t feel the need for an external DAC.
Also re your opening post, Ethernet is only to connect the NODE to your network instead of WiFi.
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So, is it possible to have the Bluesound + DAC sound as good as a CD? If so, how much does one have to spend on a DAC to do that? Mine was 800 and it's really not doing it for me. It's fine, but still dull in comparison. I'd rather spend money on a DAC if I can get that sound, rather than give up on streaming.
Thanks!
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Your DAC looks very promising on paper. Its sound may just be not to your liking. Beyond a certain level, it's very subjective.
If you are using lossless or MQA streaming, your set-up should sound as good as CD already.
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Will , you may need to go into the Settings of the Topping D90SE (Look on Youtube) and make adjustments. You have an excellent DAC
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I agree with Christian you should be getting better than CD sound with that set up. What CD player are you comparing it too, and what are the other parts of the system?
Re USB out, last time I asked got "likely before the end of the calendar year" as answer so that will give you another option to try.
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Recently I connected my Bluesound Node to an external DAC by a the coax cable. The DAC is part of my new Rega Saturn mk3 CD-player/DAC. In my opinion a better performance than the DAC inside the Bluesound.
BUT......... when I change from one (saved) radio station to another (TuneIn) within the Bluesound app I hear a loud 'crack' in my loudspeaker. Not with all of the radio stations, which I think will be caused by different formats / bit rates.
Has anyone experienced this? Why does the Bluesound have no troubles with it? (Good!) And why would it cause trouble in the Rega Saturn? Any ideas for solutions?
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Hi Wim, it’s probably the DAC in the Saturn switching between bitrate, radio stations have different bitrates, some the same hence you get the DAC locking occasionally. You can test this by finding a big radio station and then selecting the three dots on the now playing stream which give you access to “select stream”
Have a word with your Rega dealer and see if there is a solution.
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Like many I am sure, I was concerned when the DAC reviews for my Node 2i were questionable so I did an A/B test with a Topping D30 Pro. With my Naim Nait XS setup, I didn't notice any difference at all so the BlueOS 2i stays right where it is doing the awesome job that it always has for the last year.
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To spin off the external DAC topic, I also upgraded to a Geshelli J2 and the improvement is only slight. I'm only 1 year into my hifi hobby. I find the analog gear is much more lush & fuller than streamer or CD. The vinyl sounds better to my ears. I'd be willing to re-up the DAC if it would bring that kind of warmth. I'm not sure my ears are worthy.
Components:
McIntosh 200W integratedKLH Model 5 speakers.
Analog path:
Fluance RT83 turntable / ortofon 2M redIfi Zen phono preamp
Digital path:
Amazon Music HD
Bluesound node 2i /wifi connectedGeshelli J2 dac / connected to streamer via coax
using balanced outs to amp
Well treated room.
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