Node digital outputs, quality difference between USB, Coax, Optical?

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43 comments

  • Andy

    Question, has anyone noticed improvements with USB over COAX? They sound fairly similar to me and coax being a hint louder in an A/B but not better or worse, test just curious what others found. Cheers

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  • Invenio

    If streaming bitperfect, then all there outputs should be equivalent.  I currently use usb.  Some have reported toslink being less reliable but with a good quality cable I have not had any issues with output of 24b/192khz.

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  • Allen

    Some are led to believe that the toslink output in the digital coaxial output are equal in bandwidth, this is not true the toss link is limited, and will not allow you to stream music at 192k from Amazon, you must use the digital coaxial cable or analog RCA outputs to hear music in that range

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  • Invenio

    Toslink is capable of 24b/192khz output. I'm not sure where you got information that it isn't?

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  • Tony W.
    Product Support Manager

    MYTH BUSTING: Back in the late 2000s and early 2010s many DAC manufacturers would limit audio playback through TOSLink to 24/96, partially because not much true 24/192 existed then but mostly because the quality of optical cables back then were cheap plastic and would have issues with that much information.

    1s and 0s are 1s and 0s... the sound quality between coax and optical is negligible and today most DAC manufacturers now allow for 24/192 playback as cable grades are significantly better today.

    As always though, go with what your ears think sounds best.

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  • Invenio

    I had a DAC from the late 80's that only did 16b/44khz because at that time CD was the highest format available.

    My point above was that toslink does support 24b/192khz.  But of course that means that all components in the chain have to be compatible.  I'm not sure where you are getting that you can't stream amazon music at 24b/192khz as I currently do it with my Wiim and the Node also supports this.  If you can't get that out of yours, you need to look at a different cable or the DAC.

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  • Otto Alcon

    Hello just bought a 2i. I cannot find with certainty if the output of the COAX out is 192? Or limited to 96. Thank you

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  • Invenio

    Attach it to a DAC that displays sampling rate.

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  • Otto Alcon

    Invenio, my Topping D50S does not display the samplig rate. My thought is; if using te coax out LIMITS the rate DOWN to 96 I will not use it. Many are reporting better "sound" with uboardd DAC,,so I have I found the internal DAC sounding VERY good.I am still playing woth this though.  Thanks

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  • Invenio

    Why would it limit the rate?  USB/toslink/coax all support 24b192khz.

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  • Otto Alcon

    LOL  I did not say it did, I am ASKING if it did. If you know for sure that all outputs are the same, then I am good to go. Thank you.

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  • Invenio

    Ok.  Maybe I misunderstood.  As for what each input sounds like, that is probably something I would just test.  Some people prefer one over the other, and some say there is no difference.  There may be audible differences due to other phenomena such as jitter, introduction of ground loops, etc... But each connection is able to transmit 24b/192khz streams.

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  • Otto Alcon

    Perfect, I connected an outbound through the coax out This was last week. First listen it was worse Ths is our hobby, we all approach it differently. Yes I enjoy the music. As a life long musician Im blessed or cursed to have such a huge experience with LIVE music. So with all my systems over the years, I strive for as accurate a sound to ME as possible. Many. Many variables Even if the AC when you're listening is quiet

    This Node 2i really is a surprise. I took a pre amp out and am using this the control volume etc. The internal DAC sounds better right now. So it's either a lower sample rate through coax, effect of another piece of wire the Coax, and it's a good one, or the outside DAC.

    Im listening to the 2i.  Maybe tomorrow I'll try the outboard DAC again.

    Lastly, if you've not replaced the skinny stock power cord, I feel it's a very needed addition. Not starting a wire debate, using any decent aftermarket power cord will be an improvement.

    Im really enjoying my system with the 2i, best sound yet in many years. im very happy. I got it used at 330  

    Enjoy the music Otto

     

     

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