The Dark Side; Digital audio equipment recommendations and setup.

Also @MikeH the article states that the processing happens before the dac so that it can be implemented if using an external dac. It would be pretty whack to set it up this way if you can’t run an external dac…
 
Nee Lewman said:
Also @MikeH the article states that the processing happens before the dac so that it can be implemented if using an external dac. It would be pretty whack to set it up this way if you can’t run an external dac…
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When the 2021 N130 came out, you could only use external DAC with coax.
Took them like 1-2 years and then finally fixed the USB out bug with a FW update.


They can be slow but they are really good about updates and continued support.

Now, I wonder if I will get the native DSD playback also??
 
Jbraswell said:
When the 2021 N130 came out, you could only use external DAC with coax.
Took them like 1-2 years and then finally fixed the USB out bug with a FW update.


They can be slow but they are really good about updates and continued support.

Now, I wonder if I will get the native DSD playback also??
Click to expand...
got it. so do all the models do USB out to DAC now? if so, then maybe this becomes my move.....get one of the cheaper nodes for my main system to utilize DIRAC, then move my Aries Mini to my porch as a roon end point...
 
MikeH said:
got it. so do all the models do USB out to DAC now? if so, then maybe this becomes my move.....get one of the cheaper nodes for my main system to utilize DIRAC, then move my Aries Mini to my porch as a roon end point...
Click to expand...
I believe it’s only the Icon and N130. Could be wrong. I know my Node 2i does not have the capability.
 
MikeH said:
got it. so do all the models do USB out to DAC now? if so, then maybe this becomes my move.....get one of the cheaper nodes for my main system to utilize DIRAC, then move my Aries Mini to my porch as a roon end point...
Click to expand...
I think they do because even the low end Nano has this in the manual.

USB OUTPUT (TYPE A) The NODE NANO can transfer digital audio (USB Audio 2.0) through to an external DAC via theUSB Type-A slot. Using a USB cable (not provided), connect one end to the USB output of the NODE NANO and theother end to the corresponding USB input on a separate DAC device. Select your USB DAC from the NODE NANO’s Audiosettings page in the BluOS App to bypass the NODE NANO’s internal DAC via USB audio out. Note: When USB Output isselected, all other outputs (Analog and Digital) are dormant.
 
I decided to pull a few Coronas and get some more seat time with the Fosi today.
Playing something equal to hear against vinyl I already own.
The hi res Marquee Moon can't match the KG vinyl cut but I tell you it's pretty dang nice.

I especially like feeding the DAC into the tube chain.
There's a polished tone, which takes out a lot of the digital bite but still keeps it musical.

20250124_170749.jpg20250124_170729.jpg
 
Jbraswell said:
I decided to pull a few Coronas and get some more seat time with the Fosi today.
Playing something equal to hear against vinyl I already own.
The hi res Marquee Moon can't match the KG vinyl cut but I tell you it's pretty dang nice.

I especially like feeding the DAC into the tube chain.
There's a polished tone, which takes out a lot of the digital bite but still keeps it musical.

View attachment 225008View attachment 225009
Click to expand...
I have some CD rips from the Japanese BN85 series which are the KG masters if you want a comparison
 
Joe Mac said:
No but if your do go there I’ll be interested to know what you think, it’s in my shortlist for a couple of years time when I look to a new DAC & preamp…
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Seems like a decent option for ‘relatively’ little outlay in comparison to TT2 and Dave or options from Weiss, and small footprint which appeals when considering rack space.
 
Bsdmr2 said:
Aesthetically I get that, it’s not traditional beautiful like some hifi!
Click to expand...

I do think the little Qutest is small enough that’s it’s incongruous as opposed to one of the big brothers that just throws out its particular look. Size is also a consideration for me, short term it could sit on the shelf with the new preamp before eventually being with an eversolo when i get to end game. The laiv would probably need to wait until I also bought the steamer and it’d need to be a fiio for the narrower form factor.
 
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