Schiit Modius DAC vs. Bluesound Node 2i, is it an upgrade? (not a review).

Schiit Modius DAC (not an affiliate link): www.schiit.com...
Preamp & Power Amplifiers
Kinki Studio EX-P7: www.kinki-stud...
Kinki Studio EX-B7 mono blocks: www.kinki-stud...
Speakers used during this review:
Focal Aria 906- www.focal.com/...
Buchardt S400 MKII- buchardtaudio....
Source: Bluesound Node 2i
www.crutchfiel...
(all music is hi-res streamed from Tidal)
Speaker & Power Cables: Maze Audio Ref4
www.mazeaudio.c...
RCA Cables: Analysis Plus Oval One
analysis.plus/...
Your results may vary based on your ears, room, and associated equipment:

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee this! So many times people talk trash of products they have never even heard.

[@NemoPropaganda]

aye! yup, my thoughts exactly!

[@exodusvelo]

you and your channel, are so boring though, and I have seen it many many times, I used the product.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

@@exodusvelo Thank you for making me feel bad. You have succeeded in helping to make the world a worse place, congrats.

[@NemoPropaganda]

​@@exodusvelo This is not the way.

[@roybertalotto6355]

@@ThomasAndStereo Illegitimi non carborundum......

[@tycheesey]

Absolutely agree. I didn't notice a great improvement in sound until I got the Bifrost 2 and the Denafrips Ares II. The Node 2i has a perfectly fine DAC.

[@TonyAguirreJazz]

Totally agree, I have a Topping D30PRO and when I added it to my BlueSound 2i it made no difference. I think adding an external PS from Teddy Pardo to the BS 2i would be the upgrade to do on these. I love my BlueSound 2i. Using it with a Naim Nait XS3

[@narabdela]

Anyone who tells you that the Node 2i internal DAC sucks, doesn't know anything about audio. They're just spouting 'received wisdom' from the internet.

[@dicmccoy]

That was awesome and made my morning. We need more videos like this. Thank you Nemo. Loved it!!!!

[@dicmccoy]

This is like when people were saying the Wolfson DAC in the IOTAVX sa3 is subpar. I A/B tested its Wolfson DAC to the Burr Brown in the Node 2i. The only major difference was the Node 2i, male vocals had more meat on the bones. That's it. DACs nowadays are so good, that the differences are very subtle.

[@xstensl8823]

i agree, even the modest DACs today sound better the high end early 90's lot. i was there, dark ages of digital. digital has finally come around. took about 30 years. yes i am still alive to enjoy it at 70! a lot of my peers are vinyl junkies and they agree.

[@dodpr]

Completely agree with you. The DAC inside the bluesound is good enough for me. I actually like it better than the DAC inside my Audiolab 6000A. For $500, you can't ask for more. It does a lot of things right.

[@dynodin81]

Thanks I was curious about that. I shall upgrade the DAC at some point down the line.

[@wastelan1]

What was the difference between 6000A dac compared to node dac? Ive got the 6000a and about to get the node(2021)

[@dodpr]

The Audiolab DAC is fine. At that time, I was using the Audiolab with the Klipsch 600Ms and it sounded a little harsh to my ears in comparison to the bluesound. However, Im now using the amp with the ELAC's DBR62s and prefer the DAC inside the Audiolab instead of the bluesound. The A6000A is pretty good. I would consider it even if I wasnt using the DAC.

[@BucketNakedz]

Whoa, new microphone? Audio seems more impactful in this video. Anyway, love your content - your presentation is very personable which i greatly appreciate it.

[@NemoPropaganda]

Hey Ruck! Honestly I can't remember, I filmed this video awhile ago actually and never got around to posting it lol.

[@mladenbasic1]

Love it. Proper balanced critique.

[@natethuerk3493]

Pick up a PI2AES plus a solid dac and you will be amazed. Having a good source chain is eye opening! But yes DAC’s are more flavors than black and white… all come down to system synergy.

[@jasonharley8230]

Great review as always !!! I have a Powernode with LS50 Meta's and a KC62 and I love it. I may upgrade at some time, but this set up suits me and looks great, keep up the great work, from across the pond in England

[@NemoPropaganda]

That sounds like an awesome system that doesn't take up to much space, love it!!

[@lloydbrown3223]

Awesome! We need more short and to the point videos like this!

[@JPWinters]

Audiofool did some Node 2 comparisons to other cheap DACs and they were mostly even fights, so this isn't surprising. I am glad you found the $800 DAC to be an upgrade, I look forward to that review. I found my Bifrost 2 to be a substantial upgrade over a Topping E30 & Modi Multibit. Also if you run your sub hot like I do, the subtle differences in bass presentation end up being very important.

[@JoaoSilva-nm3us]

The internal dac of the node 2i is very good and I also find it to be quite in line with my smsl su-8 which is a 250$ dac. The smsl is a bit brighter and the node a bit darker, but the difference is fairly hard to spot. For a 500$ dac/streamer, the node 2i is great value in my opinion.

[@NemoPropaganda]

agreed!

[@bobb.9917]

Thanks for real info! I will be interested to hear about the other DAC you tested…there is soooooo much hype around super expensive DACs it is a LOT overwhelming for a normal enthusiast….TRULY.

[@NemoPropaganda]

brother I hear you, omg, DAC's give me a headache!

[@marcusaurelius2988]

Great video , brother! Keep up the good work with your channel! How does the XLR connection affect things generally speaking? Does it really improve sound quality? For instance , Rel recommends using XLR connections and it seems that the audiophile community is crazy about the XLR.

[@NemoPropaganda]

I don't really know bro, I would need to have the exact same cable to do a test like that and I don't. My RCA cables are Analysis Plus Oval One while my XLR are much more expensive Oyaide Terzo RR V2. Also XLR kicks up the voltage signal which could be perceived as in improvement so basically there are too many factors to do a proper test IMO. I did find XLR had less noise for me, all my cables including power are really close to each other so I had some transformer hum, using XLR fixed that.

[@derekshorrock594]

this video is on point, so much crap talked by some audiophiles, you now have a new subscriber

[@NemoPropaganda]

Ayeeee!! Welcome aboard, and perfect timing, I’m about to really change some shit up!

[@EtienneDelange-oc8wp]

Great channel keep it up

[@mattkalis1567]

I am not sure why people are focused on what is “better”. DAC’s are like ice cream flavors to me. Each one has a different flavor. Pick the one that you like the best. If doesn’t make it “better” than others. The next guy isn’t stupid because he likes mint better than butter pecan. I am sure that I’ll get plenty of comments about how DAC’s shouldn’t add flavor. It should be dead flat and not color the music. That’s fine. That is the flavor that you like.

[@NemoPropaganda]

well said, hell I think we can say this about most of this hobby. But as you said some people just think there is only 1 correct way to do things and everyone else is "stupid".

[@nacarp2000]

I added a Modi to my Bluesound Node 2 and I really didn't notice much difference -> this is with the node 2 set to FIXED OUT, so I sold the Modi. If the node 2 is set to variable then it sounds very soft and any DAC will be an upgrade, maybe the people saying the Modi was an upgrade had their Node set to variable and never compared it to fixed. I ended up skipping the Aries II and the Bifrost levels of DACs as I'm sure they would have given modest/good improvement only, and went straight to a Pontus II, and that is amazing.

[@NemoPropaganda]

I've always used variable mode actually.

[@nacarp2000]

@@NemoPropaganda This was with a Node 2. Maybe you can try with your Node 2i to see if there is any difference.

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@nacarp2000 will do!

[@Elbenito84]

I'm fortunate enough to be local to Schiit. I've listened to all of their gear and compared them at their retail store. The Modius running single ended is pretty mediocre and sounds far worse than the standard Modi when A/Bing them. Balanced it's perfectly competent. The multibit DACs are great and I love my Modi Multibit, but I found the Modius in general to be kind of a miss unless you have a fully blanced system and you would need balanced headphones to benefit from it. For anybody looking for a cheap DAC the Modi generally sounds better in a single ended hifi system and is cheaper. The Modi Multibit is like 85 percent of the Bifrost, especially if you can avoid USB.

[@xstensl8823]

since i am 8000 miles away from Schiit, would you just recommend buying the Bitfrost 2 multi? wish i could get back home to CA to visit them.

[@Elbenito84]

@@xstensl8823 It's a bit pricey for what it is but it's a great DAC.

[@louiesipes2257]

Denafrips AresII. I was shocked how much better it was than the Schiit Modi 3. Soundstage and imaging were the biggest difference. Highly recommended.

[@NemoPropaganda]

I have one :D I love it!!!!!!! Will make a review soon.

[@decaf77]

Love the honesty, new sub!

[@NemoPropaganda]

Hey welcome aboard Nick! Feel free to join the discord if you like, it's free: discord.gg/3PkFQf4y6Z

[@FarHagh]

Haha; liked the video. Short and sweet. Interestingly, that's the reason I returned and sold 2 integrated amps with a lot of hype about them. None was really different enough from my sub $100 "vintage" Nakamichi & Luxman. I am sure spending a couple thousand will show the difference, but not those $1000-1500 ones!

[@NemoPropaganda]

Yeah a lot of these difference are insanely small and I think that's something more people need to get honest about.

[@bruunm1975]

Upgraded power supply in my node2i made a big difference. Used the polish upgrade and yeah happy. Feeding into Rega Brio-R into Focal Chora 826. Wanted to get dad but won’t. Based on this and other comments and videos.

[@NemoPropaganda]

Really? I was thinking about doing this too! Was there any downside? DAC is still a good upgrade but I feel you have to step up to something like the Ares2 for it to feel like a difference.

[@bruunm1975]

@@NemoPropaganda none! I didn’t tell my wife I had done it and after some listening. She said “what’s different? It seems have more bass and more everything?!” The installation was super easy. Only downside is I should have gotten their custom power supply not the power brick (this being purely greedy for more than current system being bad). I also feel using RCA outs vs digital into a separate DAC might make more difference. Pure speculation of course on my behalf. Was looking at Denafrips. My only concern is that the Brio-R volume control from remote it very rough. So it’s hard to fine tune. I’m currently using bluos app for that. Everything else I love about the Rega.

[@bruunm1975]

@@NemoPropaganda oh one more thing. Looking to upgrade 2i to Node (the newest version). Purely because I heard DAC is better still and more importantly it has more cpu power, so I’m hoping searches and loading of playlist is that tiny bit snappier. It won’t kill be to be with 2i forever, but you know how it is 😂🤣

[@fatb29]

Thanks for the clarification on a point I've been thinking about for a while. I was curious if an iFi signature DAC would be an upgrade over the internal Node 2i DAC and you nailed it for me. I am using the Zen Air Can MZ99 with Meze 99 classic phones and it's a very acceptable pairing for casual listening. If I decide to do a DAC upgrade, I'd likely go for an all-in-one amp/DAC/streamer like the Uniti Atom Headphone edition instead of screwing with incremental upgrades, I think my main McIntosh/Magico system might benefit more from a Uniti Atom HE than a an iFi or any other low/intermediate add-on DAC. But once again, I'm not sure because McIntosh is tight lipped about the onboard DAC's in their AV processors. Thanks for the data and answering my question without me asking - you earned a new subscriber!

[@NemoPropaganda]

welcome aboard my man!

[@ikemuoma8495]

Good frank review.

[@kyleo2113]

Looking forward to hearing about that more expensive DAC

[@seoulrydr]

keeping it real and keeping it realer!

[@Audiorevue]

Well I think what you're really talking about is more a matter of system dependency and preference versus one actually being objectively better. I'll give you two examples. Example one is I used a node the new one with a budget system consisting of an NAD c316. It sounded fine using the internal DAC and sounded okay, no complaints. I've been switched over to using an older micromega Mydac in that system and I thought it was significantly better. It had more life to the sound and also there was better delineation of tonal separation and the quality of sounds and tone. I then took and used the same node with a hegel h95 integrated amp and whether using the built-in dac in the node or the one built into the hegel, or of course using the mydac I honestly didn't really notice much of a difference. And both of this situation was utilizing the same ancillary components such as speakers and cables and stuff so yeah, it just really goes to show that a lot of something sound quality is system dependent. So that's why when people talk about things being absolute especially when it comes to hi-fi I have to raise an eyebrow and say to myself okay

[@NemoPropaganda]

this review is over a year old, if I made this video today I'd probably have added "one mans nuance difference can be another mans night & day difference" as I've learned with DAC's some people really feel these differences are more than minor. I did start using a Modi in my TV rig to replace an inline Fiio dac and that was really a night & day difference so usage case is also a factor. As far as this review specifically my stance remains that the Node 2i internal DAC is very good all things considered.

[@Audiorevue]

@@NemoPropaganda And I agree, I think sound quality wise for the money it's hard to beat. Ultimately however for my ears and the systems I've tried it in I prefer the iFi Zen stream. I primarily use roon so being able to put it in that exclusive mode just works well and flawlessly for me and of course you have to use an external DAC but in spite of what some people will claim streamers can and do have a sound even when paired with an external dac.

[@Cabal97]

Lol I got both, BLuesound is the streamer and the Modius is the dac running balanced into my freya +

[@NemoPropaganda]

see now that makes sense because you wanted the balanced for Freya so you're using its primary feature.

[@jamesmcmillan6350]

I have read from other reviewers that unless you spend about 1000 for a DAC then just use the Node's

[@NemoPropaganda]

Yeah I think I mostly agree with that, the nodes dac is way better than people give it credit for.

[@krupkake1]

Thanks for this. I have the node 2i and was wondering if I’d have to spend a lot to get a significant improvement. 👍

[@NemoPropaganda]

Glad I could help

[@nacarp2000]

Make sure you run it 'fixed' into a preamp - I found the variable output to be a bit dull.

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@nacarp2000 I've actually only run it at variable.

[@IrenESorius]

Ur the best straightshooter non bullshitter on YT, Nemo. ⭐ Cheers,, huge hugs and have the best of weekends,, 🍻😎👍‍‍👍‍‍!!!

[@kimbalxyz2]

Makes wonder how big a difference the new Bluesound Node sounds as I have read it has a improved dac from the node 2i ?

[@rsmeshramesh6914]

Hi I like your personable review. Thanks for doing this. I am intending to get a dac for my node 2i. I came across your review and found it very useful. As your review indicates, I possibly need to get a higher level gear dac to see good results. I am thinking of Denafrips Aris II. Howvever it has no MQA unfold. I am using Tidal to stream. But would Denafrips Aris (costing about 1100 locally in Singapore) make a significant positive impact? The other option I have is the well reviewed SMSL SU9 or D1 which do MQA unfold and is well reviwed ( costing about 500 to 600 locally). Do you think I will see a difference with this? My gear is klipsch RP 6000f speakers, Schiit Freya + preamp, XTZ A2300 power amp and of course the node2i as streamer. Appreciate your thoughts

[@NemoPropaganda]

Personally I don't care about MQA, at first I wanted to keep it so I did not buy the Ares2, then I thought so many people love the Ares2, I will try it, now I love it and that is the DAC i use with my node 2i. I made a review for it you can find on my channel page or search youtube for Ares2 Nemo Propaganda.

[@rsmeshramesh6914]

@@NemoPropaganda Thank you will search for your link. Appreciate your good work!

[@TD402dd]

People keep saying the Modi DAC is the same as the Modius except the Modius has XLR optional connection (and this is no small thing to improve your sound if your system uses XLR). That's not the total difference. The Modi uses the AD chip, but the Modius uses the AKM chip (Topping D-90 also uses the AKM chip). Maybe it is semantics, but Schiit doesn't think so.

[@NemoPropaganda]

The difference between the Modeus and Modi are not the topic of this video. Additionally the Modues does not use the DAC chip of the D90. D90's 4499 chip is about 8x the price. Have a nice day.

[@kimbalxyz2]

D.League , Schiit's website list the Modi 3+: AKM AK4490 and the Modius AKM AK4493 vs Topping D-90 - ESS SABRE ES9038 PRO !

[@roybertalotto6355]

Whether you can hear a DAC improvement with a Node2/Node2i will depend on the rest of the system. I have a Node2i, with a Schiit Freya into a VTA Dynaco tube clone ST120 and Magnapan MMG speakers. It sounds great. I thought maybe an outboard DAC would improve the sound even more so I bought a Schiit Modi3+ and really couldn't hear a difference, except for the annoying POP when a song changed and the bit rate changed (I called Schiit and they said is was just the way it was. Nothing you could do about it.) Then I bought a new set of speakers and a new integrated amplifier...KEF LS50 Metas and Sound Artist SA200ia.....Huge overall difference in sound quality. HUGE!....I decided to try the DAC thing again but with a more expensive "POPLESS" DAC. I bought a Gustard X16 DAC. Coax from the Node2i into the Gustard and RCA out into the Sound Artist and KEF LS50 metas.....Holy Sh$&! I thought it sounded great before....Now it was easy to hear a major improvement in sound stage, imaging and bass definition. I thought I was fooling myself so I needed to AB it dozens of times...set SPL with a meter. Yes, there was a noticeable improvement. Reconnected the Magnapans and a set of Klipsch RP600Ms....The difference was very slight to almost no difference. It took speakers like the KEF LS50 Metas to show it up. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

[@NemoPropaganda]

Hi Roy, based on your experience (and mine) it seems spending more on the DAC is really where the upgrade comes from. I ended up going to a Denafrips Ares2 and I had a similar experience you had, the difference was very impactful and undeniable but where we differ perhaps is the difference remained regardless of what speakers I used.

[@roybertalotto6355]

@@NemoPropaganda I can add is if your speakers are sub par, you might not hear any difference in a better DAC.

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@roybertalotto6355 i don't know if I agree with that, the $1600 Pontus still showed a nice upgrade even when using the more affordable Polk R100. But if by cheap speakers you mean like under $200 then yeah I agree because under $200 stuff gets pretty crappy.

[@rumbolzpunktde]

I own both. The Modius and the 2i. And i hear a significant difference. The 2i DAC is much sharper and sounds digital. The Modius sounds more analog and the highs are well rounded at the edges. There should be a step up with the new model >Node

[@NemoPropaganda]

Are you a headphone user? I can't imagine anyone can hear much of a difference between the two on a proper stereo, I had 3 other audio buddies check this piece out and the consensus was all the same.

[@rumbolzpunktde]

@@NemoPropaganda Only over my S 400 MK 2

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@rumbolzpunktde I suppose all that matters is you're happy with the upgrade :) For me and my friends we felt it was very minor and that was in my system with my Kinki gear, a system built around the NAD masters series, and a system built around a luxman integrated. At the end of the day though everyone is different so I really am happy that you're happy with it :).

[@rumbolzpunktde]

@@NemoPropaganda 👍

[@jkherberger]

The NODE is a beast

[@NemoPropaganda]

You're a beast bro!

[@xstensl8823]

i found the Node 2i internal DAC to be very good. better than my 8 year old NAD D1050. the 2i uses the excellent BB chip set. the Bluesounds just works. stable. i think the Zen Signature DAC might be a good upgrade to the 2i. which uses the same BB chip. i think you where alluding to the Aries 2? i would like a comparison between the two. is it more musical than the 2i? i play concert grands and attend the symphony on a regular basis. have about 60+ years of listening experience behind me. for what its worth. what i mean is that for some of us we can connect to the music with out spending $$$$$$. the first time i heard SGT. Peppers was on a AM radio and i was just blown away. had to stop and pull over on the Freeway. so an expensive audio system helps, but ultimately is not required. maybe context has a lot to do with it as well?

[@NemoPropaganda]

oh yeah, the Ares is a big upgrade over the node internal dac though the internal dac is also good enough for many people.

[@jlutell]

Nice!

[@gleamtarrest6310]

I question you setup on your little rig or your hearing.. I have a little system that I move around, sets on my desk , workbench or to burn in some gear sometimes... Node 2i, topping e30, crown xls 1002.. the topping is about $90.00 cheaper than the Modius... I just did some comparison between node & topping & there is literally no comparison what so ever... Topping is louder & cleaner than the node... The node has some strange boxyness muffling to the sound. I have a Modius as well & haven't compared it to the node yet.. I graduated from the node as my streamer in my Rig almost 2 years ago and that was one of the best moves I ever did sonically.

[@NemoPropaganda]

My little rig aye? That's funny... I think it's a fair request to ask that you do the comparison yourself before questioning my "little rig" or hearing. It sounds like you have everything you need to have your own experience. I can't speak to your Topping dac remark as I have not heard it, but I'm happy for you that you found what you feel is a big sonic upgrade. p.s. I don't mean to assume but if you're using headphones our comparisons are meaningless. I stand behind my initial statements in the video.

[@shipsahoy1793]

Maybe with the multibit 2 you can notice a bigger difference over the Modi delta sigma dac or the internal dac? Idk . I have an Modi+ and an old multibit dac, and they sound slighly different, but I can’t say one is actually “better”than the other, after a/b tests forever with $5k stereo speakers ??

[@NemoPropaganda]

Yeah, I dunno, I have a feeling you have to spend a good amount to get a noticeable upgrade from the internal DAC.

[@shipsahoy1793]

@@NemoPropaganda Yeah, that’s my current assessment, too. I think you either go for a $100 DAC like a Schiit Modi+ if you want something decent that’s inexpensive and don’t need “bells and whistles” or, if you really want to get something higher end, you gotta go for something that cost $800 or more that has a lot of quality electronics in it. 👨🏻

[@fifa3]

When you ran your comparisons, did you use the Node 2i as a streamer for both use cases? When i compare my dacs (connecting my phone via usb cable) i can hear a bit of a difference between them but as soon as i add the Node 2i as a streamer into the equation, those differences no longer exist. Makes me wonder if the internal dac of the Node isn't being bypassed even though I'm using a digital cable and rcas. In any case, it would be great for you to compare the $800 dac connected to the node where the node is just streaming music vs the node as both a streamer and a dac.

[@NemoPropaganda]

The internal DAC is 100% being bypassed when you use the coax or optical. We know this because we immediately lose MQA :). Also using a more expensive DAC with the node being just a streamer was a very nice upgrade and changed the sound a good amount.

[@fifa3]

@@NemoPropaganda very interesting. I'm looking forward to your next review because I thought about buying the bifrost 2 but decided to hold off because when I use the Node as a transport, I honestly can't hear any difference at all between my dacs and the Node's internal dac. It's very strange, because I do hear differences between my modi multibit, the Sanskrit and the Node when comparing the DACs when the Node is not being used as a streamer.

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@fifa3 i dunno what the issue could be but for me there was a really give difference using Ares or Modius and the node as a streamer only.

[@Audfile]

Hey the join patreon link doesn't work. First time. Had a question! Researching next upgrades. New Denafrips Thallo looks really nice. But it's balanced only ans says do *not* attempt high level connection. Just an off the cuff, would you personally do a pair of T7X and a Parasound A21+ or would ya do the Thallo and a pair of Rythmiks? Is the high level that much better?

[@Audfile]

There, I joined. Bass4lyfe! You are my only Patreon.

[@NemoPropaganda]

You mean the youtube join button? I don't have a patreon. Mmmm, if you want the Thallo/REL combo why not use the line level input on the T7X? Either way those sound like great combo's but you're not limited to one or the other. Rythmik as always will give you more output/extension for your money as their cheapest sub is still larger than the T7X. Both are the SQ champions though.

[@NemoPropaganda]

aye welcome aboard, you are the first member!!!!!! You are the alpha, the original, if anyone ever talks smack you can say "listen here chap i was born in these streets!" lol, thank you!

[@Audfile]

@@NemoPropaganda you ain't bout this life!! Thanks man, and you will get more, you are awesome. Thanks for the advice!

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@Audfile I just called my mom and she confirmed I am indeed about this life lol.

[@erics.4113]

How does your DAC measure? Thats what she said.

[@NemoPropaganda]

Bro it's not the size of the dac, it's how it performs lmao.

[@bryanpaulgilbert7308]

😂

[@SSStroger]

Only get a new DAC if there is something about yours you don't like, otherwise don't expect miracles. If you use a Chromecast Audio, I think a DAC upgrade is worth it. My motherboard and my Topping E30 sound the same.

[@erics.4113]

Bifrost 2 or denafrips ares ii that's my conundrum. Andrew Robinson almost had me on dac magic 200 from Cambridge. Best to try all 3 I suppose. And while were at it throw in a high quality offering from Topping and Smsl. How about RME? It's got the lights! Once you go DAC you never go back. Thats also what she said.

[@NemoPropaganda]

MidFi Guy did a cool comparison. I emailed him a few months afterwards and he said after spending more time with both the Ares II really won his heart. RME has too many setup options and personally I don't like that. I best enjoy this hobby when things are kept simple. I don't need a ton of options, just something that works great :).

[@erics.4113]

@@NemoPropaganda I'm more or less sold on an ares ii.. but if I do add a second it could be the RME.. but I hear you. With all the settings, will you find the best setup or will you be compelled to tweak it endlessly? I'm guessing the latter.

[@tycheesey]

The Ares II is the best I have heard. Reviewers have often stated it is the best DAC under $2k.

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@tycheesey it's what I'm using now, I freaking love it!

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@erics.4113 exactly bro, I'll tell you this, I've had my ares for a few months now and I seriously love it.

[@ArnaudSiemons]

Really long video?

[@marc-andregagne6826]

The next thing your will see is the Node(2021) rips the Node 2i to shreds. So you need to one-click that Node 2 :-D. So let's see that 800$ DAC review...it's the Aries II I will bet.

[@michaelnyansafo7343]

bluesound node 2i vs topping d90 which one is better?

[@NemoPropaganda]

those are not comparable products, the Node is a streamer, the D90 is a DAC.

[@michaelnyansafo7343]

@@NemoPropaganda yeah I know which one sounds better if you have to pick one?😊

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@michaelnyansafo7343 I've never heard the D90 bro so I couldn't really say.

[@exodusvelo]

get a Denafrips Ares 2, 620€ shipped I paid, new from vinshine. 820€ local price vat included. R2R audiophile dac bro, not this schitt of 200€, that is the same as any delta sigma dac.

[@NemoPropaganda]

I have an Ares 2 :)

[@exodusvelo]

@@NemoPropaganda Well done, if you continue following my advise, you will get very far in the audio journey, LOL XD

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@exodusvelo ahaha, well you are certainly correct. No comparing ares2 to modeus.

[@robertmarshall7712]

Well, I have the Node 2021 and I think the DAC in that is just horrrrrible. It sounds lifeless with a noticeable digital glare. If the DAC in the Node 2i is like this then I think y'all need your hearing tested🤣 On the other hand, I read somewhere else that they ruined the DAC in the new Node, so who's right?

[@NemoPropaganda]

I havn't heard the new node so I can't really say. While I use an upgraded DAC (Venus2) my opinion that the internal dac is very good still remains.

[@donaldyoung9180]

A lot of common sense here.

[@harrisarp3841]

For me the conclusion (since they have almost the same sound) why to spend a 500 $ dac for Bluesound since Schiit Modius cost the half price!!!

[@NemoPropaganda]

Because the Bluesound Node is not a dac :)

[@harrisarp3841]

@@NemoPropaganda sorry my mistake, now i see that is a streamer with built in dac i thought it was only a dac.

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@harrisarp3841 all good my man :)

[@harrisarp3841]

@@NemoPropaganda Greetings from Greece!!🎵🎵🎵

[@ArnaudSiemons]

Do you play an instrument?

[@NemoPropaganda]

2 things I absolutely with I could do but absolutely have no talent for are playing instruments and drawing/painting.

[@bricktop2090]

Wow” it sounds like a laxative 😳

[@joshdekubber3631]

My DAC is better than your DAC! I'm just playin. Audiophiles crack me up with their factual opinions.

[@NemoPropaganda]

ahahaha "factual opinion", love that! I've tried to explain that so many times but a lot of the extremists just don't understand an opinion is simply that, and then they start talking about physics lmao and I'm just like okay bro, cool, good for you. The internet is an interesting place.

[@joshdekubber3631]

@@NemoPropaganda I agree 100%