Can I connect my BlueSound Node 2i to the DirectStream DAC for sound improvement?

Hello. I love the convenience of hearing my music absolutely wireless using my iPhone via my WiFi network and my BlueSound Node 2i. Though I find the Node 2i it’s an improvement in comparison to my Google Chromecast Audio, -specially the possibility to play MQA files-, I’ve read wonderful reviews everywhere of the PS DirectStream but I see that the DS do not offer WiFi connectivity and you need to buy a Bridge II add-on and connect via an ethernet cable.

That’s why I would like to know if I can connect my BlueSound Node 2i as a SOURCE to the DirectStream and then the DS to my amplifier and by doing so, gain an IMPROVEMENT (20X upsampling) on the sound I’m getting already with my Node 2i?

I’m asking this because I would like to avoid paying the extra $1,000 for the Bridge II and most of all, having to place the DirectStream in ANOTHER room where my router is so I can connect it to an ethernet cable because in my listening room there is no ethernet cable near.

Thank you a lot for your help!

Yes as using one of the digital outputs on the Node bypasses it’s DAC. Try all three outputs and pick the one you prefer.

The Node 2i has 3 outputs (Toslink / Coax / Analog-RCA). By connecting any of them to the DirectStream would the Node bypass it’s DAC and let the DirectStream do it’s work? In my ignorance I thought the only way to bypass the DAC was with an analog-RCA connection!

Analog in fact uses the DAC in the Node, the digital outputs bypass it.

Thank you very much for your explanations

Has anybody had any success connecting the latest version of the Bluesound Node (2021) via USB to the DSD? I am wondering if it works before making the purchase of the node.

hi @riku
From Node user manual:
QUOTE
USB OUTPUT (TYPE A) The NODE is capable of transferring digital audio (USB Audio 2.0) through to an external DAC via the USB Type-A slot. Using a USB cable (not provided), connect one end to the USB output of the NODE and the other end to the corresponding USB input on a separate DAC device. Select your USB DAC from the NODE’s Audio settings page in the BluOS App to bypass the NODE’s internal DAC via USB audio out. *this feature will be available through a future
BluOS software update.
UNQUOTE

2 Likes

Thanks a lot for this!