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Replace Powernode 2i with Topping LA90 and Emotiva PT2?

Shaboosh

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Apr 24, 2023
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Hello everyone, I'm looking for advice on a potential upgrade to my system. I currently have the following hifi equipment:

  • Chord Hugo 2 DAC
  • Chord 2go streaming module
  • Powernode 2i streaming amplifier
  • KEF LS50 Meta speakers
  • SVS SB-1000 subwoofer

The DAC, streaming module and speakers are recent acquisitions, and I had initially assumed I would upgrade my amplifier also, but now I'm having second thoughts. The biggest issue for me is bass management — after much trial and error, I've established that my speakers sound best crossed over at 130HZ. Any lower than this and I hear booming bass, no doubt as a result of my relatively compact living room.

This means that I need to have a high-pass filter in my amplifier or pre-amp. I'm considering the Emotiva PT2 paired with the Topping LA90 Discrete. My question is: would I hear an appreciable step-up in sound quality if I swapped out the Powernode 2i for the PT2 with the LA90, or is the Powernode 2i transparent enough to do justice to the Chord Hugo 2 and 2go?
 
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