Why thank you, kind sir! 
It’s not the DAC that’s smoothing things out, it’s the objectively terrible TOSLINK implementation on the Node 2i.
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I had similar results with the usb input on the Mac, but okay.
Really enjoyed the read!
Great write up!!!
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Thanks, Jeremy. I appreciate it.
And thanks again for inviting me onto the tour. 
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Such a great read! You should do this more often good Sir! Great write-up indeed!
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@ValentineLuke Christopher I agree with Tylor @TylersEclectic and Marlon @MrCypruz, You should write more.
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good write up! You hear what you hear, you like what you like!
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Thanks for this write up! We’ll done @ValentineLuke
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Well thought-out review. What differences did you notice between each headphones? On my TT2 to Cayin HA-300 tube amp (Psvane ACME 300b + Psvane CV181-T mkII tubes) to my LCD-3F, I find it very engaging, with really good body and slam, but also with the fast transients and open airy treble. My setup definitely has made the LCD-3 not as dark .
I also like using the HA-300 tube amp over the TT2’s own amp. I get bigger soundstage and better instrumental and vocal spacing, whereas with the TT2, it’s narrower and the mids including vocals are bit more forward.
Right now, I feel like everything sounds larger than it’d be while staying true to timbre and texture.
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Thank you!
The best pairing was with the Lawton mod. It really displayed the natural timbre, and excellent soundstage. @jb77 shared some tracks with me that he enjoyed, and one in particular really displayed the TT2’s ability to stage things accurately (I’ll find it and add it to this reply).
The Clears have honestly never sounded better. Again as with the Lawton’s, they really opened up. Focal’s are known to be somewhat picky with amp pairings, but with the TT2 they really sang. Sometimes on my RNHP they can get harsh in the treble, but that never happened with the TT2.
The LCD-X were the least impressive, but they’re also least technically capable of the three. With that being said, the large presentation of the X’s was even better. The bass extension was present, and controlled.
The TT2 is the best AIO I’ve listened to, I just prefer a more dynamic presentation. I would probably do the same as you and pair it with an external amp. That pairing you have must be auditory heaven!
Thanks again.
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Thanks Jeremy and @MrCypruz!
I actually have a couple of write ups/reviews that I’m working on. 
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Well you’re in Los Angeles, right? I’m also here. If you have those headphones, you can always come by and we can have a listening session on my system
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That’s a great idea! We’ll definitely have to arrange something.
I think the rnhp does well with the Clear when paired with the Bifrost 2 because it softens the harsher treble like you mentioned.
I think you’ll really like the Bifrost 2.
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Cool cool, I’ll Dm you
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That’s what I’ve been thinking, but Schiit’s been out of stock for a while now. I’ve been corresponding with them, and they’ve been out of some parts to complete the current batch of units. ETA was originally 22-05, but recently was pushed to 09-06. I honestly doubt they’ll have the parts by then.
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Excellent review and writeup. Great job.
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a wonderfully written review Christopher!
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Excellent write up. One of the best I’ve read in a long while. I like the photography too - is the pic above "But those XLR’s on the rear…? a natural light effect, or an applied vignette. My only nit to pick is that XLR’s does not need the apostrophe.
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