A CD PLAYER whose sound quality NOT AFFECTED by the DAC?

Thanks. Yes, my NODE is my systems’PreAmp/StreamerDAC as well. Neither my Cary Tube Rocket 88 Amp, nor my Marantz MM7025 Amp, have AUX inputs. I currently run BALANCED to the NODE, whose DAC has been better than most. So, I won’t be grabbing an external DAC. 

BUT THANKS… I guess there is more to it. I currently use a Denon DVM-1805 MULTIPLE CD PLAYER. Is there a big upscale by purchasing something else?

Buy a better DAC.

The Bluesound Node only has digital inputs, so anything you connect to it will rely on its internal DAC.

can you back up and explain what you are really asking? I think along the way you may answer your own question. if you are asking ’why do i need a DAC" - well, every CD player has a DAC inside.  Thats' how the bits eventually become squiggly lines. What we refer to as DAC are just external ones created for various reasons, but mostly because little ,music is on physical media these days. I’m sure someone sells a $10K CDP. In the end tho, who cares?

It’s easy for me to learn and get more confused. I DO have a Marantz 2226b in the closet. Integrated Receiver. It’s got some Pre Amp possible U HOOKS on the back, ins and outs… maybe?