External DAC connection for Bluesound Node 2i (after "Another streaming newbie" thread)

Cat, I'm using the Cullen C7. You will notice a difference. Allow a couple of days for breakin.

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Musical Paradise looks very cool. And swapping components is an interesting concept.

I have the N100 and it is toslink only.  I imagine it has a crappier internal DAC. Even a $70 S.M.S.L. DAC sounds much better than internal. The optical is limited to 24-96 and is a match for the $15 level of Qobuz.
It really shines through a better DAC.

@guy-incognito   +1
Same is true with a Benchmark 1 DAC. 

Wifi connected Node 2 with Shunyata power cord for the Node2, Audioquest “Carbon” coax then to Mytek Brooklyn+ DAC which runs off an external “SBooster” power supply with “Signalcable” power chord.
I did one-by-one over the course of 1.5 years and each part made very noticeable improvements in sound. The biggest improvement was the DAC.

All that money in upgrades may have bought an nicer overall streamer combo DAC, but after I learned all the Bluesound software, I like it so much-  I’m not wanting to change to anything else. Bluesound software is great for my needs.
The Mytek DAC was my final upgrade. The Bluesound DAC is very nice when you consider the price for the Node2, but if you are looking to improve the sound by about 20%, the external DAC may be up your alley.

I tried the digital out from the node 2i into my arcam 32bit dac on board the CDS50 and whilst not a standalone DAC I could hear no improvement and frankly one less loop of wires is better in my book.
I have ordered the power supply and board  modification from fidelity audio UK as experiment... Not sure if there is US company doing the same.