Node 2i VS Lumin D2

@calieng Did you try the Node via a good ladder DAC like the Denafrips? Not sure if you said that in your post.

I have a Node and have compared it via (a) it's own dac, (b) an older Peachtree dac, (c) an MHDT Orchid Dac and (d) an Orchid dac with an improved Tesla tube. In every change, the streamer got better and better.
I'm at the beginning of my audio journey, so the the prospect of spending $2k+ on a streamer was not a wise budget priority, not least because of the difference a Dac can make and other ways to spend the money. Streaming technology is changing rapidly (e.g. MQA) and I did not want to find myself with a $2k streamer which would become outdated too quickly.

I gave my bluesound to my brother. I am thinking of either getting a node2i for myself again but this time hooking it up to Chord Qutest OR I could just get a Lumin D2. Not sure yet but I may just end up getting the lumin -- that way I won't have to deal with two separate devices. 

@hilde45
Which Tesla tube did you try on the Orchid?

Was able to listen to both. Purchased the Lumin. Very happy. 

Has anyone compared the Node 2i with the Audiolab 6000N?