Walk me thru upgrading from my BS Node

Hello APoke33, I had just this journey.

-Started with apple computer airplaying to apple TV to audio

-upgraded to Bluesound Node...nice improvement

-Added Roon Nucleus+ and bought lifetime subscription

At one point, using Roon, I had Node in one system, PowerNode in bedroom, and Pulse 2 mobile speaker.  Yes Bluesound is nice and plays well with Roon.  Istill use the Pulse 2.

-upgraded to PS Audio Direct Stream DAC w onboard streaming card (bridge)...nice improvement

-upgraded to Auralic Vega 2 Streaming DAC (can get used for under 4k)...big improvement.

-upgraded to Mola Mola Tambaqui Streaming DAC...HUGE improvement

-added Auralic Aries G2.1 Streamer...big improvement

-added Network Acoustics MUON filter system...big improvement

I was able to easily sell all the old DACs here or USA. 

Along the way I did most of the upgrades in the digital chain you discussed;

-Nucleus and my Bonn 8 switch on linear power supply (HD plex, two outputs)

-iFi Power Bar with iFi power cables and iFi power supply for the Modem.

-All the short cables are Supra Cat 8

You need a resolving system to hear all these upgrades.  Did one particular small thing make a difference?  Hard to say.  The major upgrades were obvious, but I do feel everything matters.

Thank you all very much... I enjoy the research almost as much as the music...let me dig into your suggestions and revert with further questions...

@poke33 The one thing I would suggest is that while great one box solutions exist, I would strongly recommend using an Ethernet connection over wireless if you decide to invest heavily in a digital source. Why? Because having the wifi in the unit introduces noise that further degrades quality. Digital signals are very delicate, and any noise leaks will result in jitter and timing errors which will result in added fatigue and slight lack of focus in the overall delivery. This is a perfect example for why the Bluesound will sound fuzzy compared to many higher end solutions. NAD’s M50.2 dedicated reference streamer for instance (recently discontinued), requires a hard connection (NAD is the maker of Bluesound). Many other brands will lean this way as well.  

Some sources to look into may be John Darko’s (Darko Audio) YouTube channel or website. There are plenty of digital source threads already here on Audiogon that will be helpful as well. I’m happy to share links if you have trouble finding them.

I did also message you direct on some thoughts.

You never made clear if you require a built in DAC (not recommended.)

@fuzztone 

@poke33 

I need the singular physical box to be reasonably small