Where do you go after a BlueSound Node 2i?

@Larry5729
I purchased an external DAC with my Node 2i and preferred the Node 2i played by itself. Bass was better with just the Node 2i and I thought the imaging was also better. ...

That can happen if an inferior or equivalent external apples-to-apples $400-$500 DAC is used. The internal Burr Brown 24/192 DAC in the Node2"i" version is not horrible. It’s okay. Not great, a bit veiled over, less detail, less soundstage and simply not at the level as a really good external DAC. Try a better $1200-1500 tube DAC paired with the Node2i and it can be a completely different listening experience if the rest of the system is up to par to realize the difference. Can be me much more musical and engaging when the Node2i is paired with a great external DAC. 

If you add an external DAC to the Node 2i, you will not be able to listen to MQA. I purchased an external DAC with my Node 2i and preferred the Node 2i played by itself. Bass was better with just the Node 2i and I thought the imaging was also better.

I will jump aboard this slugfest as well.

Node 2i onboard DAC is ’average’ at best. At best. Definitely tuned for a soft, inoffensive sound at the expense of dynamics, detail and soundstage.

MQA is a can of worms. My net on it is ’iffy/sometimes’ benefit at best, and it is a pain in ass to navigate the layers of hardware issues... given the weak cost-benefit, one is better off getting a good non MQA DAC.  Much of the time, the 1st unfolding gives you the lions share of the total benefit, which non-MQA DACs can typically do with the right streamer.

This being said... digital out of Node 2i is fine. Use it to feed a decent $500-1000 DAC (used or new) -- the improvement will be stunning. Any Chord DAC (including the lowly Mojo) will render the sound of Node 2i DAC dull and lifeless...on Redbook resolution. As will any of the DACs on my list above...

I'm using the Node 2i with the Shciit Yggy, Auralic Vega G2. Have also had the original Auralic Vega with it. Great results.

I have the Node 2i.  I added a Topping D90 and am amazed by the accuracy, sound stage and detail.  They now have a D90 with MQA as an option.  I also ran a Cat 6 to the 2i and bought a power cord.  The 2i interface isn't perfect but I have learned to use it.  I am more frustrated with Amazon(or whatever the cause).  I have "ULTRA HD" playback indicated and still see 44.1 on most songs.  Rarely have I seen 192.  I am not sure what the issue is. Even with that I am very satisfied with the sound.   I would switch to Tidal but am not sure how to transfer the considerable amount of songs I have added to MY MUSIC.  Tidal also pays the musicians more.  This is sorely needed in this time when concert revenue is nearly zero.

@cio52
06-15-2020 10:46am
This does seem to be an open forum on streamers and operating systems. I would like to know if anyone likes or dislikes the Play-FI operating system?

I use Play-Fi. It’s fair to "okay", evolving slightly each year with updates; not nearly as good as something like the native Spotify interface itself, more on par with the native Tidal application interface. However, with Play-Fi one can easily switch between Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, Radio net, etc. The interface each of these players integrate with, like BlueSound (Node, Node2i) and Arcam, others using PlayFi works but needs to evolve more, and it can if they want to invest more time, $, effort in it. i.e the other important aspect of these streamers, including the Node/2i, Bluesound. Slightly off-track here, but relevant when selecting your preferred streamer/DAC, etc.