Experience with Bluesound Node 2 use with external DAC


I am very impressed with the Node 2.  So far my use of the Node has been with it's built in DAC.  It sounds great.  Since I don't own an outboard DAC I have had no other choice but to use the Node's DAC.  It is hard to fault it's DAC at any price much less the $500 price of the Node.  That being said, I realize there are alternatives out there than can improve upon the built in DAC.  I am at a point now where I am curious to hear what an external DAC may have to offer in terms of sound quality.  For those of you who are running a Node through an external DAC, what would you recommend and what type of improvement have you experienced vs DAC in the Node.
randyhat
I've read, in these fora and elsewhere, that the Mytek Brooklyn DAC, which decodes MQA, works great with the Bluesound Node 2. I've been tempted by this combo, and nearly made the leap a couple of times, but I'm still stuck -- for some reason. If the DAC in the Node is as good as folks are saying, perhaps I should just go down that road, knowing I could get the Brooklyn later on should I get that itch.
-- Howard
@hodu 
This is only my opinion, but...
DAC technology is evolving quickly. I would be hesitant to spend major dollars for a DAC as it will be surpassed in the near future, hence, my choice of Ayre and Schiit. They are reasonably priced and have a good history for providing upgrades.
I have no experience with Mytek. I know they are well respected, but do not know if their DAC's can be upgraded. 
Bob
Although I have never tried a Musical Fidelity DAC, I did own the v-link192 USB-SPDIF converter, which was superb. Coupled with the Bifrost, it made digital music sing

If they put that amount of effort into a USB-SPDIF converter i would have to believe their DAC’s are also very worthy products

If you want to use USB, then I would suggest you look at the MF lineup - since their USB interface appears to be excellent.

Regards

What's unusual about the Codex is the lack of digital coax input and you need to use the optical port which is generally less desirable, at least based on what I've read. I'm assuming that's how the Node 2 was connected to the Codex since as far as I know Node 2 does not have a USB output port. As for the OP's question, I have used a Cambridge Audio DACmagic Plus with Node 2 using the digital coax output port and I didn't hear much improvement. I now just use this DAC with my CDP which does make the CDs sound a lot better.
@kalali - have you tried a better power supply on the Dacmagic?

I had the original DACmagic prior to my Bifrost and it responded very well when I replaced the power supply. but even with its tweaked power supply, the Bifrost provided better SQ overall. .

The other piece of the puzzle are the IC’s you used to connect everything. If they are not "GREAT" cables then you will not really hear just how good the Node-2 (or any other component) really is

The improvements I hear t this level of performance are image, dynamics and clarity (i.e. venue acoustics)

As far as Optical Input - a good cable again will improve performance - one of the best value cables I have is from DH Labs - it provided a huge improvement over the Chord and Van den Hul cables I already had.

BTW: I agree about the lack of SPDIF RCA input on the Codex - a bit strange in light of the many negative comments about Optical interface performance issues

Hope that helps