Will adding an external DAC to my setup improve SQ significantly?

Dear gadios7, everest_audio, and jazzman7,

First of all, thanks very much for your useful insights.

gadios7: I am keen on learning the results of the DAC shootout. A good number of the units included are somewhere in my wish list...

everest_audio: I currently use the Coaxial out from the Node 2i going to the Peachtree Audio's coaxial 1. As of now, I use our WIFI to connect the Node 2i to our home network, would changing to an Ethernet hookup improve SQ?


Jazzman7: I am really impressed with what I read on the various forums, etc. about the Chord Qutest, and of course, Bryston is a very well regarded brand all around. Will the results be available for Audiogon members?


Have any of you had a chance test/hear some of the more affordable Chinese brand DACs. I've read good things about DENAFRIPS, SMSL, TOPPING, etc.
The specs of the units I have considered are quite high, but I do understand that this does not mean that all components used are of a high enough caliber to bring the most out of the units (hence the very competitive prices?). Curious to see what you guys think about these brands.


At this point, it appears to me that a worthwhile improvement in my setup's SQ is not really available unless I upgrade to a way above average DAC...

Mind you, I am currently satisfied with the SQ I obtain, but I have noticed that my redbook CD's going through the OPPO player + Peachtree sound somewhat more refined and detailed than the music I stream from SPOTIFY, etc.


Hence my original post. Certainly, I also want to learn about the various possibilities out there.


Voilà, thanks again, I am in no real hurry, just curious and taken by this most wonderful of hobbies: Music listening/enjoyment!!!

Regards to all,jlr261

As mentioned, you already have 3 DACs.  I have the Bluesound Node2, and Oppo 105 and 203s, which I will presume have better DACs than the 93.  I have never heard the Peachtree.
  The Node2 DAC is ok but can definitely be bettered.  At one point I was running into an old PS Audio DLink3 that I had lying around unused and the old DAC definitely improved the sound.  I gather that you prefer the DAC from the Node over that of the Peachtree so I would think that a modestly priced DAC will up your system

Check out Denafrips Ares II, great sounding DAC and incredible value. It will be a perfect companion for Node 2i.

Spotify offers low resolution streaming hence your CD’s sounds better. Stick with Tidal or Qobuz streaming for better listening experience.

jlr261, to answer your question, you shouldn't hear any sound quality difference going from wifi to Ethernet on your Bluesound.

jlr621,
In your quest, try to tune into what you are looking for.
DACs have different personalities.  Don't get hung up on the chip set.  It is the manufacturer's implementation of a given chip set is where the rubber meets the road, especially with respect to the op amps.  Two different DACs using the very same chip set may exhibit very different personalities based upon differences in their implementation.  What matters most is what you yourself like.  So my advice to you would be to go forth and listen, at friends, at dealers, to figure out what you like best.
Also seek out reviewers that you trust, and have a good sense of how to interpret.   I personally seek out reviews by both John Darko and Mike Lavorgna.   Happy hunting.