Node2i + Qutest or Yggy or Codex or something else

@pc_audio - Here's another possibility. Looking at your system, based on the components you mentioned, you only have a single source - Node 2i. Since you are using the P5, which, based on experience with the unit in my system, is your weak link, you could buy a high quality DAC that also has a pre-amp or volume control built in. That way you could replace the DAC and pre-amp at the same time, with one box. Both replacing the pre-amp and adding a high quality DAC will likely provide significant improvements in SQ.

Not sure what current DACs have volume control. But I do know that the Mytek Liberty ($995) has digital volume control  and the Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ ($2195) has a built-in pre-amp.

This is just something else to consider if you want a boost in SQ within your budget (if you sell the P5, the Brooklyn would be in your budget if you used the funds from the P5).

Thanks for all the suggestions.  @reubent - you got me thinking about selling my P5 and using the funds towards a new and better preamp + DAC.

Assuming I can get $700-800 for my P5, my budget is now around $2500 for a DAC+pre-amp.  

What do you all think of PS Audio DirectStream DAC Junior. It's discontinued by PS Audio. I can find used at around $2500.  How does that compare to Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ or others?

Thanks.

PC_Audio

@pc_audio - I don't own either one, so I can't really answer. I know there are folks on this forum that own the PS Audio and the Mytek. Might want to start a new thread with a title like "PS Audio DirectStream Junior vs. Mytek Brooklyn DAC+" and see who drops in to offer their take on it.

I've been thinking about possibly trying a Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ myself. I need an analog input, or a MM phone input as I have a turntable too. Just too busy right now to do any serious research into the subject or do an audition. 

Good luck in your quest.

@PC_Audio, I was at the DAC event mentioned above. We actually had a Yggy and Qutest there. Both went to the final round. The end result:

1st Place = Black Ice Audio Glass FX DSD Wifi    2nd Place = Chord Qutest    3rd Place = Schiit Yggradsil.

For the the above three, it was very close and all are excellent sounding DACs. We also had a PS Audio Directstream Sr. there, it did not get many votes and even it’s owner chose another dac (Black Ice) over it in blind listening.

If you need a DAC with volume control to function as a preamp the Black Ice unit does that as well. Other DACs we had there that can function as preamps were the LKS MH-DA004, the previously mentioned PS Audio, the iFi Audio Pro iDSD, and the NuPrime Evolution DAC.

The iFi Audio Pro iDSD was well liked and narrowly lost to the Schiit Yggy by one vote. I believe it comes in right at your budget and has a lot of functionality. It might be worth considering.

I also liked the sound of the NuPrime Evolution DAC, it is over your budget though. There is a demo unit from the event for sale; you can hit up John over on the audio circle NuPrime forums for more info on that.

I will say, post the event I replaced my PS Audio Nuwave dac with the Black Ice unit and I am very pleased with the results.

FYI the PS Audio DirectStream DAC has digital volume control though the touch screen. So it can drive power amps directly without another preamp.