I would stay with the Node 2i and use Tidal to stream MQA. I added a Pro-Ject DAC to my Node 2i connecting by way of Audioquest Carbon coax and found the Node 2i played by itself sounded better. For some reason, I like MQA.
What kind of speakers and amplifier do you have? Maybe you might spend your money upgrading those instead.
What kind of speakers and amplifier do you have? Maybe you might spend your money upgrading those instead.