Streaming Qubuz - take it to the next level.

One of my systems has a Node2 running through a Benchmark DAC3 - huge upgrade to the Node2 DAC.

I would say a Dac upgrade would likely be more noticeable and beneficial than a streamer upgrade.

Adding a better DAC to the Node 2 I had (not the Node 2i) did improve sound quality.  The ones I tried were the Auralic Vega (which was $3500 when new), the DAC in my Sony TA-ZH1ES headphone amp (which is very good), and the Mytek Liberty DAC.  They all sounded better, but not great.

When I replaced the Node 2/Vega combo ($4K of gear when new at list price) with the TEAC NT-505 ($2K) streamer/DAC there was a very noticeable improvement in sound quality, much greater than the improvement that came from adding a better DAC to the Node 2.    

So I'm guessing... but based on this experience I think both the streamer and DAC matter and that with the amount you'd have to spend to get the Node 2 to sound better, you're better off stepping up to something like the TEAC, Lumin D2, or the Lumin UI Mini if you already have a good DAC. 

If you already have a good DAC, it should make the Node 2 sound better, but probably not as good as a better streamer paired with a decent DAC (or a streamer that has one included) will.

big_greg, that sounds doable.  Thanks.