External DAC connection for Bluesound Node 2i (after "Another streaming newbie" thread)

I should say upfront that I highly respect the Node 2 I started out with. I think it’s a terrific unit. That said, as others have mentioned, it can be upgraded upon but whether it makes sense to do so really depends on system context and how far you are trying to go.

My evolution (all into an Arcam A32 at the time) went as follows
1. Node 2 via RCA outputs
2. Node 2 via coax into Chord 2Qute – this brought a noticeable improvement out of the gate, but given the price differential and engineering in the Chord DAC, it better.
3. Auralic Aries into Chord 2Qute via USB – this surprised me, and I was hoping that "digital streaming is digital streaming and 1s and 0s are all the same" would be true, but it was actually another really significant step up (and shattered a lot of my previous flat-earth conceptions :) )

So basically: it’s a terrific unit, especially given its value. But if you are down the path to more resolving gear downstream, both it’s streaming as well as its DAC function have room to evolve.

That being said, it’s still one of the best values out there, especially as a Roon endpoint for a 2nd system.

I'm using an optical cable (paid around $100, but don't recall the brand). It's connected to my Audio Aero Capitol Reference DAC/CPD and sounds wonderful... much, much better than the Bluesound internal DAC in my Vault 2.

I have a node 2i via DH Labs coax going to a chord Qutest with Teddy Pardo LPS.

sounds great. Much, much, much better than from the 2i.

I have a node 2i via DH Labs coax going to a chord Qutest with Teddy Pardo LPS.

sounds great. Much, much, much better than from the 2i.

Node 2i running to a Benchmark DAC 2 HGC via coaxial cable and I am very happy. Substantial improvement over just the Node 2i in my set up. Also tried a friends Teac UD-501 DAC snd again was impressed by the improvement.