Where do you go after a BlueSound Node 2i?

If you add an external DAC to the Node 2i, you will not be able to listen to MQA. I purchased an external DAC with my Node 2i and preferred the Node 2i played by itself. Bass was better with just the Node 2i and I thought the imaging was also better.

Not true on more than one level. For starters, there are certainly DACs that do all the MQA unfolding. I guess you aren't aware of that little fact.

Secondly, a good DAC will sound better regardless. My modified MHDT Pagoda, which does NOT support MQA, sounded better playing back MQA files than the Node doing the complete unfold. The DAC you purchased was not up to the task to best the cheap DAC in the node.

The Node is good, but it is no giant killer. The DAC is only average or slightly above.

Oz

I started with a Linn Malik streamer/sac and love it running my Mac mini through it 

I believe the Bluesound Node need not be upgraded as a ’steamer’ in the next step. And, I agree that the DAC can be upgraded very significantly with many various products (some of which have already been mentioned). However, the digital cable running into the DAC is also going to be important.
Thanks
Jack

@Larry5729
I purchased an external DAC with my Node 2i and preferred the Node 2i played by itself. Bass was better with just the Node 2i and I thought the imaging was also better. ...

That can happen if an inferior or equivalent external apples-to-apples $400-$500 DAC is used. The internal Burr Brown 24/192 DAC in the Node2"i" version is not horrible. It’s okay. Not great, a bit veiled over, less detail, less soundstage and simply not at the level as a really good external DAC. Try a better $1200-1500 tube DAC paired with the Node2i and it can be a completely different listening experience if the rest of the system is up to par to realize the difference. Can be me much more musical and engaging when the Node2i is paired with a great external DAC. 

If you add an external DAC to the Node 2i, you will not be able to listen to MQA. I purchased an external DAC with my Node 2i and preferred the Node 2i played by itself. Bass was better with just the Node 2i and I thought the imaging was also better.

I will jump aboard this slugfest as well.

Node 2i onboard DAC is ’average’ at best. At best. Definitely tuned for a soft, inoffensive sound at the expense of dynamics, detail and soundstage.

MQA is a can of worms. My net on it is ’iffy/sometimes’ benefit at best, and it is a pain in ass to navigate the layers of hardware issues... given the weak cost-benefit, one is better off getting a good non MQA DAC.  Much of the time, the 1st unfolding gives you the lions share of the total benefit, which non-MQA DACs can typically do with the right streamer.

This being said... digital out of Node 2i is fine. Use it to feed a decent $500-1000 DAC (used or new) -- the improvement will be stunning. Any Chord DAC (including the lowly Mojo) will render the sound of Node 2i DAC dull and lifeless...on Redbook resolution. As will any of the DACs on my list above...