Where do you go after a BlueSound Node 2i?

@cio52
06-15-2020 10:46am
This does seem to be an open forum on streamers and operating systems. I would like to know if anyone likes or dislikes the Play-FI operating system?

I use Play-Fi. It’s fair to "okay", evolving slightly each year with updates; not nearly as good as something like the native Spotify interface itself, more on par with the native Tidal application interface. However, with Play-Fi one can easily switch between Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, Radio net, etc. The interface each of these players integrate with, like BlueSound (Node, Node2i) and Arcam, others using PlayFi works but needs to evolve more, and it can if they want to invest more time, $, effort in it. i.e the other important aspect of these streamers, including the Node/2i, Bluesound. Slightly off-track here, but relevant when selecting your preferred streamer/DAC, etc. 

@feldman4 - thanks, and for others contributions, I’m enjoying learning about what’s out there. I’ve never owned a streamer. I used to build speakers, and in the factory there were many different devices brought in by customers and debates over MQA and original files and I was interested in it.
I have a fanless computer, and I could put streaming services on it. I’ve been stuck (in the sense it’s become habit) ripping cd’s to WAV files.
Maybe I should consider Tidal or one of them, I have Amazon Prime music included in my membership.

I started with the Node 2i then I upgraded my integrated amp to a McIntosh pre-amp with a DAC. 
Then I upgraded my DAC to a Moon D280 with a streamer.  
The Node was good not great. The Bluesound app was great.  The sound detail was improved with each step. 
And when you consider the cost difference it is expected - the Moon is 5 times the cost of the Node 2i and twice the cost of the DAC module from McIntosh. 
Improving the source is an excellent approach.  If your preamp and amp are capable of not ‘coloring’ the output. 
And the most important thing is your enjoyment which could be depended on the interface. I chose to use the Mind2 over the Node 2i as the streamer. 

Many comments liking the Bluesound BluOS. I like it too. I'm using the Node 2i with the McIntosh C49 internal DAC and the SQ improved.  Has anyone here upgraded (?) from the Node 2i to the NAD M50.2? Is there an increase in sound quality?