Where do you go after a BlueSound Node 2i?

I use a node2+ with a Mytek Brooklyn+ and an Sbooster power supply Very happy with the sound There is a option on blue sound to use external DAC for MQA

@azbrd

I use a Node 2 and as suggested multiple times in this thread connect it to an external higher end dac, in my case a Schiit YGGDRASIL. What ever DAC you chose to go with make sure its upgrade-able.

I wonder if some folks do not understand digital or do not believe adding a $1500-2000 DAC on to a $549 Node2i streamer will produce favorable results. Certainly can understand why if they never tried it before.

During evaluations, before I purchased my current MHDT tube DAC, I tried adding on a new $2199 Benchmark DAC3 to my current lower $ Arcam rPlay streamer and it was remarkably different sounding, shocking in fact how much more expansive the sound stage became. While I prefer a NOS R2R Ladder tube DAC setup to change tubes (in my system), it was an extremely valuable demo to prove to oneself just how much a really good DAC can change the sound one way or the other.  

so here is at little info relating to a DAC with a tube output stage:

Dynamic range is the difference in volume between the quietest and the loudest passage, commonly measured in decibels (dB).

Since 1-bit = 6dB:

• 16-bit Red Book CDs have a dynamic range of over 96dB.
• 20-bit digital master tape has a dynamic range of over 120dB.
• 24-bit modern HD formats have a dynamic range of over 144dB.

DACs with tube output stages: the lowest noise floor on a tube output stage is about 90dB which means despite whatever the manufacturers may claim they can't even resolve a 16-bit recording.

I would echo many of the above responses.  

I run TIDAL through a Node 2 (wired input via Cat6a) to an external DAC (Electrocompaniet ECD-1) and recently upgraded the coax interconnect to a Tara Labs 'The One' with HFX ground station - SQ is excellent.

In terms of alternatives to the Node, I think you'll have to spend a lot of money to improve SQ if a high-quality digital cable and a high-quality external DAC are already in use with the Node.