Interconnect cable recommendations for Node 2i and DAC

When I purchased my Node2i, the dealer talked me into adding a ProJect S2 DAC.  They convinced me the added DAC produced greater detail.  When I hooked things up at home and did a test with and without the DAC, I found by adding the DAC the bass sounded too thin.  I stream TIDAL and for some reason I can hear a difference when playing MQA when most in this group don't.  Connecting an external DAC to the Node 2I is supposed to break up the MQA signal and by doing so you give up MQA.  I somehow sense when playing MQA the sound stage sounds better.  I did like the way the ProJect DAC displayed the level of resolution so I could tell when I was playing higher resolution.  It seems like I have a lot to learn.

First, do a free month trial of Qobuz and then drop Tidal and the ridiculously limiting MQA BS (that’s what I did).  And l agree with others to put $ toward a DAC first then mess with interconnects — I’d recommend a Topping E30 that should be a nice sonic upgrade for only $130. Then for interconnects either Black Cat Coppertone (same designer as your D60 BTW) or Audio Envy would be great options to try at your price point. Just curious, what speakers/cables are you using?

Soix, thank you. I will have to do a little more A/B since I still am doing trials of both Tidal and Qobuz. I am running Purist Audio Musaeus for speaker and I have an XLR pair of Kimber Hero on the amp and pre connection.

@Larry5729,

That Project DAC is not exactly a desirable piece of kit in my opinion. I can certainty see why you thought the DAC in the Bluesound sounded better. At $330 for the project it is entry level at best and the internal DAC in the Bluesound is no slouch 

That being said, you are missing out if you have never heard what a good DAC can do. The Bluesound does a decent job but can be greatly improved with a nice upgraded DAC. Topping and Mytek both make decently priced DACs with MQQ if that is important to you.  I would be curious to see if you still thought MQA was as impressive once you heard the improvements that a good DAC can make (and again, that's not the project). Basic CD quality tracks through my Benchmark sound noticeably better than MQA track direct from the Bluesound. Ymmv.

Hi jmphotography,
   I have a Node 2,and Qobuz. I have had Spotify,and Tidal. I find Qobuz to have the best sound of the three. I ran the Node 2 straight to my preamp for a couple of years. I was very happy with the sound. However,I kept reading more and more about the benefits of having a DAC. I finally stepped up and purchased a used DAC. WOW! I was very surprised by the increase in sound quality. Better everything,especially imaging. I agree with other posters about holding off on cables,and get yourself a DAC. I promise you won’t be disappointed.