Node 2i VS Lumin D2

I purchased a Node 2i and was talked into adding a ProJect DAC.  When I connect the DAC, I noticed the sound was too thin and I thought the Bluesound Node 2i sounded better by itself.  It seemed to play bass better and I don't care what anyone thinks, I can hear the difference when I play MQA using TIDAL.  I still wonder why MQA sounds better to me.  Maybe I am just imaging this.  I would have loved to hear more expensive streamers before deciding on the BlueSound.

Innous with Roon is the way to go.

I have the node 2i, the internal DAC is pretty rank, so I ran it through my OPPO 105, huge improvement - I was pretty happy with that.  I just got the Black Ice (Jolida) it is on sale right now for $679, it has only been running two hours - so I am going to withhold any judgement on it.

I think as a streamer - the node 2i is pretty good.  The software is not too bad also - not too good - but not too bad.  Someone else had mentioned Chromecast - I tried both the audio and HDMI versions - it's ok, but not like the bluesound.  Plus I was plagued with connection issues on it.  

I stream Qobuz in high res primarily.

I have a Node 2i that I ran through a Gumby, The Node sounds quite a bit better through the outboard DAC but I felt and urge to try the Lumin U1 Mini.

Having purchased the U1Mini I have no regrets. The Lumin streamer has a far better sound stage, and sounds more relaxing or lush than did the Node 2i. The Lumin's software has some quirks that  take getting used to, (playing in a gapless format for instance). But once you get used to the software, its definitely worth the upgrade.

Thank you for such helpful replies.