External DAC?


Hey guys,

Here's my current setup:  Node 2i > Marantz PM KI Ruby > Dynaudio Special 40.

I am considering getting an external DAC and bypass the Node's DAC.   I have seen great reviews for the Topping D90 but the MQA only works via USB (node 2i doesn't have usb out).  Not that big of a concern because I can always use Qobuz HiRes instead and to be honest, I can't tell much of a difference on most tracks.

Anyway, is the Topping D90 a worthy upgrade to the node 2i?  Or should I spend more and go for the trusted Chord Qutest?  I will be stretching my budget with the Chord but I am to wait and save up if it is worth it.  Any other DACs in this price range?

Please advise! 
prashanth13485
I am seriously contemplating on getting a Bluesound Vault2i as I would like to finally store all my CD's in a central repository for significantly easier access but it's internal DAC is definitely an issue when I was demo'ing in a store.  

Not to derail the thread, but what I've done is attached a USB hard drive to my PC and made it a shared drive.  I use Foobar 2000 (free) to rip to FLAC.  I have another USB hard drive that automatically copies anything new on the first drive for backup using SyncBack (free) and I also upload everything to the cloud for backup.  I use Serviio (free) as a media server and any DLNA device I have can see and play my tunes.  In my two channel system I use my TEAC NT-505 and BubbleUpNp to stream and my Bluesound in my bedroom.  I prefer not to be stuck with a dedicated device that will become obsolete at some point or be stuck with its DAC.  I'm not sure how easy it is to backup the Vault, but it doesn't look like you can do it in an automated fashion like I am.

There are some good reasons to use a dedicated device, and I'm sure there are some sound quality differences in a very revealing system if you have golden ears, but I can't detect any noticeable difference between the FLAC files when streaming from the HD vs. Qobuz or Tidal in my system.

If I want to upgrade my DAC and/or streamer I don't have to bother with getting them out of one device and into another and my files are constantly being backed up in case of failure of a hard drive, which eventually happens to all of them.

Thanks everyone for the inputs, I really appreciate it.  Based on your comments and subsequent research, I have ordered the RME ADI 2 and the Benchmark Dac3.  I'm going to keep one and return the other based on how to they sound to my ears.  

Which one would you keep if you had the choice?
Hard to say they are both really good DACs you won't go wrong whichever you choose.
The Benchmark DAC3 HGC sounded very good to me. The Benchmark DAC3B (no volume) with the Benchmark HPA4 preamp sounds even better. Both of these DAC3's have the same conversion engine. The volume control on the HPA4 is one of the best and it is super quiet.

I use to think the DAC direct to amp is the best choice but not anymore, at least with the Benchmark pieces I have mentioned.
The Benchmark Dac 3 HGC arrived today. Boy, what an improvement over the node, simply blew it out of the waters.
Rme is arriving tomorrow. Can’t wait to compare the two. Will let you know which one I decide to keep. My wallet hopes that it will be the rme.. lol