More money toward better speakers or a better DAC?

Buy both put most $ into the speaker and buy a Schitt audio DAC Millercarbon is right a proper loudspeaker can last decades with DACs you should almost have a subscription service have one dropped off monthly. Most DACs also have little long term resale and become e-waste. 

I bought a Simaudio 680D streamer dac used at a great price and for now is the most expensive part of my system. I have a Anthem Str integrated amp and Focal Aria 936 floor standing speakers. With the Arc room correction software and the overall higher quality of the Dac and the Streaming component has made a huge difference.

Dual subs!

I Am uncomfortable combining streamer and dac under one roof. Keep it pure and simple. Simaudio 680 looks very nice but pricey at $9k.

dont like chord tt2 having headphone amp. Combine tt2 with Mscaler. Don’t use headphones so tt2 may include lots of excess.

I believe most would agree with you that the Bluesound Node does 'confines' the music and that it is the weak link in your system. Many have posted here that they use it with an outboard DAC.