Although I don't have a Roon Nucleus per se - I use SGC's SonicTransporter i5, I didn't like the sound at all when I connected it directly to my DAC in my headphone rig. The floor noise was much higher, and in general sounded more harsh and fatiguing. I put the Node 2i back in the chain (streamer function only), and it sounds much better.
Having said that, maybe Roon Nucleus and Qutest combo might fare better in your case. Shouldn't be hard to try it out though.
Having said that, maybe Roon Nucleus and Qutest combo might fare better in your case. Shouldn't be hard to try it out though.