Jaw Dropping Improvement?

@lg1 - I simply added GREAT cables to my Bluesound Node 2i - granted, the cables cost more than the Node 2i, but I didn’t introduce yet another device with all of its associated noisy cables into the mix

The Bluesound has a great DAC and an excellent analogue stage - trouble is - it is so good that if there is any noise in the cables it will process that noise as it does the music. Get rid of that noise and it treats you to

• stunning clarity and details
• an expansive and airy image
• amazing dynamics
• a deep textured bass (not boomy)

These are the cables...
My Audio Alchemy (image99.net)

If you are not into DIY then there are some members here on Audiogon that will build them for you.

Take a look at this thread to read their impressions of these cables
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/duelund-conversion-to-diy-helix-geometry-cabling

Each time we add a component into the chain we are simply adding to a complex noise problem - I like to keep things simple - limit the components and and get rid of the noise :-)

Regards - Steve

I own both the Node 2i (not currently in use) and a more expensive DAC/streamer (the Matrix Element X).  FWIW, these 2 DACs have shown up at nearly opposite ends of the ASR measurements, Matrix near the top and Bluesound near the bottom.
vhttps://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/review-and-measurements-of-matrix-audio-e...
(you may be able to find more recent versions of this chart)

I would not attribute a "jaw dropping" SQ difference to the DACs, per se.
However, I do experience a jaw-dropping SQ difference by adding BACCH4Mac software processing to my system.  The Intro version costs $980, plus the cost of a Mac computer to run it on (which I already owned).  I don't think there is any way to feed BACCH4Mac output into a Node 2i because you'd need a USB connection (which the Matrix Element X does support).

BACCH4Mac manipulates the audio signal in the time domain, so it isn't quite like room correction software.  It purports to minimize/eliminate crosstalk.  The effect isn't as dramatic on all recordings, but on some, it can rather dramatically widen/deepen/heighten the perceived soundstage.  For example, a performer who seemed to be near your left speaker without BACCH might seem to be performing as much as several feet away from the same speaker with BACCH.  The effect, I think, is likely to be much more dramatic than the effect of any new cable or DAC chip. 

When you can afford it try a Lumin U2 Mini with a Denafrips R-2R DAC. They pair well together and it is a night and day difference (maybe not jaw dropping).

+1 for a pre-owned Ayre Codex. But here is an interesting question. At your age I discovered I suffered from hearing loss at frequencies above 3k Hz. It is a common issue.  Have you any suspicion that it may be the case for you? If so, a visit to a good audiologist and, if necessary, a quality hearing aid could be a better use of your funds. 

I am sure the cheap ProJect S2 DAC I added to my Bluesound Node 2i might have been the problem.  I have heard the Cuttest is much better.  What would I hear with a more expensive DAC that would sound better than the Bluesound played by itself?  I like hearing detail especially the highs and bass.  However, my two REL S2 SHO's subs fill in the bass nicely.  I for some reason think I like MQA, but is it like the Emperors New Cloths am I convincing myself it sounds better?  Adding a DAC is supposed to stop the complete unfold of MQA.  I wonder what others hear when they play MQA?