Got a Node 2i, what's next?


So, I admit that I'm not much of a digital guy.  I ordered an Node 2i for the main HT system mostly for Amazon HD.  Much better than roku --> Denon AVR-X3600.  I liked it so much I ordered another for my previously all analog 2 channel system.

It's not bad, and convenient. Not even close to vinyl on the same release and level matched recordings, but then again, I didn't expect it to be.  I keep reading about how you can easily improve the sound by adding in an external DAC.  Here's where I get confused.

I don't want to spend a lot on a DAC, because at best it's a secondary source.  I'd feel comfortable in the $500 - $1000 range, but I'm really confused over the options and how they relate to sound quality.

First, r/2r vs I guess delta sigma?  What are the sonic advantages of either, there are widely differing opinions there.  I understand how each works from reading around, but how does it relate to sound quality?

Second, multibit vs whatever else.  Same basic questions, what are the basic sound characteristics of each?

Third, oversampling or no.

And lastly, what bitrate/bit depth is considered adequate?  24/192 seems to be standard but some dacs only have 24/128 over optical.  Will this make any difference real world with HD streaming?  I also have an old NAD cd player with coax digital out I might want to hook up for kicks.

I've researched three so far, the Denefrips Ares II, , the Schiit offerings below $1K, and the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M.  I would like to have balanced outputs to keep the digital circuitry as far away from the analog stuff as possible.

Thanks in advance for your answers.



vinylzone
I have the Anthem 1140 and think that it’s  pretty good. But thinking about Cambridge CXN 2 or the Nodi 2i and using the optical.  Any thoughts. 
Thanks
And yes OP, an external DAC connection is worth the cost of some optical or TosLink interconnects.The new one may sound somewhat better, but you have full control with an external DAC.
May I suggest a different approach. Ignore the comment that you need to pay well above $1000  There are old top of the line DACs available that will outperform a lot of expensive modern DACs.

I own an old Wadia 15, which plays redbook only and plays in a way that leaves me no desire to bother with hi-res. I have compared this unit to many others and with what I have heard it's still a contender. The Wadia heft is famous and is a polar opposite to the modern headache inducing detail monsters that are being produced in ever increasing numbers.

Hooking this up to your Node will be an improvement for sure but would also stand you in good stead should you upgrade to separate streamer. Do not be concerned that it can't decode MQA which has recently been called a scam here on the Gon!
They seldom come up for sale, I see one on hifishark now for $1500.  It is built like a tank and weighs about 15Kg. Will probably outlive you :)

There are others to consider, like Theta Gen V, Mark Levinson, Manley etc.