any suggestions on what to replace Bluesound Node 2i with

+1 for Wolf Audio. Customer service is excellent.

so the op evidently wants a new combo streamer/dac unit in a single box, as the lumin units are just that...

entry level lumin d2 runs a pair of wolfson bitstream dac chips and uses a solid state analog output driver stage... iirc the d2 is not transformer coupled like the higher lumin units

next up t2 runs ess sabre 9028 bitstream dac chip, has adjustable volume control (nice feature), and i believe the output stage is transformer coupled at the xlr outs so nice smoothing of the sound there...

either should be a fairly decent sonic upgrade over the sound of the node 2i heard at its rather murky analog outputs (albeit at fairly significant add’l expense)

I moved to the Innous Zen Mini and Zenith for my networked systems.
I had the Bluesound Node's before. I upgraded my DAC's to Ayre QB-9's, so I needed something that used USB instead of optical.
In any case, I am very satisfied with the changes.
@OP,
Be advised, research what inputs your streamer accepts.
Also, check what software it uses, as some limit what streaming services you can use.(The Bluesound sort of spoiled me with all the apps you could use).
Innuos can use Roon- which I find to be a very fine piece of software.
I tried Aurender, but I never warmed to their software, and it is only limited to Tidal and Qobuz.
Bob

Why not keep the node and upgrade the delivery to it and then upgrade to external DAC.
start with small green computer solutions. They have fiber optic options that clean up the signal to the streamer. Never spend more then you have to. Enjoy the music.

@jjss49 Yes, as my post stated I am looking for a replacement. I find myself listening to Qobuz more through my Control4 Hdmi set up with my Anthem 1120 than using the Bluesound which is connected optically to my Anthem. I did hear the Lumin and was pretty amazed, I just don't want to spend a lot of money without checking other options