Just installed a bluesound node 2i , quality not so good

Surprised you find the dac is less good than airplay to an avr. World class it’s not but it’s not horrible IME . A descent outboard would definitely make a different I believe. I can hear it for sure. Also a reclocker on the DAC makes a difference. I use a cheap IFI one and it makes a definite difference to my ear. 
 

Interesting to hear your take jjss49. I always wonder about the expensive streamer and whether it is worth it. Seems people have vastly different opinions. The Node probably has the best interface and compatible with the most services. I was thinking a Melco but if the SQ is not there paying much more for a less fleshed out interface does nothing make sense. What’s the rest of your setup? 
 

The new Node is a definite step up from the 2i. The analog outs are adequate for casual listing. Coax out, good DAC, whole different world. For what it is used for in my system, I see no need to upgrade. 
 

BTW jjss49… try Roon. It’s great! Love the overall info and interface. Mine is specifically used with my NAS. Bluesound OS for most other streaming.

@geof3

i have been told by so many friends/hifi nerd buds that i gotta do roon... it’s funny, we all do silly, illogical things sometimes... i will blow five grand to try a new dac without batting an eye, same to try some hot-sh*t amp, but i just won’t shell out 6 or 7 hundred bucks for a lifetime roon sub out of principle LOL... it is just goofy (maybe i get one of my sons to buy it for me as xmas present 🤣🤣)

@mofojo

you can see my system page at your leisure

There are more than a few threads on multiple forums over the past three years about the Node2i and use of external DACs costing up to 2-3x the price of the Node2i and use of really good digi coax and output cables for the dac to preamps.  

+1 and agree with @jjss49 and others here.  Also, several friends who use the Node2i with some very nice external tube DACs and each compared the internal dac usage and RCA out vs. use of good external DACs instead, including non-oversampling R2R ladder dacs with great results. It makes a real difference.    

It’s fine as a streamer but probably benefits from a good external DAC.