Upgrading your system three options DAC, Cartridge or speaker cables???

@lobinero - If you want to get the very best out of the Node2i I can recommend getting some quality cables - i.e. Power cables + Interconnect - like those from Zavfino

The Fusion - Solid Pure Silver & OCC Copper - ZavfinoUSA

Power Cables - ZavfinoUSA

Pick a power cable with UP-OCC copper conductors - or the silver cables are even better.

The Node 2i uses a 2 pin plug qand Zavfino does not yet have a 2 pin cable - but  you can use an adapter 

IEC C13/C14 to C7/C8 Kettle Lead to Fig Eight Figure 8 PC Laptop Cable Adapter : Amazon.ca: Electronics 

You will notice improved dynamics, clarity, details and image

It might seem a little strange  putting such high priced cables on such an affordable  Streamer, but it pays huge dividends in sound quality.

I consider cables as important as my components and using high quality cables throughout has had a huge impact on the performance on all of the components.

Once the cables are addressed then you can upgrade other components with the knowledge that the cables are allowing them to perform to their very best ability.

.I have the Node 2i and it amazed me as to how good it was - once I treated it to some good cables

Regards - Steve

Yup dac but cables can make HUGE improvements as well. Too many to suggest it's best to try in your own system.

I would get a DAC. There are plenty on Audiogon in your price range. 

My initial thought is DAC given your 80% streaming.

Speaker cables may not be the first choice but given I owned Canare 4S11 and did testing of speaker cables.  Here's my experiences....I tested Rocket 33, Kimber Kable 12 TC and Kimber Kable Bifocal as upgrades over the Canare 4S11.  The Bifocal's are over $1k and I preferred their sound significantly over the others.  I preferred the Canare 4S11 over the 12TCs and Rocket 33s - and they were ~$100 from Blue Jean Cables.