DAC? how much more $$$ to get a significant improvement over Bluesound Node?

1) Musetec 005 (incredible DAC) $2969 on sale $3300 MSRP

2) Benchmark DAC3B $1700 a bit less bass and more treble than the Musetec so not as good, but I still love this DAC

3) Gustard X26 Pro $1250 on sale or $1500. Warmer and less detailed than the 005 or DAC3B. A very enjoyable DAC and maybe the choice to make if a warmer sound is desired

4) Topping D90SE $900, sounds like the DAC3B,

These are the DACs I have (just sold the Gustard) and have enjoyed them and can recommend them. 

good feedback, thank you all

I was considering the Gustard X26 and Topping D90SE, as well as the S.M.S.L VMV D2

I use Tidal and all those units seem to have MQA also

upon further review, the Gustard x16 seems like a more affordable dip into the dac waters

Bifrost 2 is what I use and think that it sounds killer. I also put a good power cable on both and have seen an additional improvement. Good luck!

Denafrips Pontus ll dac would be a good choice.

yes depends greatly on the quality of the rest of your system

the current node's onboard dac is said to be improved somewhat over the one in the prior '2i' version

still, there is a lot of upside if the system in use is good and resolving