If you use the digital output of the Bluesound Node, you ARE using it's internal DAC. The only way to it is to use the analog outputs, which there are not analog inputs on the Peachtree amp.
I'm sorry sir however, you have that exactly backwards. The analog outputs from the Node2i have passed through the internal DAC of the Node2i. That's why they are an analog signal: They've been converted from 1's and 0's to an analog waveform with left and right channels.
The digital output from the Node2i has NOT be converted as it is by-passing the internal DAC in favor of an outboard DAC or other component which can accept a digital signal.
So the question remains, if I use the digital output of my Lumin streamer into this amp, what device is doing the digital to analog conversion? No DAC needed according to the OP, but I'm having a hard time figuring that one out.
Well I went back to their ad copy in which they state: "The GaN 1 is also designed so that it does NOT even require a digital-to-analog-converter (DAC). "
I too fail to see how you can put out an analog signal to speakers unless somewhere along the way you convert those little 1's and 0's to an analog waveform. Peachtree are doing that, they're simply just not saying they're doing it.
Also, I stand corrected: I forgot the Node2i does have analog inputs so I suppose you could use a phono preamp into it for a TT, thus using the Node2i as a "preamp" of sorts but I'm skeptical as to the sound quality.
I like the Node2i, but I'm not going to hand my TT over to it. 😉
Happy listening.