2-3k budget - adding DAC/Server to Bluesound Node?

I have a Bluesound Node and Vault. I think the Vault idea would make sense if you have a library of CDs you want to rip into the Vault or you have an existing library of music on a HDD that you want to move/transfer onto the Vault HDD. If you don’t want storage of music then another combination of DAC and streamer might work better. You will get many suggestions here. For me I have used the Bluesound ecosystem with a separate DAC with fine results but people here on audiogon may suggest options other than Bluesound.

You may want to clarify how you will be listening to music...

thanks

would be exclusively downloaded files from Tidal/Amazon

do you have some equipment suggestions within my budget?

I'm new to streaming and am under the impression a server with stored music will provide better sq over streams and that a DAC in the 1000-1500 price range will also give me a significant boost over the bluesound built in dac

also would consider using an ipad or macbook air (or even windows/android tablet)

as a server if that might represent a better option

If you only want to listen to Tidal/Amazon, and you already have a Node, buying the Vault doesnt make sense.  The Vault does 3 things: 1) Rips and stores CDs  2) acts as a streamer for services such as Tidal/Amazon, Internet Radio, or the aforementioned ripped CDs  3) is a DAC.

   The Node does 2 and 3.

   In your case I would blow the budget on an external DAC to best the DAC in the Node.  If you later become dissatisfied with the Node as a streamer you can upgrade it, but presumably you must be happy with it since you are considering getting a Vault

Ayre Codex- under $1K used

Schiit Gungnir or Yggy

Ayre QB-9 Twenty-well under $3K used.

Bob