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

Ayre Codex- under $1K used

Schiit Gungnir or Yggy

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

Bob

I have used a few different DACs with Vault 2i and each upgrade was.more than subtle.     Eventually I will replace it but the Bluesond streamers can sound really good with a nice DAC

Upgrade your Node first. The Node can be improved by a good margin by upgrading the internal power supply with a PD Creative board - https://pd-cf.com/.../bluesound-node-2-2i-upgrade-low.../

I power this board with a SBooster LPS. Takes the node to a level that you would need to spend $$$ on to achieve. And as others have said, a better DAC will then keep you happy for a long time.

would the RME dac be a significant dac upgrade?

can it be used as a pre amp to drive my two channel power amp? (and then have the node attached also?)

I have a Cambridge CXNV2 streamer 

it’s great with Qobuz and a Rotel A14

the CXNV2 is v easy to use and I get firmware upgrade as easy as pie

also Cambridge has excellent and I mean excellent on line service

ive been down the road with super expensive gear and now that’s over!

BTWVgot the Cambridge for $525 for Cambridge online from CambridgeUSA

refurbished full factory warranty as well!