Has Anyone Compared the DAC On a Bluesound NODE 3rd Gen to a Separate DAC?

yes, plenty

differences heard depends of course on specific choice of outboard dac, and quality of balance of the system/room in question (not to mention how skilled the listener is...)

Thx jjss49.  Im probably not too skilled of a listener.  My listening area is an 8’x8’ corner of the 16’x32’ open ground floor of our house. 

My other equipment is: B&O Beolab8000 powered speakers, Hsu ULS MkII sealed sub, and Paradigm Series 7 sealed 12” sub.

Any suggestions on an outboard dac?  The Denefrips Airies II and the Topping D90SE were high on my recommended list.

For the most part, people who start with the Aries 2 end up moving up the line. If it were my money, I'd start with a Pontus 2 and be happy for a long time.

I initially ran my BS Node 3 with a Venus 2 and it was great for what it was.

You want opinions on a unit with a build in DAC compared to separate DACs in what price range?  Almost all of the better DACs will be better.