Upgrade Internal DAC of Node or go with Atoll ST120.

The Lumin D2 is now on the list as well as the Soncoz SGD1

So many options. 

I would listen to @sfar regarding, as you already know, how great the Bluesound software is.  Adding an external DAC is simple and made my Node Sing.

There is the CD Creative board that can easily be switched into your Node but you will then need to buy a linear power supply, which all basically comes in around the same price as the Node itself.

So now my list looks like this:

--DAC/Streamer Options—

Atoll MS120 or ST200

Lumin D2

--DAC only with Node—

Soncoz SGD1

Aune X8
 

The blue sound node is very low quality,it’s fine if audio quality is an afterthought 

rule of thumb 25% on average goes into a product including packaging 

the rest overhead and markup meaning $125 ,  buy a $950 Denafrips aries2 dac 

even run through a computer ,night and day better sound ,my nephew had one at college it’s ok  for streaming at a beginner level , I just use a purpose built computer for music and external dac , and for Ethernet a Uptone audio Ether regen

it truly cleans up the digital incoming signal after the router at the end point ,

for usb a nice little ad on is usb perfect  the usb cable plugs into.

buya quality usb cable and ethernet cable , if on a budget a excellent model for both cables is, the Wireworld  star light . I have been just working my way up in streaming ,,I am trying to buy the Denafrips Terminator + it’s excellent dac  my personal favorite in its price class $6400, it competes with anything even at $10 k 

an-easy recommendation  !

I’ve been looking at the Gustard R26 as a dac upgrade that has an integrated streamer.  Slightly more than your budget but likely worth it.