Walk me thru upgrading from my BS Node

@poke33 The one thing I would suggest is that while great one box solutions exist, I would strongly recommend using an Ethernet connection over wireless if you decide to invest heavily in a digital source. Why? Because having the wifi in the unit introduces noise that further degrades quality. Digital signals are very delicate, and any noise leaks will result in jitter and timing errors which will result in added fatigue and slight lack of focus in the overall delivery. This is a perfect example for why the Bluesound will sound fuzzy compared to many higher end solutions. NAD’s M50.2 dedicated reference streamer for instance (recently discontinued), requires a hard connection (NAD is the maker of Bluesound). Many other brands will lean this way as well.  

Some sources to look into may be John Darko’s (Darko Audio) YouTube channel or website. There are plenty of digital source threads already here on Audiogon that will be helpful as well. I’m happy to share links if you have trouble finding them.

I did also message you direct on some thoughts.

You never made clear if you require a built in DAC (not recommended.)

@fuzztone 

@poke33 

I need the singular physical box to be reasonably small

Other questions....

1.) Audphil1- I have a Wireless Extender...am I correct in assuming that if I position the extender close to my set up and use an ethernet cable to connect to the BSN my sound quality would improve? 

2.) Blisshifi- Just curious, does NAD use the BS UI for Qobuz

Thanks to all for your help!

@poke33 I wouldn’t assume wiring the BSN would improve sound quality. Only way to find out is to try. In example of AURALiC they typically sound best wireless.
Remember the Node is very good for what it is and what it costs.
But you’re looking for an upgrade. If you have a wifi extender in the proximity of the streamer don’t limit yourself to wireless only.

I would seriously consider a DAC with a built in renderer and Roon as your music server/database/UI as opposed to a streamer with a built in DAC.
Or consider separates - streamer, something like the Lumin U2 Mini and a good separate DAC. My reasoning for it? Streamers are essentially computers and as such their designs are emphasized around software/OS. A dedicated DAC or even a DAC with a built in renderer like Bricasti, Weiss or Mola Mola are designed with emphasis on DAC quality without any need to worry about the streaming UI.

Now, there are ultra high end all in one units where I’m sure all the due diligence was done in R&D and they may be a completely different ball game. But we’re not talking about those with a $5k-$7k budget. These tend to be well into five figures and more. 
That’s just my $0.02.