How To Connect a DAC?

@tcotruvo if you intend sticking with the Node 3/N130, regardless of whether you decide to add an external DAC, I would recommend modding the power supply as someone else suggested. Even if you eventually bypass the Node's DAC, the power supply still has a significant, beneficial affect; for me it certainly did. 

@painter24

Yes, that is a good upgrade. I recently added a CD Creative board with Pardo LPS and I confirm the improvement!

@holmz

Thx! I can tell that you are really trying to understand my whole system to help me! The BeoLab 8000 speakers were discontinued around 2010. My first streaming was with my iPad to an AirPort Express then to the 8000’s.  The NODE was a big step up. I like my sound now, but if it can get better, then 👍👍👍. As I mentioned, if I can get more detail and realism in vocals that would be great.  But I’m not desperate or frustrated. I’ll add something like a minidsp SHD to my list. For what it’s worth, that has 4 RCA Outs, so connecting it to my 2 speakers and 2 subs would be standard. Thx again!

A bit more information that might help explain things:

I’m hearing deficient in higher frequencies.  Sometimes I can hear the sound of the hammer on a piano high note, but not the note itself.  If high frequency problems are in my room, I don’t hear them.

I tend to play my music on the quiet side.  Usually I’m at 1/3 or below on my Node volume slider.  I’m not looking to feel bass in my chest.  I’m more interested in the delicate nuances of music, hearing it rather than feeling it.  Too much loud noise is tiring.  I live in a quiet home on a big lake, so the music is an accessory, not the main show.

I like jazz, instrumentals. and vocals.  Not much rock, hip hop or oldies.  I’ve mostly been listening to Paradise Radio MQA Mellow.

Hmmmm….maybe my component choices so far have been pretty good.  I had a guy over buying a projector, and he was about 3/4 of the way back in my room.  He stopped and said,  “what kind of music system is that?  It sounds really good.”  I told him what I have and he said, “you have it dialed in (twice).  I know about good audio equipment.”  

I think it sounds good, but are there any good ways to tell if it’s top tier?  I’m still considering adding a separate DAC, so it could be hit and miss whether it results in an improvement.

@tcotruvo I think that is referred to as the “fear of missing out” (FOMO).

Could more people telling you have it “dialed in” help?

There will always be ones trying to sell things to get to nirvana, and I too can sometimes not stop when I should.

You certainly can try other things, and they could help, but if it is good and you like it now… are you missing out on anything (other than possibility)?