DAC upgrade

I’ll also recommend DENAFRIPS both Ares and Pontus (I actually have both). The Pontus is every bit as good as its reputation. I found it added a sense of realism and warmth to my system. I find it to be almost 3D like. Best way I can describe it. I’ll also say though it adds that little bit extra in comparison to its little brother the Ares, they’re not as far apart as their price tags would make you think…I just bought the Topping E70 Velvet and have to say it really continues to blow me away. I was surprised to read the negative comments, but honestly fi find this little DAC to be amazing for its size, and especially cost…when I moved the Pontus to my Node (just dove into streaming), I bought the Topping to replace the Pontus for my Brennan B2 (all of my ripped cd’s), and I thought I’d be sacrificing quite a bit but much to my shock, I continue to be impressed with the Topping’s performance. I have the Ares handling my old Elite cd carousel duties. So I have all 3 DAC’s in the same system performing different duties. Though each has a different sound, every time I sit down to listen no matter which route I go, I am thoroughly enjoying every single minute😊! 
 

Don’t let cost factor into your decision and do not rule out the Topping. It’s very small, short money, and you can get it on Amazon which has a very generous return policy. 
 

All of this said (and I am totally with you on the China thing) the Pontus is my fave..

Best of luck!

+1++ for Denarfips Pontus II 12th,

IMO best DAC under $3,000.....Yet it costs only $1,800. I have upgraded several components along the way,  but never thought the Pontus was the weak link.

The Pontus is a wonderful, musical, fun, enjoyable, terrific DAC. It just does everything well, and nothing badly........if you are a detail fiend, get the Chord, it is a beast......but for me, that lasted about an hour.....then it was so detailed that I stopped enjoying the music. Best of luck to your

+1 regarding the Denafrips dacs but there is something else you may want to consider...You have a golden oppurtunity right now to hit two cans with one rock. Seriously consider a decent streamer dac combo the Node is an ok streamer (in its day) but you can do much better with what is on offer now. I respect your concern about Chinese goods but truth is inside everything being discussed likely has parts from China; thats just the facts.The Cutest is a great little dac but is overpriced especially new.

The Node is likely a bottleneck also not just your MM2 if you stream often,I would suggest a Eversolo Master Edition DMP A6 streamer dac,small form factor and is far and away better than the Node. You are getting very good suggestions here but I don’t believe you need to go to your budget ceiling to achieve a vast improvement in your system. As others have suggested buy on Amazon if you don’t like it return it.

All the descriptions of the equipment in the line is that their musical. At what point should a dac be neutral so that the sound not be totally altered. I have a topping. Not yet convinced that I need to pay up when I’m running Conrad Johnson and McIntosh speakers everywhere else.

I have had the Denifrips Pontus ll for a couple of years and am still very happy with it.  The newest model, the 12 Anniversary is well within your price range.

All the best.