Shunyata Venom RCA vs Bluesound Node 2i stock rca

What would you recommend replacing my AVR with? Also, which LPS and ethernet cable would you recommend?

Well, these are huge questions, and it really all boils down to what improvements you’d like and what sound characteristics are most important to you — and how far you wanna go with this in terms of budget. I’d start by thinking about and communicating these crucial things first before focusing on specific equipment and you’ll get some really good recommendations here. Not to be mean, but your current components owe you nothing, and if I’m you and you’re after better sound it’s time to cut bait, clear the decks, and start over completely — and yeah, that includes speakers too. It’s a great opportunity and a fascinating learning experience if you’re up for it. It should be a labor of love that can reap wonderful rewards for many, many years to come. Sorry to be a bit sappy here, but good audio is nothing if it doesn’t get at least a bit emotional. Anyway…

Well, my budget is small. So, I’d like to optimize what I have for now in a way that would be applicable for the future. Even if it’s one step at a time getting the best price whether it’s used or new without being frivolous.  That’s why I asked for recommendations of what you suggested.  If I’m making a purchase that I don’t have the cash for I usually find a way to finance it with zero or minimal interest.  

These Focal Aria 926 are great especially at this discounted price

https://upscaleaudio.com/products/focal-aria-926-loudspeakers-each

Upscale offers financing so grab em while they’re still available. 

I’d like to optimize what I have for now in a way that would be applicable for the future. Even if it’s one step at a time getting the best price whether it’s used or new without being frivolous.

Got it. Ok, if it was me I’d focus on choosing new speakers first and then choose an integrated stereo amp that can drive them properly and mates well with them sonically. I’d do this first because not only will they give you the biggest and most noticeable improvements but also will put you in a much better position to hear differences in upstream sources as well as any cable changes that your system at current probably doesn’t have the refinement and resolution to fully discern. After that I’d get a separate DAC (and a good digital cable like DH Labs, etc.) that’ll be much better than the one in the Node and make a nice improvement, and then I’d either upgrade to a better streamer or at least get a separate linear power supply for the Node. Only after doing these things would I focus on cables as any of the above will likely yield bigger and more meaningful improvements. And as you mentioned, the great thing is you can upgrade over time piece by piece and enjoy/appreciate each improvement every step of the way. Not saying this is the best way to proceed and I’m sure others may differ, but this is absolutely how I’d approach it if I was in your shoes. Hope this helps a little, and best of luck in starting the process and building a great system.

@audphile1 Thanks!

@soix Thanks!  I appreciate it.