Shunyata Venom RCA vs Bluesound Node 2i stock rca

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.

not surprising. I have found some higher-end component wires and cables do provide the improvement others don’t and all that matters is what my ears and brain conclude I tried a couple of VERY expensive Shunyata power conditioners purchased used but with original MSRP’s in the many thousands and ran a proper dedicated 20 amp line terminated in a Shunyata wall outlet I found that both the high-end devices made the sound thinner, and brighter and it sure wasn’t my Ayre Integrated Hub or Sonus Faber Olympica Nova III’s (or Naim streamer!) ALL  noted for their smoothness. Then I went to the entry-level Venom power strip. Sound was and is great Depth, soundstage, overall balance, and timber all wonderful. I did add an expensive Shunyata Sigma interconnect for the Naim streamer rca out to the AYRE-integrated, very happy with that. Added some sharper detail and and more vivid experience without adding any harshness. Also I have a $1000 Lapzuli Reference headphone cable VERY good with the Focal Utopia’s which can get a little bright in upper mid, but with a ZMF Verite can make it a little bit lifeless albeit still wonderful So...no way to know in YOUR set up till you try Buy it used sell it if it doesn’t please you try something else. The actual components and your ears will really change the outcome IMO. We all try to read lots of opinions to attempt to reduce the number of wasted round trips (buy then sell) and that can help narrow the field but you never know till you plug it in