Bluesound mode not really cutting it


Running a bluesound node. Sounds pretty good but I feel like I can do better. I'm running a Black ice Dac thru a Schiit saga plus into a Mac Mc 152 and Lsa signature 20's. Looking to upgrade node I have 2 to 3 k to spend. Hard to find decent reviews. Any suggestions. Listen to blues classic rock and anything that sounds good. Have tenants downstairs so listen at moderate levels and kinda prefer realistic or almost tube or liquid sound. 

sgnevling

I have a Node 2i. I stream mostly from Amazon Music HD and Idagio. I have looked into upgrading to a higher end streamer, but I cannot find anything that supports these two streaming services. (Innuos supports Idagio, but not Amazon, and has no intention of supporting Amazon in the future.) I moded my Node 2i with a Teddy Pardo LPS and the improvement was significant! Deeper sound stage, more detail, better bass, just better overall! I am bypassing the built in DAC, and using the coax out to a PS Audio Directstrem DAC Mk. 1, that has been moded by APS Transformers. So far, I am very happy with the sound. I too am awaiting the reviews for the upcoming Node Icon. I'm wondering if the streaming section is improved, or just the built in DAC, which I know is improved. It would be nice if Bluesound would produce a truly audiophile streamer with a LPS and no DAC, with an XLR or I2s output.

Are you running stock tubes in the BlackIce DAC?

What USB cable are you using?

I know you have a used CXN v2 on the way but for $300 the LHY LPS helped my Node a lot.

In that price range you could get a Lumin D2 used or even the Newer D3. 
excellent product, balanced performance and good connectivity. 
 

Received the Cambridge cvx v2. The dac sounded flat. Reconnected Black Ice dac and walla nice combination. Noticable sound difference from node. More intent and sparkle. More midrange silkyness. Had to order proper USB cable. So using coaxial at moment. All in all happy. See how long before the itch to upgrade comes back...Thx to all for sharing experience 

@sgnevling 

I have that DAC as mentioned in a previous response…

What tubes are you running with ?