Bluesound Node Icon

I'm in a similar boat, N130, external DAC, easy decision to stay with N130.

I added the LHY LPS and DH Labs USB and ethernet cables, as well as SmoothLan from Stack Audio. Sounds great, no intention of upgrading anytime soon.

Reference is an analogue source at more than 10X the cost. 

Moonwatcher - How did you determine there is a better power supply in the icon?

To my ears it is obvious that the Node Icon is a better streamer than the Node 2i. This is using a Denafrips Pontus 12th as a DAC. It was obvious immediately for me. The DAC in the Icon is pretty good too. It is close to being the overall quality level as the Pontus. So far it's more of a flavor thing with the two DACs. I just did hook the Pontus up to the Icon. It's different but does not blow away the Icon using it's own DAC. I've only used a Node 2i as a streamer so I can't compare the Icon to other brands of streamers.

Ancient tones

How would you describe the difference between the Pontus dac and the Icon?

@efoo 

Bluesound has great support and will answer your questions.  I had the same as I recently moved back to separates and had used a Node 2i a few years ago with success.  My questions to them were since I am only using their product as a streamer, was there any differences between the new models and also were their new products improved in their streaming capabilities over the 2i and other older models.  They said the streaming would be the same across the current lineup and that the new generation is improved over 2i/older models.  I went with the Node Nano and it works well.