Can’t speak on the DACs noted above but I own an Oppo 205 and I wouldn’t consider an Oppo. I do own a Bluesound Vault 2 and I find its DAC is decent and believe for the money it’s a great product but its internal DAC can be easily outclassed. I also own a Cambridge 851C and it is more refined, open, transparent, draws less attention to itself than say my Oppo UDP 205 and is way beyond what the Bluesound is. The great thing about my 851 is having digital inputs and I run my Vault through it. That being said, the Oppo is better sounding than the Bluesound DAC as well, but I wouldn’t consider a Oppo, as for a $1,000 you’re going to find many DACs that will eat what your Node or any Oppo can deliver.
If you pick up a DAC, don’t run optical through your Node; I would suggest SPDIF/Coax. Speaking of your Node, I hope you’re not using the stock power cord. If you are using the stock cord I would start with a better cable and also hardwire if you’re running wireless. If you do Ethernet don’t skimp on the stock cable or the one you stole from your PC as that cable makes a difference as well. If you look at my system you can see how I run my Vault as far as cables.
If you pick up a DAC, don’t run optical through your Node; I would suggest SPDIF/Coax. Speaking of your Node, I hope you’re not using the stock power cord. If you are using the stock cord I would start with a better cable and also hardwire if you’re running wireless. If you do Ethernet don’t skimp on the stock cable or the one you stole from your PC as that cable makes a difference as well. If you look at my system you can see how I run my Vault as far as cables.