Agree with what others have said about the Node 2i. I started with that and used it for a few months, sounded pretty good. Then got a MDHT Orchid with a WE 396A tube and with Qobuz, it's damn good. The Bluesound App is very good, it could use some minor improvements like the ability to alphabetize my Playlists.
Digital Front end for Dummies
Have been an analog guy and will likely continue to be but am getting fiber optic Internet (I live in the middle of nowhere so this is a big deal) and am interested in developing a digital front end. My goal is really just to have a streaming set up, either Tidal or Qobuz, with a solid DAC. My dilemma is that I don't want an all in one as I feel like I'd rather have the opportunity to change DAC's later if I want. I also don't want to lay out a pile of money all at once. Wondering if I should get something like a Bluesound Node 2 to start and then add a DAC later or go with a less expensive front end like an Audioengine B-Fi and spend more on a DAC like a used Ayre Codex, Schiit Gungnir, or Denafrips Area II. Rest of my system is:
Rogue Audio RP-7Rogue Audio M180 monoblocksVandersteen Quatro Woods
Rogue Audio RP-7Rogue Audio M180 monoblocksVandersteen Quatro Woods