External DAC?

Wow. Please continue. And THANK YOU!

I have a climate problem where I live and I have a small man cave, which is great for listening with a floating floor. Lots of sound absorption. And I have a Cary SL I 80 amp,heating my room in the winter time and currently I am using a NAD C 316BEE amp to my pleasure, to run very efficient Cornwall IV heritage speakers. I have a SVS micro 3000 sub which I don’t really need to use anymore, as the NAD has become a good pairing, (even better than a Marantz Model 15 that I have on the selling table, perfect shape but just too much power relating to 102 db Cornwalls)…and my Bluesound node is the latest version before the X came out.

so, I think I read that some EXTERNAL DACS, are good headphone jacks as well?

I have no knowledge that DACS are so worth the money, and a tech from Crutchfield asked me the question “Do you really think you can tell the difference?”… which has me stuck listening to all the “experts” on YouTube, further muddying my thinking… last I heard this latest Node I have, is pretty good. It stands in as my preamp, and I love its interaction with my eArc and Apple Airplay2 for TV.

I am listening… I appreciate your help. I know I have some nice components and just need suggestions.

I will always have DETAIL with Klipsch… so… maybe I want musical? No fatigue type?

Thanks. The Cary was last played months ago… and you would think so right?

waiting for the Fall. 
 

I add this:

Yes, I have the latest addition to the Bluesound node, I guess third generation, prior to the most recent anniversary X addition. I know they have improved the inner DACS with each version but now I’m asking what would be some thing better in your opinion and one that is in the ballpark.

I have Cornwall Heritage IV speakers, and I am currently running a NAD C 316BEE amp( which pairs well with Klipsch 102 db) at 40 WPC. In the winter my Mancave is heated by a tube Cary SLI-80, UL /Triode 4/8 OHMS. 
either way, I love the ability of the Bluesound node to be my preamp and facilitating my Apple Airplay 2 and the eArc into the TV/CD. Mancave is treated, speakers and me complete a 6’ triangle.

Thank you! At (70) years… needing help… sorry to offend vthokie83

Thank y’all. I have a Rogue RP-1 and a Denefrips Ares ll coming. I also just bought the First Watt J2 to heat the Cornwall IV’s up, and my Mancave in the Winter. I’m wondering if I will leave my Cary SLI – 80 tube amp and replace it with this First Watt J2 in the winter time just for the heat but maybe for the sound?

is it going to be a good idea to use a hybrid preamp like this Rogue? In addition to the Cary SLI – 80 tube amplifier? What am I gaining?

@jjss49 

certainly I hope the Aries to  soften the highs without losing detail. I love soundstage and I have it now when I get this hybrid rogue pre-amp it won’t be my first ever. I was using a node as basically a PreAmp that I could switch, and it was very friendly, but now the node must go into the Rogue… interesting…

Now I’m not quite convinced that adding an exterior Denafrips to my Bluesound Node has paid quantitive improvements. Also I think the NAD C1366BEE amp far exceeds the First Watt J2 with my current Cornwall iv match up. However…. The Rogue RP-1 preamp is a nice edition. I’m going to give the Ares ll some additional listening time to decide whether it’s keepable.  I put the First Watt J2 back on the market here.