Trust your gut. Listen to a Bluesound Node 2I with and without an external DAC. Do a blind test and pick what your ears hear. I purchased a Bluesound Node 2i and the dealer sold me an external DAC. However, we did a blind test and after switching back and forth 10 times I listened to the dealer who said it sounded a lot better with the DAC. I should have listed and trusted what my ears were hearing.
I thought the bass sounded thinner. I stream Tidal and I can hear the difference when playing MQA. When you connect an external DAC using COAX cable it breaks up the MQA unfold where you only get about 10% of the sound. I thought and still think the Bluesound Node 2I sounds better by itself. Bluesound customer support is also incredible. I also met them at the RMAF in Denver and their people were the most knowledgeable. I have suggested to them they add video so you can view concerts on your TV in higher res.
Just because you spend more doesn't it will sound significantly better. I might think DAC's costing $3,000 might sound better, but how much better? Are you better off upgrading speakers or an amplifier?
I thought the bass sounded thinner. I stream Tidal and I can hear the difference when playing MQA. When you connect an external DAC using COAX cable it breaks up the MQA unfold where you only get about 10% of the sound. I thought and still think the Bluesound Node 2I sounds better by itself. Bluesound customer support is also incredible. I also met them at the RMAF in Denver and their people were the most knowledgeable. I have suggested to them they add video so you can view concerts on your TV in higher res.
Just because you spend more doesn't it will sound significantly better. I might think DAC's costing $3,000 might sound better, but how much better? Are you better off upgrading speakers or an amplifier?