For those that use an external DAC with node 2i


Please describe the shortcomings of the node2i dac, as well as what to specifically expect to hear as an improvement with a truly better (not just different and external dac). My node seems to have what I'd call a bit dark smoothed sound. Cymbals seem a bit faint, but trying another dac that presents a more forward louder cymbal seems to sound less recessed and smoothed; thereby exchanging a bit of dark(warm?) smooth depth for more forward brighter presence that is more forward enveloping but with less depth. It's weird, because depending upon the song one may sound better than the other. I'm not sure which sound is truly more accurate, or even which one I prefer consistently, but I would like to make a choice and start listening to my music instead of critically analysing each component back-and-forth. Perhaps I'm not using enough of a drastic improvement dac, but I'd like to figure that out too. I do realize a lot of what sounds better to one person is different than what another likes, but so far, I'm leaning towards the dac where the cymbals seem louder/brighter even though it's at the expense of what seems to me to maybe be a darker smoother (illusory lower noise floor?).
Also, I was unable to level match this comparison,  so that adds another variable. The external dac I compared to the node 2i was an old parasound zdac version 1. Perhaps if I sampled a higher end dac like a denafrips or an Ayre coda, etc. I'd see what direction was better for a reference point, but if anybody here has actually done their own evaluations, I'd welcome your input, experience and perspective. Thanks.
128x128labguy
I ran my Node 2i into my Willsenton R8 integrated amp to my Tekton Perfect Set 2-10’s and the sound was glorious. Then I purchased a DENAFRIPS Pontus. Oh my god! There’s no going back. Everything sounds better. It was like I had my ear canals professionally cleaned. The only way I could possibly imagine a similar jump in sound quality would be going to a live show. I’ve heard great things about the Aries DAC, which is the little brother to the Pontus. Also, I thought Spotify was great, then I got turned onto Gobuz. It’s not a night a day improvement but Gobuz clearly has more information, more dynamics, and blacker backgrounds, depending on the quality of the recording of course.

happily listening
Also added external dacs to the BS nodes...SMLS400, Topping D90...much improved sound...the Teac NT-505 streaming DAC, also big improvement 
I added a Denafrips Ares Ii to my Bluesound node 2i and could not be happier. So smooth yet so much more detail and sound stage. I listen for hours! The Coax connection is just a bluejeans cable, but for the analog out I used Silver Solids Interconnects from Stagersound (Marc Stager ).
It’s a $550 streamer ($450) on sale when I bought it. Don’t expect miracles. I added an aftermarket power cable and a GOOD Kimber Kable D60 coax cable that runs to my Cary dac. “Improvements” that can help with sound quality. I’ve never heard the onboard dac of the 2i nor do I want to. Point being, you can improve the sq of the streamer, with upgrades in cabling and an external dac.  
I own a Node 2 and find the DAC pretty good. I’ve owned better DACs that contain more detail, but the sound is enjoyable. Recently, I found a used but upgraded Schiit Bifrost to find out if there was an improvement. There wasn’t much improvement, or at least the kind that is easily discernible though blind AB testing. My sense is that you would have to spend at least $1000 to easily hear a difference.