Hello,
I own the Node 2i and love it. There are better DACs like a Lumin D2. Based on what you are using it for do not upgrade by getting a cheap DAC. I have compared that DAC in the Node 2i with other DACs costing more than the Node2i. Unless you want to change the sound signature do not waste your money unless you go past $1,000. If you want a R2R get the Denifrips Pontus. Look for used, people upgrade all the time. If you want a chip based unit go with the RME. The RME has an adjustable EQ. Both of these will be perfect for a long time. If your system is tubes stay away from the Ares II. Too mellow. Bottom line try before you buy. Below $1k you are wasting your money. If you have a good power cable lying around get the nema c13 to C7 adapter on Amazon. Or the Nordost Purple Flair. The power cable makes a BIG difference. If you want to remove some of that digital sound add a Puritan Classic cable with the C7 end so it is ready to go. It also comes in matching black or white colored sheath. The store in the Chicagoland area sells BlueSound, Lumin, Nordost and Puritan. For the DACs you will have to order online. https://holmaudio.com/
This is the store. Sadly BlueSound discontinued the PowerNode 2i but they have the Node2i. They also ship! The DAC will be worth it once you get well above the level of the one in the Node2i.
I own the Node 2i and love it. There are better DACs like a Lumin D2. Based on what you are using it for do not upgrade by getting a cheap DAC. I have compared that DAC in the Node 2i with other DACs costing more than the Node2i. Unless you want to change the sound signature do not waste your money unless you go past $1,000. If you want a R2R get the Denifrips Pontus. Look for used, people upgrade all the time. If you want a chip based unit go with the RME. The RME has an adjustable EQ. Both of these will be perfect for a long time. If your system is tubes stay away from the Ares II. Too mellow. Bottom line try before you buy. Below $1k you are wasting your money. If you have a good power cable lying around get the nema c13 to C7 adapter on Amazon. Or the Nordost Purple Flair. The power cable makes a BIG difference. If you want to remove some of that digital sound add a Puritan Classic cable with the C7 end so it is ready to go. It also comes in matching black or white colored sheath. The store in the Chicagoland area sells BlueSound, Lumin, Nordost and Puritan. For the DACs you will have to order online. https://holmaudio.com/
This is the store. Sadly BlueSound discontinued the PowerNode 2i but they have the Node2i. They also ship! The DAC will be worth it once you get well above the level of the one in the Node2i.