Great Qobuz streamer. Upgrade from Bluesound Node 2

I use Node 2i and chord Qutest and am very happy.
used Node 2i on its own for 3 months while I looked for a DAC I liked.

prior, I had Apple TV running to a cheap peachtree DACiT.

i am not sure, nor has anyone made an objective case, how spending more on a streamer (alone) increases sound quality.

i also use Qobuz and it integrates with Bluesound seemlessly.
the Bluesound interface and integration capabilities work for me. As always, YMMV

+1 Innuous Zen MK3 or, if you can find one, a used Innuous Zenith MKII

I have two Node 2i acting as streamers only, with all unnecessary functions disabled, including volume. The service is Qobuz Studio (hi-res)

One Node is feeding an all Lab12 system including the Lab12 Dac1 Special Edition. The other Node is supplying a iFi Retro 50 system using the Retro’s own dac. In both cases the dacs are connected using Bluejeans spdif cables. Works perfectly and the Bluesound software works seamlessly.

Lab12 are about to release a Reference Edition of the Dac1, which decodes up to 24/192. The Special Edition version tops at 24/96, but that didn’t stop me. Some very favourable reviews online and I am very happy with mine.

I tested my Node 2i using the internal dac and also an Antelope Zodiac with linear power supply switching between the inputs on my amp.

I could not tell a difference in sound, I would use the internal dac for a while before you rush out and buy another dac.

What you guys think of chip dacs compared to R2R dacs like Denafrips Ares II?