@tcotruvo if you intend sticking with the Node 3/N130, regardless of whether you decide to add an external DAC, I would recommend modding the power supply as someone else suggested. Even if you eventually bypass the Node's DAC, the power supply still has a significant, beneficial affect; for me it certainly did.
How To Connect a DAC?
I have a NODE 3. The two RCA Analog Out connectors go to my R and L powered/active speakers. The Analog Sub Out RCA has a splitter, with each side going to a powered/active sub. This is a mono signal and connects to the R side of each sub.
I’m looking to buy a separate DAC. Most have XLR R and L Analog Outs, and RCA R and L Analog Outs. I’m wondering how I would connect my speakers and subs. My best guess is using 2 RCA splitters, I would connect one splitter to the R Analog Out to the R speaker and Sub 1 RCA R input. The other splitter would connect the L Analog Out to the L speaker and Sub 2 L input.
Any thoughts?