I'm confused on HR 24bit VS A Parasound C2 Processor at 16 bit

Didn’t that processor have some sort of “bass enhancement “ feature?  Maybe that’s what you are missing when you use something else

Yes the C2 has a bass enhancement but is only activated if you add a sub. I guess the C2S just has a better dac than node but it's only 16 bit which does not make sense. I was originally going to buy the best dac I could buy for 2000$. I was going to go digital Toslink from TV to XLR out of dac into Parasounds XLR input which also bypasses DSP. Audio advisor told me the TV is adding noise to the signal that a streamer was a better option. I love using my TV to go through Amazon music and Spotify . Just don't want to buy a dac for that kind of money and the C2S wins again. Not sure

Then quit chasing the dragon and accept your lot in life.

You might be right . I just have been wanting to try different things with my plinius because it's such a good amp. I had that completely rebuilt with auricaps and larger power supply. I used to strictly be a CD guy but love the new music platforms so much and trying to take it to the next level. I've been wanting to sell the Klipsch to but haven't gotten there yet. I'm hoping the Chicago audio show will help me make some good decisions

Or just confuse you more.

I'm hoping the Chicago audio show will help me make some good decisions

I hear where you are coming from. I’ve been in the same boat. I had a vintage Theta processor that was just a better DAC and preamp than a lot of more modern pieces of equipment. I tried replacing it with affordable HDMI capable processors for a long time and failed. Then had an Oppo / Parasound P7 setup which let me limp along within my budget.

Truthfully the Parasound DACs have been under rated. The ZDAC was a really great sounding mini DAC, especially for the price.  The one in the preamp was so so.

I am surprised you dind’t keep the node for the digital outs though. Did you try that?

I finally found a happy place of spend and music using a Raspberry Pi based Roon streamer and a Mytek Brooklyn DAC.

I don't have a dac to hook up to the node so haven't tried the digital outs. I just don't know what dac I would like. I definitely like bass and I guess more of a warm sound. Maybe when I try another speaker that will change. I definitely don't want my Klipsch any brighter though. I have not sent the node back yet I'm still experimenting.