Integrated Amp upgrade path

@arafiq my experience with the Node 2i was positive.  It's $600 with great features.  It was my dipping of the toe in digital.

When I upgraded my preamp - McIntosh C2600 - part of my reasoning is the internal DAC and phono stage (MC and MM).

I set up the Node to provide go through the DAC as well as provide an analog signal.  I would switch and do an A and B comparison and at times there was a difference.  Enough to make me wonder if there was value in upgrading my source given I upgraded the preamp/amp and speakers.   

So I decided to evaluate the impact of upgrading the DAC and compared the Moon 280D to the McIntosh internal DAC (version 1 non-modular) and the Node 2i

I was surprised by the improved details with very dense music such as Black Sabbath War Pigs and on songs with delicacy like Steely Dan's Hey Ninenteen or Chuck Mangione's Feels So Good on the Moon 280D.  It was significant over both the McIntosh DAC and the Node 2i DAC - so I decided to go for it.

I found the MiND2 easier to set up than the Node 2i (specifically with my NAS).  I've been impressed with Moon customer services support - they respond to questions quickly. 

Based on my experience, Moon is an excellent value for the money.  If I ever update my DAC/preamp/amp...Moon separates or integrated will be on my auditioning list. (in addition to Audio Research and McIntosh)

I like my McIntosh and I was able to buy it at a discount because they were demo models - I've heard Moon products with Davore Super Nines and Wilson Sabrina X speakers and I have been impressed.  

@mrklas -- thank you for the details. Given the rate of change in the digital audio industry, especially when it comes to streamers and DAC, I've so far been of the opinion that we should keep them separate for ultimate flexibility. Did you try to use the MIND2 purely as a streamer feeding to your Mac DAC? 

I own Treo CTs and matched them with an Aesthetix Mimas integrated on the suggestion of John Rutan of Audio Connections. The Aesthetix is a zero-feedback design as are Ayre products and both are acknowledged as good matches for the Vandersteens. I like streaming as well and use an Innuos Zenith and Phoenix to stream to the DAC module in the Mimas. I use WyWires Platinum USB cables. The Innuos is my Roon Core and I stream with Qobuz. My points are to talk to Johnny and get his advice on amp matching. And the other point is that a a high-quality stream is readily discernible as superior. 

On the streamer front, I’ve been through a bunch, most of which are mentioned above and all have some very good sound and convenience pluses and I’m not about to bash any of them.
I have finally settled on the Linn Akurate DSM with Roon and have been totally happy with both sound, convenience and interface. It’s totally upgradable as well.
As others have mentioned Boulder and McIntosh will have different house sounds. Just find your cup of tea. I have a McIntosh C2300 pre before they started incorporating Dac’s in their pre amps as I wanted it separate.
Good luck in your quest.

@arafiq No I have not tried the Mind2 as a streamer into the Mac DAC.  The MiND2 is integrated into the the Moon 280D and its output is analog only (balanced or RCA)