You should be able to snag an Auralic Aries Bridge for a grand. While the software isn't nearly as good as ROON, Auralic does make both the h/w and the controlling s/w - so it will 'play nice' together. One drawback, however is the fact that the software does require an Apple iPAD for the controller (any version should work) and you can pick up an older one for $100 or so on eBay or Amazon. You can use with a dedicated USB flash drive, USB SSD or a NAS (network attached storage) drive. Not the last word in fidelity, but overall I've been very pleased with my investment.
Moving up from a Node 2i
I want to keep it between 1K and 1500.00, closer to a grand if at all possible. I don't care about onboard DACs, since I have a keen liking for mine. What is out there for a streamer, new or used, that will sound better than the Node when outputting to an external DAC? I like the functionality of the Node, don't want something with a sketchy user interface. But honestly, I think my old Allo Digione (Raspberry Pi) might have sounded a little more organic and fleshed out than the Node.
What say ye, Audiogon?
Oz
What say ye, Audiogon?
Oz