I have the Node2i and am currently using a Schiit Gungnir. I previously used the internal DAC in an Audio Research GSi75 and then auditioned the Mark Levinson 5805 and 585.5. All this to say the Schiit is an excellent performer compared to those highly regarded built in DACs. I just now pulled out a pair of RCAs and connected the analog out of my Node2i to my preamp and could easily A-B. It makes me laugh how awful the internal DAC on the Node2i sounds. The bass was similar but all the mids and highs drop out. It seems most here are in agreement. You absolutely MUST focus on an external DAC and do NOT waste money on cables as your next step. This Gungnir is only $899 new and I would say is a great value. I got it in a trade so knew nothing of it but am impressed. Good luck!
New Bluesound Node – First Impressions
I'm new to streaming. To get started, I ordered the new Bluesound Node, the just-released successor to the Node2i. It arrived Friday. System: Sonus faber Olympica III speakers, McIntosh MC402 power amp, Magnum Dynalab MD208 used as a preamp, Denon DCD-1600NE SACD/CD player, and various cables, mostly Audioquest. I offer my first impressions, FWIW. I don't claim any particular expertise.
I connected the Node to the pre via Audioquest interconnects. It doesn't accept my aftermarket power cords. Used wireless, not ethernet. I have free trial subscriptions to Amazon Music and Qobuz.
First, Amazon Music. Tried some Beethoven, and some Rameau, with poor results. Compressed, tinny, and unlistenable. 10 minutes of Amazon HD was more than enough.
Next, Qobuz. Brahms, Schumann, Led Zep, Bowie. A very substantial improvement on Amazon HD. Notably, on the same tracks, the Qobuz high-rez sounded significantly better than the Qobuz CD-quality. Differences were immediately apparent on Led Zep's Dazed and Confused, available in both formats.
But the Qobuz high-rez can't compare with CD quality sound on my system as currently configured. On the same recordings, CD quality is clearly superior to Qobuz high-rez played through the Node. Detail, presence, dimensionality – there's no contest.
As a means to explore music to purchase on CD, the Node, playing Qobuz, may or may not suffice. As a substitute for CDs, I very much doubt it will do.
Let me re-emphasize that these are only my first impressions. I don't know how the Node will sound after further break-in, or with an ethernet connection, or with an external DAC, or with different interconnects/preamps/amps/speakers, or with other streaming services. I hope this post is helpful to other forum members considering this or similar equipment.