I heard a real difference when I compared the Node 2i's own DAC with my MHDT Orchid R2R tube DAC (about $1200). Makes sense, right? Node 2i is just $500 and only a small fraction spent on their DAC.
Node 2i use with external DAC
I recently purchased a Node 2i that I use as a streamer and DAC that is plugged into a Schiit Freya + Preamp powered by two Vidar amps. Wondering if it would be worth buying one of Schiit's higher end DAC's or is the DAC inside the Node 2i sufficient enough where there won't be a noticeable difference?