Node 2i use with external DAC

Gumby and Yggy would be a nice upgrade with the Node 2i. I used the Yggy for a while with the Node2i.

Also consider one of the Denafrips DACs. These are also an excellent value. I'm currently using the Terminator which is a definite step up from the Yggy, but isn't in the same price range. But from what I've heard, their lower priced DACs are quite exceptional for the $$$. 

Plus the fact that the Yggy is looking for balance in/out which the Node 2i doesn’t offer (Or am I misunderstanding)

The Gumby and Yggy support balanced outputs but they also have single ended outputs. They both have USB, SPDIF and optical inputs. The Yggy also has AES3 (balanced digital) input as well, but it sounds great using other inputs as well. Both will sound excellent with the Node 2i as a streamer.

I'd also take a look at the Denafrips R2R DACs. I'm currently using the Terminator which sounds fabulous, but the lower priced Denafrips DACs have also received rave reviews - particularly the Ares II, which for well under $1K is really a steal.

@jetter - there's something to be said for that. It's a damn good product for the money, and you have to spend considerably more to better it by a noticeable amount.