Node2i + Qutest or Yggy or Codex or something else

@pc_audio,

I previously owned the Parasound P5 for a very short time. In my opinion, it is always going to be a limiting factor in your system. It was an attractive looking unit, affordable and rich with features. However, it sounded decidedly mi-fi in my system. It just didn't provide the open, airiness I would expect from a hi-fi component. If you are looking for clarity and sound stage, I would suggest you audition a different pre-amp first. After you've decided on a pre-amp, if you want another improvement in sound quality, investigate an external DAC. BTW - Question: Are you currently using the DAC in the Node 21 or the DAC in the P5?

If you want to try a different pre-amp, just to see if it produces the sound quality improvement you seek, you could buy the really cheap Shiit SYS and give it a try. Only $49, 2 switched inputs and one output. No frills, volume control and 2 input switching only. Not a bad little piece of kit to have lying around for emergency backup either... For $49, you'll know your answer. Also, Shiit does offer 15 home trial for a 15% re-stocking fee. 

@pc_audio - Here's another possibility. Looking at your system, based on the components you mentioned, you only have a single source - Node 2i. Since you are using the P5, which, based on experience with the unit in my system, is your weak link, you could buy a high quality DAC that also has a pre-amp or volume control built in. That way you could replace the DAC and pre-amp at the same time, with one box. Both replacing the pre-amp and adding a high quality DAC will likely provide significant improvements in SQ.

Not sure what current DACs have volume control. But I do know that the Mytek Liberty ($995) has digital volume control  and the Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ ($2195) has a built-in pre-amp.

This is just something else to consider if you want a boost in SQ within your budget (if you sell the P5, the Brooklyn would be in your budget if you used the funds from the P5).

@pc_audio - I don't own either one, so I can't really answer. I know there are folks on this forum that own the PS Audio and the Mytek. Might want to start a new thread with a title like "PS Audio DirectStream Junior vs. Mytek Brooklyn DAC+" and see who drops in to offer their take on it.

I've been thinking about possibly trying a Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ myself. I need an analog input, or a MM phone input as I have a turntable too. Just too busy right now to do any serious research into the subject or do an audition. 

Good luck in your quest.