Should I use the dac in my node2i or the one in a marantz av7705?

Thanks for all of the great advice! I have a Parasound Classic PRE 200 that might have a ’by-pass’ function. I think I will try to figure that out as a next step.

It's currently connected to a pair of marantz ma500 amplifiers in a bookshelf system.

The next question which DAC might be ’better’? the Node2i or the one in the PRE 200? I realize that it will be ’the one that sounds better to me’, just seeking out the learned opinions of this site.

Honestly, I have a bunch of gear, new and old, in a few mixed systems.  Any suggestions of a 'best' combo for a two channel system is appreciated.

Speakers:  Magnepan 1.7i; B&W607, Linn Tukan

Amplifiers: Proceed HPA2; HPA3; Marantz MA500; MA700; Parasound A21

Preamps/Processors: Marantz AV7705; Parasound New Classic PRE200, Parasound zPRE3, Proceed PRE (not hooked-up)

Digital Sources: Rotel RCD1570; Node2i(x3); CAL Tercet MK-iv

Thanks!

IMHO, the DAC is a critical piece of kit on the front end and I prefer a stand alone option with its own power supply and a pleasing analog stage.   

Stream --> DAC --> Preamp(tube) --> Amp --> Magnepan 

A recipe for success.  I find that the "dac is just a dac" crowd have it wrong. 

Thanks for all of your input.  I will continue to experiment with various combinations.  I may look for an affordable standalone DAC for comparison.  Thanks again all!