Upgrade from BluNode 2i with a new DAC or Integrated Streamer DAC?

Get a new DAC and use the coax out, not Toslink.  Later you can either add an upgraded linear power supply to the Node or get a better streamer for a nice performance improvement.

Thanks.  Your reply seems practical , useful and seems consistent with some other chains with the price limits I have set.  Many of the chains when getting lengthy seem to digress into confusing arrays of nuances as the $$$$ for components goes up.  Given I have 77 year old ears I'm not sure how much more upgrading I will be able to appreciate but I am finding listening fatigue with the Blue Node 2i compared to my vinyl listening.  My old Mark Levinson 26 has it's own seperate power supply.  I understand why that makes a big difference with a pre-amp.  I'm not clear how that would improve either streamers or DACs.  Perhaps it is relative such that the potential for a negative impact of fluctuations from the wall are greater for a pre-amp that the other components.  Would a pre-amp be more sensitive than a DAC and a DAC more sensitive the a streamer?  I ask this noting that some better quality streamer/DAC/pre-amp units like high quality pre-amps include or offer a linear power supply while I don't see the linear power supply being pushed with mid-(under $10K) DACs and mid-priced streamers.  I'm just thinking down the line that a $300 - $500 linear power supply might make the budget, especially if I could conveniently trial it.  If so would you put the LPS into the streamer or the DAC?

Thanks again.

I’m your age and did what you’re thinking about a few years ago. I also sold my vinyl system and now stream exclusively. First, don’t doubt your hearing ability unless your Dr. has told you otherwise. While I know I don’t hear as well as I did when I was younger, I have also found that learning what to listen for has enhanced my listening experience considerably. For your budget, step one as pointed out already will probably be upgrading the DAC and then if budget allows also upgrading the power supply for your Node. Next for me was another DAC upgrade. At that point, I think you’ll find a very nice improvement over what you hear now and for many will be all they need. Whether you go further as I have and many here have will require a much more significant investment. I think a better DAC will also cure much of the listening fatigue you currently experience.

At your price point I’d recommend looking at the Denafrips Pontus II DAC as it will greatly reduce your listening fatigue and provide significant performance benefits across the board. Also, it’s been well documented that adding a LPS to a Node also provides a very worthwhile performance boost so I’d definitely put that on the list for down the road. Last, adding a DDC (like the Denafrips Iris) before the Pontus to take advantage of its i2S input will get you another significant performance boost if you feel like going that far, but at least the option is there. Hope this helps, and best of luck.