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

Any opinion on the Matrix Audio X Sabre PRO?  How would might it compare to the Denefrips Pontus II.

These aren’t the specific models you’re asking about, but if you skip to the Comparisons section I think you’ll get a useful glimpse into the differences in house sound between the two.

https://soundnews.net/sources/dacs/denafrips-venus-review-the-birth-of-a-deity/

Sois:  Thanks for that article.  The head to head was helpful.  Ahh, the subtleties of taste highlight how even the engineering of electronics at some point is an art.  The rate of development in that art is more than a bit mind boggling.  While I keep waiting for what’s next, I keep eyeing both the limitations of my bank account as well as the clock on what’s left of my own listening experience which is pushing me to decide.  

I would one last question.  New vs used bang of the buck?

From my watching of the Denafrips DAC world, the Venus doesn't pop up on the used market very often and the used prices reflect that.  The Ares and Pontus show up more often with the Pontus II models (and even some of the 12th) beginning to come down in used prices. 

Used fer sure.  A used Pontus with a used Iris DDC would still be in your price range and be pretty killer and is a combo that some even prefer to the Venus.  That’s what I’d do.