Will adding an external DAC to my setup improve SQ significantly?

Thank you all for your inputs and opinions, I suspected that a significant SQ improvement would involve much more expenses.Certainly, I'll give auxinput1's advice to look into better cabling some thought. Do you have any specific suggestions in view of my setup? To be quite honest, I am quite impressed with the SQ I get now, but thought it would be a good idea to continue exploring possibilities...Again, thanks very much and happy listening!jlr261

Dear gadios7, everest_audio, and jazzman7,

First of all, thanks very much for your useful insights.

gadios7: I am keen on learning the results of the DAC shootout. A good number of the units included are somewhere in my wish list...

everest_audio: I currently use the Coaxial out from the Node 2i going to the Peachtree Audio's coaxial 1. As of now, I use our WIFI to connect the Node 2i to our home network, would changing to an Ethernet hookup improve SQ?


Jazzman7: I am really impressed with what I read on the various forums, etc. about the Chord Qutest, and of course, Bryston is a very well regarded brand all around. Will the results be available for Audiogon members?


Have any of you had a chance test/hear some of the more affordable Chinese brand DACs. I've read good things about DENAFRIPS, SMSL, TOPPING, etc.
The specs of the units I have considered are quite high, but I do understand that this does not mean that all components used are of a high enough caliber to bring the most out of the units (hence the very competitive prices?). Curious to see what you guys think about these brands.


At this point, it appears to me that a worthwhile improvement in my setup's SQ is not really available unless I upgrade to a way above average DAC...

Mind you, I am currently satisfied with the SQ I obtain, but I have noticed that my redbook CD's going through the OPPO player + Peachtree sound somewhat more refined and detailed than the music I stream from SPOTIFY, etc.


Hence my original post. Certainly, I also want to learn about the various possibilities out there.


Voilà, thanks again, I am in no real hurry, just curious and taken by this most wonderful of hobbies: Music listening/enjoyment!!!

Regards to all,jlr261

Good morning everyone!
I can't  thank you enough for your various suggestions and advice, it really helps me to learn more about this wonderful hobby, and hopefully, make sound decisions as to what the next move could be.

mahler123: thanks for sharing your experience with the Node 2 and associated equipment.

Lalitk: I am really intrigued by the Denafrips Ares II, on which they are currently offering a 10% discount on an already quite reasonable price... I can afford it !! May very well pull the trigger and resell should it not work out...

everest_audio: thanks,  I wasn't  sure there would be no difference between WIFI and wired connection... 

jazzman7: I hear you loud and clear, each person's  perception will be different. But since I currently reside in the Central African country of Gabon, where there is NO serious audio reseller, I have to pretty much rely on forums,  reviews, and occasional trips abroad  to have a listen... I have read several of John Darko's reviews, and a few from Mike Lavorgna, and enjoyed them thoroughly.  

Thanks again everyone  and keep it coming!

Regards, jlr261

Good evening everyone!

Just a short message to thank all of you again for your inputs and opinions, I am learning much and so glad to be a member of such a community where I can benefit from the experiences of so many fellow enthusiasts.

I have decided to first invest in a few collateral improvements, such as better cables and cleaner signal transmission, etc.

I also need to do some more experimenting of my existing three DACs before purchasing a fourth one, that certainly makes more sense...

So thanks again, I'll keep you posted on the evolution of things and most of all... keep enjoying the music, beacause it's my main goal and joy!!

Cheers,jlr261