I have some experience with Bluesound Node 2i and the Cambridge Azur 851n. I experimented with both of these and my Schiit Gungnir Multibit DAC, connected to the Freya+ preamp via XLR.
Using the Gungnir from both streamers, the 851 clearly sounds better in every way than the Node. A clear upgrade. I was initially surprised by this, as I thought that using the digital coax output of the Bluesound and A/B'ing with the Node would yield similar results, but the difference was quite obvious.
For quite some time I lived with using the 851 via coax out to the Gumby, but the other day I experimented again. I ran the 851 via XLR directly to my pre-amp to see how that sounded. This, obviously is using the 851's DAC. I kept the coax connected to the gumby, so I could A/B quite easily from the listening position. To my surprise, I actually prefer the sound of the 851 directly over the gumby. It is a clear warmth and presence to the sound. In switching back to the gumby, it sounded a little flat in comparison.
To add some context, I have recently treated my room with GIK products, which dramatically improved the detail of the system. It is so revealing now, and I thought it was revealing before. As a YMMV disclaimer, I am not sure if the difference would have been so obvious prior to room treatment.
I hope this helps, and best of luck.
Using the Gungnir from both streamers, the 851 clearly sounds better in every way than the Node. A clear upgrade. I was initially surprised by this, as I thought that using the digital coax output of the Bluesound and A/B'ing with the Node would yield similar results, but the difference was quite obvious.
For quite some time I lived with using the 851 via coax out to the Gumby, but the other day I experimented again. I ran the 851 via XLR directly to my pre-amp to see how that sounded. This, obviously is using the 851's DAC. I kept the coax connected to the gumby, so I could A/B quite easily from the listening position. To my surprise, I actually prefer the sound of the 851 directly over the gumby. It is a clear warmth and presence to the sound. In switching back to the gumby, it sounded a little flat in comparison.
To add some context, I have recently treated my room with GIK products, which dramatically improved the detail of the system. It is so revealing now, and I thought it was revealing before. As a YMMV disclaimer, I am not sure if the difference would have been so obvious prior to room treatment.
I hope this helps, and best of luck.