What am I missing streaming music with a Node 2i

+1, uberwaltz. 

The DAC in the Node 2 is very good considering its price, but connecting the Node 2 to my Auralic Vega takes it to another level.  I already had the Vega before I got the Node 2, but I don't consider adding a better DAC to be a "waste". 

I'm planning to add a dedicated DAC to the Node 2 in my bedroom.  It's currently connected to my Oppo BDP-105D.  There's a noticeable improvement listening using the Oppo's DAC.  For convenience sake, I'd prefer to have a dedicated DAC.

I don't think adding a DAC to the Node 2 is a necessity either.  It's very listenable using the internal DAC and if the rest of your system isn't able to resolve the added detail, it might not make sense to add a DAC.

I have a Odyssey Statos stereo amp with upgrades, a Odyssey Candela preamp and Tekton Double Impact’s with upgrades. All of this equipment will garner the love / hate conversations!  

A great used DAC at the $1K price point is the PS Audio PerfectStream DAC MKII.   If you ever want to upgrade to their benchmark DAC the DirectStream it can be upgraded.  

I had the first generation of the Node you know the ugly gloss black square. When I went to the Lumin D2 streamer it was a whole different level of sq. IMOHO it's the way to go you don't need a out board DAC with that piece it has it's own internal DAC that serves itself. Happy Listening.
Mark