Node 2i use with external DAC

The nice thing is you can do this in stages.  Get a better DAC to start, and then upgrade to a better dedicated streamer later when funds allow.  My preference is to keep DAC and streamer separate to increase flexibility, but that’s just personal preference.  Best of luck. 

Plus the fact that the Yggy is looking for balance in/out which the Node 2i doesn’t offer (Or am I misunderstanding)

The Gumby and Yggy support balanced outputs but they also have single ended outputs. They both have USB, SPDIF and optical inputs. The Yggy also has AES3 (balanced digital) input as well, but it sounds great using other inputs as well. Both will sound excellent with the Node 2i as a streamer.

I'd also take a look at the Denafrips R2R DACs. I'm currently using the Terminator which sounds fabulous, but the lower priced Denafrips DACs have also received rave reviews - particularly the Ares II, which for well under $1K is really a steal.

I agree a good quality external DAC can improve the sound quality but whether or not you can hear the difference will ultimately depend on the quality of the rest of your system. Also keep in mind you may not be able to take advantage of the fully MQA encoded content if the outboard DAC does not support MQA. If that’s important to you, you should then consider an MQA-capable DAC.

+1, soix.  
Separates for flexibility and much higher gains in SQ vs. one box streamer/DAC component. 

You know, I recommend that you just enjoy your 2i for a couple of months before getting antsy and start spending the long bucks.

Yes, the 2i sells so well because of its satisfying sound quality at a reasonable price, but I bet that over a 1,000 2is sell for each one of the high cost units. The others are not going anywhere, just enjoy for awhile what you have and then make a decision.