Where do you go after a BlueSound Node 2i?


Whats the next step after the Bluesound Node 2i?  I love the interface with the Bluesound so I don’t want to go backwards on that and I do use the bluetooth option sometimes to stream soundcloud, which sounds really quite good.  My main service is Amazon HD music.

So, what next?  Schiit Gungir Multibit or Cambridge Audio Azur 851N or ...?

Thanks for your help! I know this has probably been discussed before but I couldn’t find the threads!

Thanks!

Best Regards,
Bruce
128x128b_limo
I use a node2+ with a Mytek Brooklyn+ and an Sbooster power supply Very happy with the sound There is a option on blue sound to use external DAC for MQA
@azbrd
I use a Node 2 and as suggested multiple times in this thread connect it to an external higher end dac, in my case a Schiit YGGDRASIL. What ever DAC you chose to go with make sure its upgrade-able.

I wonder if some folks do not understand digital or do not believe adding a $1500-2000 DAC on to a $549 Node2i streamer will produce favorable results. Certainly can understand why if they never tried it before.

During evaluations, before I purchased my current MHDT tube DAC, I tried adding on a new $2199 Benchmark DAC3 to my current lower $ Arcam rPlay streamer and it was remarkably different sounding, shocking in fact how much more expansive the sound stage became. While I prefer a NOS R2R Ladder tube DAC setup to change tubes (in my system), it was an extremely valuable demo to prove to oneself just how much a really good DAC can change the sound one way or the other.  


so here is at little info relating to a DAC with a tube output stage:

Dynamic range is the difference in volume between the quietest and the loudest passage, commonly measured in decibels (dB).

Since 1-bit = 6dB:

  • 16-bit Red Book CDs have a dynamic range of over 96dB.
  • 20-bit digital master tape has a dynamic range of over 120dB.
  • 24-bit modern HD formats have a dynamic range of over 144dB.

DACs with tube output stages: the lowest noise floor on a tube output stage is about 90dB which means despite whatever the manufacturers may claim they can't even resolve a 16-bit recording.


Post removed 
I would echo many of the above responses.  

I run TIDAL through a Node 2 (wired input via Cat6a) to an external DAC (Electrocompaniet ECD-1) and recently upgraded the coax interconnect to a Tara Labs 'The One' with HFX ground station - SQ is excellent.

In terms of alternatives to the Node, I think you'll have to spend a lot of money to improve SQ if a high-quality digital cable and a high-quality external DAC are already in use with the Node.