Got a Node 2i, what's next?


So, I admit that I'm not much of a digital guy.  I ordered an Node 2i for the main HT system mostly for Amazon HD.  Much better than roku --> Denon AVR-X3600.  I liked it so much I ordered another for my previously all analog 2 channel system.

It's not bad, and convenient. Not even close to vinyl on the same release and level matched recordings, but then again, I didn't expect it to be.  I keep reading about how you can easily improve the sound by adding in an external DAC.  Here's where I get confused.

I don't want to spend a lot on a DAC, because at best it's a secondary source.  I'd feel comfortable in the $500 - $1000 range, but I'm really confused over the options and how they relate to sound quality.

First, r/2r vs I guess delta sigma?  What are the sonic advantages of either, there are widely differing opinions there.  I understand how each works from reading around, but how does it relate to sound quality?

Second, multibit vs whatever else.  Same basic questions, what are the basic sound characteristics of each?

Third, oversampling or no.

And lastly, what bitrate/bit depth is considered adequate?  24/192 seems to be standard but some dacs only have 24/128 over optical.  Will this make any difference real world with HD streaming?  I also have an old NAD cd player with coax digital out I might want to hook up for kicks.

I've researched three so far, the Denefrips Ares II, , the Schiit offerings below $1K, and the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M.  I would like to have balanced outputs to keep the digital circuitry as far away from the analog stuff as possible.

Thanks in advance for your answers.



vinylzone
@midareff, 
Nice observation. 
Particularly, 

'It’s easy.. do cheap bottom tier digital and you get cheap bottom tier digital sound. No surprises there.'
Charles 
@midareff

  @vinylzone .... that’s very easily accomplished. If you have reached the point where your audio resolution is detailed enough to reveal the difference between interconnects and you want to put some time and effort in you will probably find your home brew is far from the best.

Again I'm not looking for world beating digital right now.  And yes, I don't have anything in my system that cost me less than $500 except some accessories.  

I've had systems that easily reveal differences in cables for the past 40 or so years.  That's why I make my own.  Not that I've tried thousands of cables, but I've compared them to some very costly cables, and what I've found is that either some very expensive cables are meant to fix problems with certain components or system sonics, or they're really very good and but extremely overpriced.

I use some of the best copper and connectors available, and I use an interesting geometry I stumbled onto around 30 years ago.  I also built my own cable conditioner device.  They measure 73pF per meter and take me about 8 hours per meter pair to construct.

So yeah, you can spend thousands on a cable that works well in your system.  I don't have to.

I regret to have to say this but the customer service for this company has fallen considerably. They obviously put out a product that performs reasonably well at a very competitive price point.

I have had a similar experience with Verizon in which the difficulty level of simply canceling or returning an item far exceeds anything in my lifetime. All I can say is buyer beware. WOW 😱
hshifi,

where did you hear that the PowerNode 2i was discontinued? It’s been unavailable for a while on the BlueSound website, but I assumed it was because of production problems.
BTW, I got the Node 2i when I decided to transition to streaming. Upgraded to the PowerNode 2i w/HDMI due to space issues and the high WAF rating.