Bluesound Vault 2i, Cocktail Audio X40 or ??????????

Fine tips. Thanks. But if you don't have the node2 to start with, the extra cost for a Vault2i isn't that high. You miss the wifi streaming though.

The streaming you have. And it works very well. But the built-in wifi you miss with the Vault. Or am I wrong? Note that the new i-series is out now and the reviews says considerably better sq. Maybe just marketing.......

What I understand its the same DAC in node2, node2i, vault2 and vault2i. But the i-version includes other techniques taken from the NAD M51 which is said to have had a "big" positive effect on the sound. 

@djones51 
Can I ask what DAC would sound so much better? Have you had the possibility to a/b test?

Thanks. Nice test procedure. No arguing there :-)

For me it's my son with the golden ears. Wife's only interested when I put on some Mercury, Bowie or Boccelli.
Always tries to a/b test streamers, dacs, amps and speakers. So far my ears only recognized real differences with speakers.....Favourite amp at the moment is the Paradigm pw amp with inbuilt arc2 room correction because the RC makes wonders with my desk top SQ.