Bluesound Node 2 - Next level up

@kalali, 
I had the Modi, and it was pretty good. But, I think it is comparable to the internal DAC of the Node. You need to go to a Gungnir or Yggy to really get the best out of the music, and at under $2K used, I think it is a great value.
I do agree that outputting to an external DAC with the Node will make a huge difference.
I went to Audioconnection and John had the BS Node set up using the internal DAC and switching to an Ayre Codex. The difference was like night and day.
B

+1, Bob.
Most of the inexpensive streamers will suffice, with their internal Dac's. But when you add a high quality Dac to a streamer the SQ takes a huge jump. I have a Bluesound Node 2 feeding an Ayre Codex. Just incredible sound for the money.

+2 for sending Node 2 S/PDIF output into a good quality DAC. I’m listening to a Tunein radio stream right now and am very impressed. 

if you like Roon, which is really great, you can get a Roon ROCK core device that will feed a DAC with a digital stream.  You can also tap into hard drive based digital files should you decide to.  Cost for an Intel Nuc to run Roon ROCK is about $600 all in.  Leaves a healthy budget for a DAC.  

My first streaming device was a node 2 and I’m currently using a Lumin D1 with an upgraded power supply. Sounds fantastic and definitely worth the extra money. I’m So happy with it that I’m actually currently looking to move up the Lumin product line