Experience with Bluesound Node 2 use with external DAC

@hodu 
This is only my opinion, but...
DAC technology is evolving quickly. I would be hesitant to spend major dollars for a DAC as it will be surpassed in the near future, hence, my choice of Ayre and Schiit. They are reasonably priced and have a good history for providing upgrades.
I have no experience with Mytek. I know they are well respected, but do not know if their DAC's can be upgraded. 
Bob

Although I have never tried a Musical Fidelity DAC, I did own the v-link192 USB-SPDIF converter, which was superb. Coupled with the Bifrost, it made digital music sing

If they put that amount of effort into a USB-SPDIF converter i would have to believe their DAC’s are also very worthy products

If you want to use USB, then I would suggest you look at the MF lineup - since their USB interface appears to be excellent.

Regards

What's unusual about the Codex is the lack of digital coax input and you need to use the optical port which is generally less desirable, at least based on what I've read. I'm assuming that's how the Node 2 was connected to the Codex since as far as I know Node 2 does not have a USB output port. As for the OP's question, I have used a Cambridge Audio DACmagic Plus with Node 2 using the digital coax output port and I didn't hear much improvement. I now just use this DAC with my CDP which does make the CDs sound a lot better.

@kalali - have you tried a better power supply on the Dacmagic?

I had the original DACmagic prior to my Bifrost and it responded very well when I replaced the power supply. but even with its tweaked power supply, the Bifrost provided better SQ overall. .

The other piece of the puzzle are the IC’s you used to connect everything. If they are not "GREAT" cables then you will not really hear just how good the Node-2 (or any other component) really is

The improvements I hear t this level of performance are image, dynamics and clarity (i.e. venue acoustics)

As far as Optical Input - a good cable again will improve performance - one of the best value cables I have is from DH Labs - it provided a huge improvement over the Chord and Van den Hul cables I already had.

BTW: I agree about the lack of SPDIF RCA input on the Codex - a bit strange in light of the many negative comments about Optical interface performance issues

Hope that helps

williewonka, I looked everywhere for the aftermarket power supply that was at one time available for the Cambridge Audio DACmagic but couldn't find one. I'd appreciate it if you know how to find one. Someone mentioned about changing the Node 2 power cord and I completely agree with their assessment. Definitely a worthwhile upgrade. I'd also read somewhere about putting some weights on top of the unit to dampen resonances but haven't tried it yet. Sort of makes sense I guess.