I added a Chord Qutest DAC to my Bluesound Node for a significant improvement. I also ripped my CDs (well, about 1,600 of them) and stored them on a Samsung SSD which is plugged into my Node. Best of both worlds...Tidal MQA streaming and my private collection all from the Node into an amazing DAC!
Bluesound Vault 2i and a Qutest DAC
In trying to get rid of the thousand physical CDs i own so I demoed the Bluesound Vault 2i against my Theta Miles CD player (with a Krell integrated amp and Thiel speakers.) The Theta produced better sound so I sent back the vault. Someone suggested that I use an external DAC, like the Chord Electronics Qutest DAC, with the Vault 2i to produce the quality of my CD player. Has anyone any experience with this scenario?