Node2i + Qutest or Yggy or Codex or something else

Thanks for all the quick responses.

My budget is $1800 and less.
I can’t afford Chord Hugo, PS Audio and other higher priced products unless their used price drop.

I have tried both:
1) Node2i DAC: analog output to P5
2) P5 DAC: Node2i digital output to P5 with Audioquest Carbon toslink 

I find Node2i DAC a little forward, bright, clearer and harsh compared to P5 DAC.  But I have only had 1 week to break in Node2i DAC while the P5 has been used for over 1 year.

I can possibly audition Qutest and Codex but not Yggy as there is no show room.  

I'm not really doing any room treatment nor know how to do it.

I have hardwood floor and will not be able to put carpet or rug on it.
I have tray ceiling with a ceiling fan. And to make things worse, I have window with blinds to the left of the system because it's in my family room.  And I have open kitchen behind my family room.  So, it's definitely not an ideal listening environment.

Thanks for all the suggestions.  @reubent - you got me thinking about selling my P5 and using the funds towards a new and better preamp + DAC.

Assuming I can get $700-800 for my P5, my budget is now around $2500 for a DAC+pre-amp.  

What do you all think of PS Audio DirectStream DAC Junior. It's discontinued by PS Audio. I can find used at around $2500.  How does that compare to Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ or others?

Thanks.

PC_Audio

No. But for now I am happy.

Thanks for all the suggestions.  I ended up getting a used Chord Qutest at a good price. It has so far produced very good results.  Sound stage and clarity have drastically improved.  Staring to love my music again.  Even the bass has improved.  I don’t even need the sub anymore.