Streamer/DAC combo or stand alone DAC with Node2?

@williewonka 
Just using some rather ordinary Chord Company 60 euro interconnects.  I'm hardwired into the ethernet cable.

I can't say I am a cable guy. Though I would not go so far as to say it's snake oil.  Thanks for the well thought out response.

@three_easy_payments 
I was looking at the Lumin D2, PS Audio Direct Stream JR/SR, but it seems you need the bridge to get Tidal to work and as I'm looking at the PS Audio Website from Europe I can't get prices.  I was thinking about calling them next week. I know the PS is above my enclosed budget.  I have also been looking at Schitt as a DAC for the Node.  They seem to be quite polarizing.

Using the Node2 I was impressed at how the Chord Qutest enhanced the sound stage, air, space and articulation.  I can't say I have an opinion on if it offered "analogue" style sound. I do know that when I changed to the Mac it's tubes added some magic to the equation and make for a more emotional listen.  Enhancing this might be interesting.  I definitely do not want to go more analytical.

And of course, six months after I purchase the Node 2 they come out with the 2i.  Thanks fellas. :)

@three_easy_payments 

Yes, this is a serious option.  Outside of the Chord and Mytek Dacs, there is not so much on offer here, or that I am familiar with.  Additionally, given that something like the Brooklyn DAC+ has a good ten features I would never use, I don't see the point in paying for them.  The Qutest is the only DAC I know of that really seems to be meant for conversion only from a preceding digital source like a transport or streamer.

Finally, I heard both the Brooklyn and Liberty bypassing the Node's DAC into an Octave V40 tube integrated and then into Q Acoustics concept 500 loud speakers.  The difference in sonic quality was negligible.  I was a bit surprised given Mytek's reputation.

@theo 
I just picked up the Qutest for a couple days home demo.  As the Pre-Amp of my Mac integrated is tube based, a "valve-head" advised me to set output voltage at 3V.  The very initial impressions are that the articulation and space between instruments is enhanced.  I need some quality time tomorrow to make some more informed judgements at a greater SPL. And, I need to explore the filters a bit.

@theo 
I read an interesting post from Rob Watts, lead designer at Chord, on Head-Fi. He essentially said, try the different voltages and if you don't hear a difference, don't worry about it. I don't know beans about electronice so the subjective approach is good enough for me.

@theo 

Everyone who has a solid state amp has told me it does not matter as well.

@mahler123 

It's possible this was because of the system, but even when listening closely and the dealer was telling me he was switching I could not hear much difference. For 2K, i need more than  that.  Even thirty seconds with the Qutest was enough to hear an obvious difference. 

@djones51 
I was lamenting to my dealer yesterday the fact that six months later my Node 2 is replaced by the 2i.  He claims he's heard it and there is no difference.  I reckon he said it to make me feel better.  Many reviews have intimated there is an improvement in sonic quality.

@three_easy_payments 

The company is claiming a new circuit design, isolation and improvements to the streamer itself are resulting in better sound. 
https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/bluesound-node-2i

I am also about to update my antiquated hifi system and am waiting for the new Spendor D7 model (apparently about to be released….they have been especially coy in trying to extract details) to demo with the valvelicious ma252 and contemplating matching either with Qutest/Moon Mind 2 combo or Mcintosh mb50 both about £3000 so likewise in your budget scope. Anyone with experience/views on these potential catwalkers?

I'm currently looking at the RME ADI 2 DAC.  I demoed the Qutest and found it opened the sound stage and added some air, but for 1300 euro I'm not hearing enough to justify the cost.