Bluesound Node 2i vs Upscale streamers

Need to optimize the $500 unit to really know what you have.  

Grannyring,
Outside of a quality power cord and direct ethernet connection to high speed internet service, what more can you do to make a Node 2i better?

Don’t use its dac, but use a better external one. That’s it.  

Bluesound Node 2i   Marantz  AV 7705  with Emotiva XPA5, Tekton Electron BE speakers.

Comparing streamers ONLY  (  via coaxial out of Node 2i  to Marantz AV7705 ) Using Amazon Music HD   CD quality and above streams.

Bluesound Node 2i is very slightly better...a little better detail, better bass control, and better overall balance. Not in your face difference....you have to listen closely. 

Comparing the DACs of the two units....

Bluesound wins again. A little more obvious with the DACs but again not substantial with my equipment. Node 2i is more controlled with the high and low end and this was pretty obvious ( I have beryllium tweeters). Smoother overall sound, less fatiguing . No major improvement in soundstage or dynamics. 

My Bluesound Node 2i  is for a another setup and I would not consider it a cost effective upgrade from the Marantz 7705.( I purchased refurbished from safeandsoundhq for $420 shipped 1 year warranty) I am going to use for the front end with Benchmark DAC3/ABH2 set up with the Tekton Electrons. I was a little concerned that the Tektons with beryllium were a little too harsh/bright but this experiment revealed it was coming from the Marantz . The Node 2i produces a non fatiguing sound in comparison.

Node 2i has a much better user interface than the HEOS system on Marantz equipment ( especially if you use Amazon music HD)

All the above inmho.  

@larry5729   

I haven’t heard the Project DAC but I have read some comments elsewhere that it’s pretty sub par.  I had a ProJect headphone amp that I thought was crap and returned it.  I can believe that the humble DAC in in the Node2 bested the ProJect DAC.  I think that you were snookered by your dealer.  Always trust your own ears