How are most audiophiles going from streamers to DACS

The Node 2i does not have USB output. The new Node spec page claims that the USB-A jack will be an output in a future software update, which has not occurred yet to my knowledge. At present it is only an input, same as in a Node 2i.  That said, I use an AQ Coffee 1M interconnect from my Node2i to my Mytek Liberty and that clearly beat out the BJC and Transparent Performance coaxes used previously…both much less $$$ than the AQ.  At least I think so!

This can be very frustrating for someone setting up a new system.  I did not keep up with latest changes for 20 yrs.

I have a bluesound.  I think the streamers that have USB are higher $$.  Your streamer and DAC will give you satisfying sound.  I am using a COAX, this is what is most common.  Other quick sound improvements are better power cords for your Dac and streamer and an ethernet cable directly from router to streamer.  All this for $300.  You can obviously spend more.  Hook up everything and read some more before you change course and lose money.

I still use a Node2 in my second system connected to a Benchmark DAC3 using coax with good results.

I have a bluesound. I think the streamers that have USB are higher $$. Your streamer and DAC will give you satisfying sound. I am using a COAX, this is what is most common.

for the new release bluesound node, the usb digital output that is coming will satisfy some users who like that connection interface

i have had very good results using spdif digital out from the node 2i... since late 2019 i tried and compared it to much pricier streamers from auralic, aurender, innuos, mytek, and using them as streamer only (not their dac outputs) with their suggested output connection, i did not hear a difference in sq

in theory, the spdif format slaves the downstream dac to the clock of the upstream streamer, whereas usb 2,0 will allow the dac to slave the server... but if the sending unit clock is sufficiently stable and does not introduce jitter (and the connection length does not create reflections), the bitstream can and will be properly received at the dac using spdif

Hello,
I use the Nordost Silver Shadow Coax cable from my BlueSound Node 2i to my DAC. Silver Shadow retailed for $540 when new. Some Nordost dealers have this in stock. Because Nordost discontinued the Silver Shadow they sell them for $270 new. I know this is half the cost of the Node 2i. You will not care when you hear the sound especially if you have a decent DAC. If you live in the Chicagoland area this store had some in stock when I was picking up my IsoAcoustic order. https://holmaudio.com/
You can try them out in your home before you buy them. If they don’t match your system just bring them back to the store. That’s why I love this store. No buyers remorse. Also, They are not audio snobs. If you want to buy some for $10 they don’t talk or look down at you. Take it from someone who has been a customer for over two decades. Believe me, I did not have a lot of money back then. This is why I go to them first. They will probably ship the Nordost Silver Shadow if you cannot find it in your area. I hope this helps.