Upgrade Internal DAC of Node or go with Atoll ST120.

There are three output options on the back of the Node --

- A pair of left and right analog outputs that use the internal DAC in the Node and connect to the right and left analog inputs of your amplifier.

- one coax and one optical digital output, either one of which can be connected to the input of an external DAC. Then the analog outputs of the DAC are connected to your amp.

Check out the images of the Node on a site like crutchfield.com

@sfar 

+1

I suggest a Schiit Dac. 

Has anyone looked at the MiND 2 Network Player from Simaudio ($2400 USD)?  Quite a jump in price from the Node but I'm wondering if this step up would unlock the performance of a very good DAC.

Any input on what setup on my list would sound best? Prefer a more neutral sound.

--DAC/Streamer Options—

Atoll MS120 or ST200

Lumin D2

--DAC only with Node—

Soncoz SGD1

Aune X8

Ares II

I have a Node2 and also Cambridge Audio CXN 60. I don’t know the Atoll. The CA would fit your budget, offers Chromecast and AirPlay, has been very reliable and sounds audibly superior to the Node. It does a great job with Internet Radio and has a good app.  I have found Nodes to be unreliable so I would just go with a new machine and get it out of the equation