Willsenton vs Billie MK 1

@troutbum - I really can't fault the Billie, as I realize that my speaker placement is what is causing my dissatisfaction.  I have the Golden Ear BRXs sitting on top of bookcases that are about 5' high.  Speakers sound fine, but only so.  I am not sure how to tweak this system, as long as I am forced with the speaker placement that I have. 

The Merlins have quite a following here.  It also helps that you can't get them any more.  The one speaker that would be/ is my holy grail are the Joseph Audio Pulsars.  But not to put them on top of a bookcase.

What about your current sound is not working for you?  The preamp on the Billie is pretty good.  Maybe a streamer upgrade over the Node?

Rich 

I thought the Node was pretty high end......not true (IYO)? The Joseph's have always been on my radar....just a few too many dollars.

@troutbum - Hi, I don't stream - just records and CDs.  Podcasts and YouTube and the like are through my laptops.

I had read that the Node was fairly basic, not bad, just basic.  No field experience though.

I am getting similar vibes as I must give off (here comes the wind up and the pitch) ... satisfied mostly with what I have.  Know instinctively that to noticeably improve to the next step or two would involve a serious enough outlay of cash.  Just don't enough to pull the trigger/ where to pull the trigger.  Not comfortable dropping $5k or so for new amps or speakers.  

Rich