A node 2i not interested maybe a Cxn 851 N but an old model now but the one streamer i look of with a ESS Dac inside is a Auralic G2 which ticks all of my boxes and you can now connect a separate CD drive and rip straight to the Auralic which is a plus and its Roon ready .
I did watch your Youtube video on the RME which is tempting as a Dac but been told all DACs sound the same its just the filters that change things . ?
But still looking for a well built Streamer that does everything and is worth the money as i am finding out they are all pretty expensive and the choice is not great considering streaming is the way to go even through i still have a CD player .
I wouldn't go on just the ESS sabre DAC. People tend to think they are the best due to technical spec and being revered technically, which is kind of hook line and sinkering people into buying that model. Lots goes into the sound other than just the chip.
Can't agree all DACs sound the same, nor filters. It's how they deal with jitter, the clocks and the analogue output and how low distorting it is. Then the DAC implementation too.
My advice is not to go crazy on the streamer as it is a false economy that these expensive ones are worth their price weight as streamers, in the types of systems we both use. They come into play in extremely good hifi Im sure. The way to look at it is, I think, what is the opportunity cost and what gets more sound per pound. Undeniably I believe on DACs, amps and speakers. But I'd only spend on DACs where you double your money to what you've got, otherwise not worth it. Doubling rule of spending is a good adage, not always but often.
You can connect a CD player to the G1 too, but to my mind, why do that when you can connect a CD drive to a cheap laptop or desktop and send it over the network to an inexpensive NAS drive. I reviewed the Aries G1 and it definitely isn't VFM. I think they are over engineered and you pay a lot for the casework and display. An Allo in a Perspex case sounds as next to damn it. Lightning DS isn't a patch on Roon too.
PS Ive also got a WXC-50 and I think it wont quite be as detailed due to the shared power supply because it is a pre amp too.Also built at a budget, but dedicated streamers are not like that.
Sorry if ive repeated myself from last post.Hope helps. Cheers Simon