Bluesound Node 2 vs. MacBook Pro with nice DAC?

[saveanimals]

So currently my best-sounding setup (sounds amazing) is a Marantz CD5001 into a Nakamichi AV-8 with some entry-level Cambridge Soundworks speakers. This sounds fantastic. Using Deezer HiFi streaming service, I plug my 2012 MacBook Pro into the Aux input on the Nakamichi, and it does not come close to how the Marantz sounds playing CDs, despite playing 1411 kbps CD-quality FLAC files. I am assuming the Marantz' superior performance is due to a very good DAC, which is not matched by the MacBook.

I was looking at getting a Bluesound Node 2 as a dedicated streamer, but being cost-conscious and on a budget, am wondering if I could instead spend $200 on a nice secondhand DAC and get equivalent sound (instead of spending $400-500 on a Node 2) - maybe even an Objective 2 or something? Anyone have any thoughts on this? Is the DAC in the Node 2 all that, or is the main attraction that it's a dedicated MQA-capable streamer? Am I thinking about it the wrong way? Thanks for any thoughts.

One final note: Strangely, I get a more satisfying (be it very different) experience going directly from the MacBook into some AudioEngine A2s. Not sure why that is.

 

[Monsterzero]

I used to own the Bluesound Vault and it was the biggest pile of crap Ive ever owned.
the profit margin must be quite high because my HiFi dealer fought me tooth and nail when I wanted to swap it for a Sony Hap S1,but eventually allowed me to trade out.

I wouldnt own another Bluesound product even if it were given to me for free.

 

[saveanimals]

Thanks for sharing your perspective!