Thank you Martin and Mikael for your input.
Martin, yes, I think the N-05 will eventually have to go if I want to upgrade the SQ. I can’t justify a combo unit cost of the P1 or N-05XD. Which essentially leads to one component at a time.
Martin, that is the commentary from Paul that I was referring to. Thanks for digging it up, as it was a good refresh of perspective on a digital system. Which mine is.
This back and forth is also helping in regards to sounding things out.
In summary.
The used U1 would not be allowed to “sing” within the current DAC constraints of the N-05. As good of a deal as it is. It leaves me broke.
Streamer brands contribute to the SQ in various ways.
Use the N-05 as a streamer for now. The N-05 outputs digital via rca coax out at 192 kHz, which should suffice in most if not all circumstances when connected to a new external DAC. Until such time as a transport is purchased and N-05 sold.
To cause me grief, a T2 is on the market at an incredible price. Love it or hate it, I use Tidal and MQA, and the T2 does MQA. That of course means a DAC would need to follow later on. Mikael, not ignoring what you said about the impact of different streamers/transports.
Best worst case is, I can sell the N-05, get the best bang for the buck DAC, and add a Node streamer until such time as I can save up for a good and proper transport. Not slagging the Node. Had the previous version. Loved it. Slowly moved up the chain is all.
Sorry, no conclusion yet!
thanks for listening.