Any recommendations for aftermarket C-7 power cord for Bluesound Node 2i

I used Cullen C-7…very nice. Also, if your not doing it already, go with ethernet directly into the Node2i. 

I put Pangea C7 on both my Node2's and Vault2. I didn't hear any difference with it but I have to say I do like the build quality and the cosmetics are very nice.   It ended up being a good WAF so I quit looking at power cords after that.  

I had the same result, the WW presented a more forward image than I wanted. Excellent sonics; detailed, dynamic, music with weight. But But I wanted more of a 3D soundstage for classical music and the Cullen C7 had it along with great dynamics. Less detail than WW but a sense of realism.

Hi all,

I am also trying to find a proper cable for my N130 which is close to the node 2.  I have tried an isotech c7 cable (silver plated copper) which changes nothing but adding brightness. 

I saw wireworld (WW)  electra mini recommended, but someone also mentioned that some other WW cables improve the details but at the cost of bringing the entire stage forward (I hate forward stage).

I am wondering can someone help to comment on a bit more details of the WW Electra mini? How does it improve the sound compared to the original cord? Thanks a lot folks! 

I am using this one with 3 beacons
https://www.amazon.com/eero-Home-WiFi-System-Beacon/dp/B0713ZCT4N/ref=p13n_ds_purchase_sim_1p_dp_des...Node 2i into a Yaggdrasil 2 it's been flawlwess in connections no drops etc.

@rareace

The Node 2i compared favorably to an expensive streamer. Great to know. I’m psyched!I will definitely think about the Ethernet. Thanks for your advice.
As far as the Eero router, is this the one you are talking about?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085VM9ZDD/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=467620682543&hvpos=&hvnetw=...

Just plug it into an outlet, or outlet on a power conditioner, and it will acquire the Wifi signal from my upstairs AT&T modem?

Then a very good Ethernet cable from Eero to Node 2i? If so, that is easy enough...

As far as LPU’s go, Fidelity Audio makes the Node 2i PSU interface and LPS’s of varying quality and costs. Maybe I’ll consider those. Or at least their LPS’s...I read on HiFiWigwam that the Fidelity Audio gear is very good.

If I can pick your brain again, as far as an Ethernet switch, I tried reading up on it and I’m not too adept at figuring it out. Being that I don’t play internet games, stream 4K video(I have a Plasma TV), or transfer large files do I really need an Ethernet network switch?

The only thing I’d be connecting to the Eero is the Node 2i..... My Dish Satellite box has an Ethernet port but I’m not certain what it would gain from an internet connection as I have the new Chromecast for YouTube and Netflix etc if I cared to subscribe...
Currently, I have a wall wart type thing plugged into an outlet behind my equipment rack that has a phone jack in it and the connected phone line connects to my Dish box for upgrades and upgrading the schedule.

Since the Eero has a 2nd available Ethernet port, maybe an Ethernet cable from the Eero to the Dish box would do the same as the phone connection for updates and schedule updates and would replace a phone line connection?

Thanks again.

@vinylshadow I don't have any experience with the other PSU so can't comment but I'm very happy with Pawel's board. I actually have a lot more invested with my Mojo Illuminati LPS costing more than all those products combined. Also, Ethernet is your true source so investing in a good switch or filter (for the Eero) is where I would start. Your streamer can only do so much with a noisy source. Look up the Network Acoustics ENO thread and you will know what I mean. 

I was lucky to have a dealer loan me a $10k streamer so I could compare and believe it or not I preferred the Bluesound presentation. Enjoy the process in exploring digital as you will be very surprised by how much everything matters. However the beauty is you don't have to spend a King's ransom to get great sound!
-Alex

@rareace @big_greg

I’ve been corresponding with Pawel and he told me that he will soon be updating his website(and maybe EBay?) and will be lowering the shipping costs for his PSU adapter to the U.S..

The UK company Fidelity Audio also makes a Node 2i PSU interface but it is twice the price of Pawel's...Could it be twice as good?

Also, he is still working on his LPSU but even when it is available, he won’t be shipping it to the U.S..He recommended this LPS on Ebay:https://www.ebay.com/itm/Finished-TeraDak-30W-linear-power-supply-DC5V-9V-12V-15V-18V-24V-Low-noisis...

He said to use 5V 3A.

As far as the iFi SPDIF purifier, I’ll need to do more research....
IFi says that it can be used with Chromecast but I don’t see how as the Chromecast dongle plugs into an HDMI port.

The PSU interface+LPS+shipping+iFi Purifier costs $450. Node 2i costs $500.

Is a Node 2i for $1000 still the best streamer out there for the price vs more expensive streamers that also support TIDAL select(but they may need a new LPS and iFi too?)?...Things that make you go hmmmm.

@big_greg @vinylshadow There are two main weaknesses of the Bluesound when used strictly as a streamer which is noise and jitter. The PSU fixes the noise part and iFi SPDIF Purifier 2 fixes the jitter. I'm partial to R2R DACs so not interested in the Node 2i for it's DAC.
-Alex

@jetter  @ericsch
Thanks guys.
I should be getting my Node 2i next week so I'll see how it goes.

One thing about WiFi signal to downstairs is I've been using a Google Chromecast dongle in my processors WiFi, getting the WiFi signal from the upstairs router with no dropouts or problems. The music and the video is great. I would hope that with the Node 2i it is even better.

For your consideration- WiFi vs. Ethernethttps://darko.audio/2018/08/ethernet-or-wifi-which-is-better-for-high-end-audio-streaming/

While the designer of the Aurilac streamer has "perfected" the WiFi circuitry and prefers WiFi over Ethernet, I don't know if the same can be said with Bluesound. But it is worth an email to ask about it.

@rareace I tried a lot of things to make the Node sound better and some helped (an external DAC made a noticeable difference).

I'll have to take your word that a PSU somehow magically transforms a mediocre streamer and DAC into something magnificent. I'm not an electrical engineer and never heard it, so I could be way off base, but that doesn't pass the smell test for me. 

This is a good ethernet cable. He has various lengths.
 https://www.ebay.com/itm/Supra-CAT-8-ETHERNET-cable-1-meter-Made-In-Sweden-THE-BEST-FOR-NETWORK-AUDI...

@vinylshadow

My Node 2i is hardwired via Ethernet cable to my combination moden/router, which is only a couple of feet away.

I have not tried the 2i with only a wi-fi connection so can't help you with personal experiences.  But from what I remember reading here, those that had trouble using wi-fi due to drop outs, etc. seemed to solve the problem with a wi-fi signal extender.

 

@jetter 

Thanks jetter.
I told the dealer who sold me the Node 2i, and has one himself in an amazing audiphile system, about my plans for the PSU interface and the LPS. He replied that he thinks I am using a sledgehammer for a nutcracker. British humor but I know what he meant.

And, to get the node 2i then after it’s broken in and I am familiar with it then look for a power supply if you want. Then you will know if it was worth the $$.

So, I will take both of your advice and give it a month. My Classe SSP-800 DAC is very good indeed. And I'm using Straight Wire's top of the line Mega Link 75 ohm cable.

As far as the Ethernet cable, are you running the cable from a hardwired to the wall router or a eero type router plugged into a wall outlet.
As I mentioned, my router is upstairs and connected to my desktop. Would I need another router downstairs? Or the eero.
I asked my dealer about an Ethernet cable. He replied- " If you go Ethernet go TPLink optical TPLink Ethernet but that’s a whole rabbit hole."
He might be right but my Classe only supports 24/96 through Toslink. 24/192 through SPDIF coax 75 ohm cable.

Although, he said he has great ears and can barely, if at all, tell the difference between 24/96 and 24/192. I think I've read many say that 24/96 is enough...But I'm not certain....

@vinylvhadow
I would definitely wait and use your Node 2i through your DAC before investing in anything else except a good Ethernet cable.. I run mine through an older Museatex Meitner DAC and love it.  I did purchase a Supra CAT8 Ethernet cable for less than $70 which was a worthwhile upgrade..

Your not purchasing just a piece of equipment, but a key to a whole universe of music.

@vinylshadow Find a dealer that carries Lumin or any other high-end streamers to demo. You will find out if the difference is worth it compared to the upgraded Bluesound. 

@big_greg Unless you had a chance to try the upgraded PSU board you might be surprised the potential of Pawel's board + LPS. There's a 150+ page thread on highfiwigwam with people who have done the upgrade and compared to other streamers. I think everyone of them kept the Node 2i. 

-Alex

@vinylshadow Lumin and others make streamers only. I was seriously considering the UI Mini before I bought the TEAC. The biggest downside to the TEAC is that there is no digital out, so you are committed to its DAC. It has a great DAC though. 

I did exactly what adg101 did... built my own through VHAudio. Same configuration, though they have other wire avail. Excellent cable. There are great DIY options on parts Connexion as well if you want to tackle it on your own. A PC isn’t too hard to do... 

@big_greg
Thanks for the selection..Even though I have a Node 2i on the way, I'll look into the Lumin's..

I have such a great DAC in my processor that it bothers me to buy a streamer with a DAC as it is like an appendix. Don't need it.

I wish there were good streamers out there without a DAC so all the money went to the streamer.
And one that has TIDAL select!
I was watching a YouTube video with the designers of HiFi Rose streamers and they said they were looking into a streamer without a DAC. But that is likely far away....

@vinylshadow I replaced my Nodes with the TEAC NT-505.  Bluesound has a better interface, but the TEAC is more detailed, warmer, more "analog" sounding, and has a noticeably larger soundstage.  I would also look at Lumin as an upgrade path.  

@ big_greg
If not the Node 2i, which streamer did you wind up getting if I may ask?

Save your money for something better than the Node 2i.  The Node 2i is a great entry into streaming, but if you get to the point where you want to improve sound quality, don't throw a bunch of money into cables, external DACs, etc, just get something better.  

I don't disbelieve people when they say a power cord or internet cable or whatever made it sound better.  Maybe their hearing is better than mine and they can detect more subtle changes than I can. 

However, I did many of those things, "better" power cord, better cables, external DAC, etc.  The only thing that made a difference was the external DAC.  What took streaming to another level was replacing the Node with a better streamer.  Everything else is a band-aid for a mass market device that is nice for its price, but not really an "audiophile" component.

@vinylshadow The Eero has Ethernet plugs on the back. As far as the iFi SPDIF Purifier 2 you can also use it with an LPS which is what I am doing. I’m currently using a Mojo Illuminati but it’s a pricey power supply. I’m sure the less expensive ones you are looking at will perform just fine. The great thing about the Eero and iFi is buying them from Amazon is risk free so if you don’t hear any difference just return them. Once you can hear the difference you can start playing with cables such as Ethernet, PC’s and DC’s (the ones going from the LPS to your components). 
Happy tweaking! Last thing: Always try each tweak one at a time so you are hearing what each is doing. You might like what one product is doing compared to others.
-Alex

@rareace

I’ll have to look into Ethernet once again. I could have sworn that the consensus was ethernet and wifi offer the same sonics...Although I don’t see an Ethernet plug in the eero. Just a wifi hub. ..,.I always thought you had to have the provider install a phone jack outlet for internet and then plug in cables and hardwire. I’m not too adept on these things

I don’t think I want to plug that iFi into my Classe SSP-800 processor(which has an outstanding DAC).

Plus, iFi has a switch mode power supply so that bothers me. Here is an analysis:
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/review-and-measurements-of-ifi-ipurifier-...

Thank you for mentioning it though. I love tweaks.

If you don’t mind, which LPS are you currently using with Pawel’s board? EBay has a bunch of Chinese LPS’s from $66-$100 but I have no idea what to look for or which is best. That’s why I thought this one was a good possibility:https://www.smallgreencomputer.com/collections/linear-power-supplies/products/5v-12v-linear-power-su...

I just saw Fidelity Audio’s interfece and power supply. $800. More than the Node 2i by a lot.https://www.fidelityaudio.co.uk/bluesound-node-2--2i-reference-low-noise-psu--interface-4481-p.asp

I’ll order Pawel’s board soon. Thanks.

@vinylshadow Wired Ethernet connection made a massive difference for me. I use the Amazon Eero mesh system so placement is a breeze as you’ll just need an open outlet near and then you can run a Ethernet cable to the Node 2i. Ethernet cables make a big difference too. I currently use Network Acoustics ENO filter and Ag cable. Even with the $55 shipping Pawel’s board is well worth it. I forgot to mention that if your are using an external DAC the iFi SPDIF Purifier 2 is a nice addition at a cost effective price.-Alex

@rareace

Thanks Alex-
I will be using WiFi as my router is upstairs hooked up to my desktop. Unless it is easy to get one for downstairs. Does ethernet make a huge improvement to sonics? I’ve read many times that it does not. That the ethernet advantages have to do with something else that I cannot recall.

The guy who sold me my Node 2i recommended this company’s LPS’s:https://www.smallgreencomputer.com/collections/linear-power-supplies

I think for the power cable from the LPS I’ll use this $160 cable:https://www.thecableco.com/mini-electra-power-cord.html

I wouldn’t mind the Triode Wire Labs Digital American. They end with a Figure 8 if you want it... But it costs as much as the Node 2i!

I went on EBay to order Pawel’s LPS adapter but shipping was $55. But I might not have a choice!
Pawel’s lower power LPS is not out yet but I am curious. Might be better to wait and see how much shipping is for the adapter and his LPS.

@vinylshadow I've used a few different LPS. Tried the Uptone LPS 1.2, Paul Haynes SRT4, and Mojo Illuminati. They are all fantastic and didn't notice a huge difference TBH. I have my best PC's on my DAC, Amp and Conditioner so unfortunately the LPS gets the cheapest cord but still performs great. If you don't have a switch or some sort of filter for your Ethernet connection I'd recommend putting some attention in that area as that is going to make a huge improvement for the Bluesound as well.
-Alex

@rareace

Thanks Alex. I was looking at the interface card and switching power supply on Pawel's website but wanted a linear power supply so great that he sells the interface separately. I will order one.
Which linear power supply did you get?

Are you using an upgraded power cable?

I was considering the Triode Wire Labs Digital American. I am using Pete's High Power Dig. American for my UberBuss power conditioner...While it might be the way to go, a $500 power cable for a $540 Node 2i deserves some thought.
https://triodewirelabs.com/product/digital-american-series/

The Wireworld Mini Electra that many use and recommended is $160.
https://www.thecableco.com/mini-electra-power-cord.html

Wonder if there is a big difference besides the price?

@vinylshadow Yes it is worth while especially paired with a good LPS. Much more refined sound and lower noise floor. I bought the one from Poland on eBay.
-Alex

Has anyone here pimped out their Node 2i with a PSU interface card and Linear power supply? Supposed to make a big difference to sonics...

That is my next project when my Node 2i arrives. 

Good stuff on the power cables. I've heard a lot of good things about the Triode Digital American. I'll look into the Wireworld too. I thought the Node 2i had a C15 IEC but maybe not.  

I'm currently using the Bluesound Node 2i with NAD M51 DAC. I'm thinking about upgrading either the power cord to one of the ones mentioned here, or upgrading the whole power supply to linear (Teddy Pardo and Fidelity Audio in UK offer LPS upgrades). Any thoughts on these options?

We offer one of the largest selections of C7’s you will find. We have them available in Copper, Rhodium and Silver using a 12 gauge Copper Wire or a 12 Gauge Silver Plated Copper wire. We even offer a small bodied Silver solder on C7 for use in tight spaces. This Cable does a phenomenal job with High End TV’s. www.iceageaudio.com

Thanks-Rick    iceageaudio@yahoo.com

+1 @buschmann. I was told years ago that digital cables make a difference and I've experienced it myself.

Best to get a Voodoo c7 adapter so you can try any flavour or power cord to your hearts’ desires. I had to get a cable support, then migrated to Furutech ncf cable booster to eventually support a thick powercord that cost more much than my vault.Does a nice $50 vs $1000 cable make a difference on the vault? Yes..but only your wallet and ears can decide better. 

Ive had good luck with the Nordost Purple Flare C-7 power cord, and its not too over the top in price.

After extended listening, the carbon fiber coax sounds like it has wider frequency response and dynamics than the optical cable. Since my DAC allows instant switching from one input to the other it's easy to do an instant A/B comparison. Seems strange that a digital cable could have that effect, but that's what I hear.

Ice Age Audio or Cullen Cables,
Both are really good!

Thanks to lowrider57's comments above, I decided to try out alternative data cables between the Node and my DAC. As I stated above, my original cable was a good quality conventional 75 ohm coaxial cable.

I installed a pretty radical SPDIF cable made by Mad Scientist Audio using carbon fiber for the center conductor. It made a dramatic improvement in the sound. Much more of an improvement than the previously upgraded power cable. The sound was better resolved, bass and treble were extended, and transients were crisper. I'm surprised to find such a change when the iFi is supposed to be regenerating a "perfect" SPDIF signal to the DAC.

I then decided to try an optical cable for something completely different. I installed a Van Den Hul Optocoupler II, and found that at first listen it's a small increment better than the coaxial with carbon fiber and iFi. I'll need a little more listening time before coming to any conclusion.

The Node, streaming Tidal HiFi or High Res files off a USB stick, seems to be capable of really good sound when cables are optimized. It's already my best quality source of music, and it's not fully tweaked yet.

WIREWORLD mini Electra is what I use.

@buschmann, the reclocking by the iFi sure helps reduce jitter, but not all SPDIF cables are created equal. 
The design, construction, length all contribute to sonic differences in cables; eg, soundstaging, dynamics, fast attack, etc. I've tried several cables with my CDP and Node2i running through the iPurifier, each was different.

So I guess I'm saying you get many benefits using the iFi by reducing jitter resulting in a smoother, more dynamic sound. So the cable probably is less important. So I went for the cable that sounded the best for my system.

Any thoughts on iFi and SPDIF coaxial cable quality? Is cable quality made irrelevant with the iFi?

Another option to consider is getting a good quality C7 adapter; this gives you lots more choices for the cable.

I just recently sold my full sized DAC for an RME ADI 2 which uses C7 and then started looking for C7 cables and my list pretty much matched what everyone else has mentioned above.   I then questioned myself why I wanted to buy yet another powercord when my Shunyata Alpha Digital cable was now sitting idle so I purchased a  Cryo Treated C7 C14 Adapter from Take Five Audio and am using it with the Shunyata and RME with fine results.

I’m using the iFi SPDIF iPurifier as well between Node2i and dac. I have an upgraded Swagman Labs LPS and the sound from the streamer is so much better than a stock Node. Spacious soundstage, black background, more detail with smoothness in the highs.
A very worthwhile upgrade in addition to an aftermarket C7.

I'm using a Yggdrasil external DAC connected with a Mogami 2964 coaxial cable and an iFi SPDIF iPurifier with UltraCap™ LPS-1 power supply.

@buschmann,

Thanks for your post. Are you using it’s internal DAC or an external DAC with your Node 2i?  

I installed the Wireworld Aurora mini on my Node 2i and am very pleased after 4 hours of listening.

Lower noise floor, so better audibility of the quietest parts of the music. Even things like the mechanical noises of piano pedals. I can hear the tube noise in some older recordings that was not previously audible.

Cleaner reproduction of all frequencies and better separation of instruments.

Very impressive improvement in bass definition and low end extension.

The C7 connector is not polarized, so you can plug it into the Node two different ways. I found a big difference in the sound of the two directions.

I'll report back if there are any changes after a week or so of use.

Another vote for Patrick Cullen and his C7 - I run it into my Apple TV 4K - well priced, nicely finished, very professional to deal with