Difference between Bluesound Node, Node 2, Node 2i, NodeX

The X also implemented the low output impedance THX headphone circuit and replaced the 3.5mm headphone jack with a 6.3mm.  That’s in addition to employing the ESS Sabre DAC, which the other Nodes did not. As a front end only, the N130 should be identical. Best use case is USB out into a USB DAC of your choice, with MQA decoding to leverage Tidal streaming. Another popular sport is replacing the SMPS with a linear supply. 

Add a Pardo LPS and you take it up notch. 

Save yourself the money by a fiio K5 pro headphone amp ($150.00) with the ESS saber chip.. yes you are tethered to a USB cable but the Blue Node would not play music unless it was saved to my Amazon unlimited music.. I think the fiio sounds better too

IMO, a TeddyPardo LPS improves the Bluesound Node significantly in all ways.  Imaging is greatly improved,  soundstage is wider and deeper,  and bass much tighter.  And the 4.0 OS is intuitive, responsive,  and easy to use.  Another huge advantage is that it supports just about every major streaming service,  with the exception of Apple Music.  I have never used the dac in mine, just digital out, since I've always had a stand alone dac, currently a PS Audio Directstream DAC.  

I agree on adding LPS for improved sonics and or the only way to get higher performance out of the Node. I have since added the DMP A6 which outperforms any of the Nodes but you have to use a phone or tablet..