I own and have upgraded the power supplies in both the 2i and n130. I’ll pre qualify my observations - I’m streaming Tunein radio and Spotify, not the ultra fidelity services. Entry level. Anyway, stock the 2i has a warmer, cozier presentation while the n130 is less coarse, more dynamic and open/detailed, comparatively a bit tipped up and light in the bass. Adding a MHDT Orchid brought a very minor reduction in glare to each. As in, What? Did I just blow $1200?
The power board upgrade brought better extension, low level detail and boosted bass, the Orchid now crushing the internal DAC s. The n130 streamer still a bit hot on top for my taste and a mellower tube in the Orchid helped some. It is without a doubt the better performing streamer-only option (using external DAC) of the two. The 2i streamer has a lot of grunge by comparison. As for taming the top end, I tried the Schiit Loki mini, liked it, and have the Loki max, love it.
Just got a new Bluesound Node. Very disappointed!
I got the BSN to run to my NAD M51 DAC and everything sound like the treble has been turned up +10db. The bass is also weak. I use Qobuz and Tidal and both sound the exact same way. I can listen to cd’s is my Oppo of the same music with no problem.
what gives, is it really this bad?