Replacement/upgrade for Bluesound and Chord Mojo 2 streamer/external DAC combo


Greetings, I am looking for an alternative to my streamer/DAC combination.  Currently using Bluesound NODE N130 only as a source (Spotify/Tidal/local music library) feeding my Chord Mojo 2. Mojo 2 is designed to be a headphone DAC/Amp, but it has better use as an external DAC feeding my integrated amplifier for home audio use, better sound than running it direcly via the Bluesound.  The USB port in the Bluesound connects my music library stored in an SSD, so USB connection to Mojo 2 (supposedly give better signal) is no longer an option.   

Looking on how to improve my setup:
- Upgrade kit and linear PSU for the bluesound.  Many reviews commented on the quality upgrade in Bluesound from the kit, but wonder if anyone has any experience with the upgrade kit (from PD creative or other brands) improvement on Bluesound when running through external DAC? Will it be a noticeable or marginal difference, since i am already using Mojo 2?

- Replace the Mojo 2 with other dedicated external DAC

- Replace the Bluesound and Mojo 2 all together and find a better streamer/DAC alternative? Cambridge CXNv2 came across to my mind, 

My current setting:
- Accuphase E-380 integrated amplifier and Nordost Blue Heaven power cord
- Dynaudio Evoke 10 and Nordost Red Dawn speaker cable
- Bluesound NODE N130, a Taiwanese made RCA to mini coax cable and an aftermarket power cable (not clear what brand, but thick enough cable for the Bluesound)
- Chord Mojo 2 and Nordost Blue Heaven iKable 3.5mm to RCA cable

Not looking to spend much $$$ for the streamer/DAC alternative and not planning to replace my other components, as i am content enough with the rest.  Any comment/feedback is appreciated.
 

nothelle

Showing 1 response by lanx0003

One at a time.  Node N130 might be the weakest link.

Class A - Stereophile

Cambridge Audio MXN10: $399 $$$
The affordable, Roon Ready MXN10 features Ethernet and Wi-Fi inputs, coaxial and optical digital outputs, and unbalanced RCA analog outputs. A USB-A port allows files stored on a memory stick to be played. It can be controlled by Roon or fed audio data with the Cambridge StreamMagic app, which works on Apple and Google smartphones and tablets and natively incorporates Spotify Connect, Qobuz, Tidal, and Deezer. TF was surprised how well the MXN10’s converter and analog output stage stood up in comparison to the much more expensive dCS Bartók. While a careful listener "probably will favor the Bartók’s improved detail and tighter low end," he wrote, "let me stress how unfair a comparison this is and let me say again, the MXN10’s built-in DAC sounds damn good." TF concluded that "the MXN10 is a thoughtfully considered, high-performance bridge to the future-present, at a price that’s friendly to most budgets." On the test bench, the MXN10 offered superb channel separation and very low noise and distortion, coupled with excellent jitter rejection. "That the MXN10 performs as well as it does suggests that Cambridge Audio has some serious engineering talent in-house," concluded JA. (Vol.47 No.5 WWW)

Reviews: Herehere and here. These reviews are trustworthy.  I own one myself. Don’t forget a good power cable for it like Pangea AC14SE C7.