My B&W Formation Audio (streamer/dac) sounds better than all of the other sources I've used. I am surprised by this - I bought it used as an interim solution but have recently sold $11,000.00 worth of separates because I love the way my system sounds now. Retails for $599-799. I started out with a Bluesound Node and tried numerous dacs and streamers over several years. Not much in the way of reviews for this component which is a bit frustrating. There is virtually no information to be found about the dac chip and it's implementation. But, my ears keep telling me that the music sounds just about perfect.. finally.
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.