I use the PD Creative board and Sbooster LPS on a Node 2i and I have the Fidelity Audio board and LPS on a Node 130. In both cases the external power makes a significant difference in sound. And this is when using a separate DAC. Definitely a cost effective upgrade. The Node 130 is very sensitive to the quality of the power supply. Not all LPS's are the same and the LPS is a key to extracting the best out of the Node. Of course there are higher end streamers for more $$, and I have demoed popular streamer that retails for up to $3800.00 and for me, they was not better than the upgraded 130, some just different. Of course system synergy is a key factor to how components affect the sound, each setup will be different. Streamers in the higher range will exceed my results.
Replacement/upgrade for Bluesound and Chord Mojo 2 streamer/external DAC combo
Greetings, I am looking for an alternative to my streamer/DAC combination. Currently using Bluesound NODE N130 only as a source (Spotify/Tidal/local music library) feeding my Chord Mojo 2. Mojo 2 is designed to be a headphone DAC/Amp, but it has better use as an external DAC feeding my integrated amplifier for home audio use, better sound than running it direcly via the Bluesound. The USB port in the Bluesound connects my music library stored in an SSD, so USB connection to Mojo 2 (supposedly give better signal) is no longer an option.
Looking on how to improve my setup:
- Upgrade kit and linear PSU for the bluesound. Many reviews commented on the quality upgrade in Bluesound from the kit, but wonder if anyone has any experience with the upgrade kit (from PD creative or other brands) improvement on Bluesound when running through external DAC? Will it be a noticeable or marginal difference, since i am already using Mojo 2?
- Replace the Mojo 2 with other dedicated external DAC
- Replace the Bluesound and Mojo 2 all together and find a better streamer/DAC alternative? Cambridge CXNv2 came across to my mind,
My current setting:
- Accuphase E-380 integrated amplifier and Nordost Blue Heaven power cord
- Dynaudio Evoke 10 and Nordost Red Dawn speaker cable
- Bluesound NODE N130, a Taiwanese made RCA to mini coax cable and an aftermarket power cable (not clear what brand, but thick enough cable for the Bluesound)
- Chord Mojo 2 and Nordost Blue Heaven iKable 3.5mm to RCA cable
Not looking to spend much $$$ 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.
Showing 6 responses by nwres
For upgrading your Node, I would order the PD Creative board ONLY. It is about $85 plus shipping. https://pd-cf.com/produkt/bluesound-node-2021-upgrade-low-noise-psu-interface/ Then order this Power supply from AliExpress. Select the 5V option. And tell them you want the output side of the supplied cable that goes into the PD creative board in the Node to be 5.5 x x2.1 for the DC plug. These two items are a cost effective way to elevate your sound. And I agree with others that a good used R2R DAC would be a great next step. Good Luck! |
Give the board some time to burn in. It will improve. Enjoy! |
@sadbird If PD Creative supports either 2.1 or 2.5mm DC plugs then perhaps the supplied cable from ZEROZONE will work. It has been a number of years since working with the PD Creative board and perhaps my recollection was off or they are now using a different DC port. |