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

HI! I had a very similar experience. I had a second gen NODE with PD Creative PS upgrade, SBooster LPS to Mojo DAC with custom interconnects. I didn't hear a dramatic difference in transparency or detail with the PS/LPS upgrades. Just a lower noise floor.

I replaced the Mojo with a Gustard R26 and transitioning to xlr was a major improvement in SQ. However, I wasn't totally satisfied..........go figure??

I tried Roon Rock sourcing Qobuz from my desktop bypassing the Node all together, a option on the Gustard, hardwired with blue jeans cat 6 brought another jump in clarity, and massive spacious soundstage. Sold the node/lps combo.

I've now added a dedicated Roon Nuc connected to a HOLO Red to stream via blue jeands I2s cable into the R26 dac and it's a game changer. Best SQ from my system. Couldn't be happier!!!!

I lowballed sold the first system and purchased the new Gustard and Red at net cost of $1400. Maybe you can find them used to fit your budget?

This is my experience

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

Yes one at a time.  I used Chord Mojo 2 originally to replace my Mojo 1 for my headphone setup, which i then turned for desktop use prior to selling to boost my Bluesound.  When i heard improvement using Mojo against the internal bluesound DAC, it stuck in my home audio set up ever since.  I wasn't keen in changing the digital source for now as technology changes quite fast and i am quite happy with the easiness of the BlueOS app (I used AudioLab previously and the app was just painful) and the Chord mojo combination, sound signature is to my liking already.  This upgrade was just a marginal step on improving the setup with minimal costs and I am not keen on trial and error for now.  So far the power supply upgrade has been quite fruitful relative the the cost, so i would stick to it for now until the itch comes back.

My digital progress has followed a similar path.  I started with a stock Node 2 then upgraded to a Node N130 with the LHY linear power supply kit already installed.  The difference between the stock power supply and the linear power supply using the internal DAC was quite noticeable and well worth the upgrade to anyone considering it.

Then I added a Chord Qutest DAC using the coax SPIDF output from the modified Node N130 using an old Audioquest video (75ohm) video cable.  I would have to say that the improvement using the Qutest was noticeable; however, not as massive an improvement compared to upgrading the power supply.  There was improvement in the details that I've noticed in material that I know well.  Recently I upgraded the digital cable to the Audioquest Carbon and the improvements were much more noticeable.  The mid and high frequencies are more clear and well defined.  Snare drums sound like snare drums, etc.

I've been debating an upgrade to a newer (and hopefully better) streamer but have decided to stick with the Bluesound Node for the foreseeable future.  As stated in many posts, the OS makes a huge difference and the BlueOS does everything I need and want it to do.

Plain_fan:

Have you upgraded the power supply on the Qutest?