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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
nothelle OP
8 posts
 

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.

plain_fan's avatar
plain_fan
19 posts
 

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.

hdm
1,075 posts
 

Plain_fan:

 

Have you upgraded the power supply on the Qutest?

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