PD-Creative

I have a Node 2i being used as both streamer + DAC with the much nicer external PS unit from PD Creative (240V converted to 120V)... wow, what a difference! Wish I could find another one here in the US.

On this system I have the Node 2i w/ best PD PSU setup, RCA out analog with some mid-level Wireworld RCA cables into a Devialet Arch unit, then converted to network to run a pair of the Devialet Phantom I (108)... WOW.

Fist off, I believe the former model 2i sounds a bit better than the newer model Node (N130) version. I have owned/used both at length on two different systems. To my ears, the Node 2i has a bit more laid back, warmer presentation overall... OK, maybe a bit rolled off. But once you tear out the stock PSU of the Node 2i, put the new board in and that external PS.... holy smokies.

I also have a Node 2i in my main system (using a Crystal Cable) digital out to a Schiit Yggdrasil (LIM) DAC - so streamer only on this rig. And then a 3rd Node 2i on a headphone rig, using as both a streamer + DAC into a Schiit Lyr headphone amp. Looking for another PD unit for this setup.

I am SURE there are better streamer/DAC combos or streamer+ DAC combos out there... but for how much more? In my experience with a lot of streamers and DACs over the last maybe 6+ years, it would need to be a lot more $$$ to beat this. Plus... part of the battle is the app... the Bluesound app is great to easily control, sort and play music from Tidal, Amazon HD, Qobuz, etc. I had a streamer DAC unit from Aualic that sounded OK... not as "musical" IMHO and the app was FREAKING TERRIBLE! The overall operation of the unit and playing your music was awful really. For that money... they should be ashamed... really.

This is a very interesting thread.  I just received a Peachtree Gan1 and Bluesound Node package.  For me this is a return to the Node, after having wasted a year with Volumio on a MiniDSP SHD.  That experience gave me a new appreciation for the importance of the user interface software.  Too bad because the hardware was fine.

The situation with the Node is reversed:  the software I know is excellent, but I was ambivalent about the Node hardware until I started reading about upgrades like the PD-Creative offerings.  The interface board is a no-brainer, but I'm unsure about the PSU.  Specifically, should I get the $25 PD smps, or go for a $109 iFi PowerX psu, or just stop being cheap an get the $399 Sbooster psu?  Seems that, based on this thread, all three options produce happy customers.  And then there is the power cord.

For background, I mainly stream music (female vocalists).  Speakers are Wharfedale Jade 3 standmounters.  The Node will be hardwired (cat5) to my router with an English8 switch in between. All except the router plugged into a Furman power conditioner.   Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Most here are opinionated.  I think few have ever evaluated all the variables. Most will agree everything matters, to varying degrees, of course. I never compared power supplies, so I can only say that I have been pleased w my setup.  Certainly a good band for the buck….

@jw944ts 

PD creative does not make a 120v linear power supply for the Node 2 and 2i at this time.  The person I spoke with on their customer service line indicated that they hope to come out with a 120v LPS during first quarter 2023.

@jetter, I am not sure why you are addressing me directly; I have the SBooster....