Bluesound Node130 LPS upgrade...

Yes,a lpsu would be a good idea for your node. But, now is the time to ask if I am tweaking this product. Is this not the time to save and get the upgrade that your system so richly deserves. Sure someone stumbled upon a way to make a product work in a way that the manufacturer didn’t intend. Bet if it goes titsup the warranty is worthless. 

@gkelly

+1

It would very very helpful to see your system. I see you started one, but no photos.

It is always best to consider full component upgrades as opposed to frittering away smaller sums on add on or small improvements. In the early stages of system building you want to do significant component upgrades… usually used so you can increase your reach.

Do it.  I agree with with was said above about taking stock of your system and where you want to get it.  Over the years I've done many different upgrades and none have come close to the uptick in performance with the LPS on my Node.  I have it running into a relatively expensive external DAC and the first time I heard the results I said, "Holy SH!T."  I have no doubt it will be the best bang for the buck upgrade in your system.  Good luck and cheers.

I have a Node 2i, and since the new Nodes are days away, I’m wondering if the internal upgrades Bluesound promises may negate the power supply upgrades. 
I don’t know, but I’d wait until some reviews are out. I love the OS, so I’m hoping for the best…

Thanks for the feedback, y'all... have my main, 2 channel listening system, posted now with relevant pics.

I believe your testimonies answer the question of whether or not the PSU upgrade improves the sound regardless of external DAC input. I, too, love the bluOS as it integrates well with my Roon and has USB output. Also looking forward to the upcoming reviews of the not-yet-released Node Icon.

If I were to upgrade the streamer, I'd prefer one under $2k new but would have to have USB output, Roon ready, and excellent Android(phone) or IOS(iPad pro) app.

I started with a HEOS Marantz receiver, then a INNUOS Pulsemini/zen lpsu, now I have the Pulse. Not that this is the brand you should buy from, just that upgrading to a different device will make your ears happier. The Pulsemini/zen lpsu fits your budget and such. I was so impressed with the mini that I was able to get my dealer to give me full trade on the mini because it was less than a year from purchase. And jumped on the Pulse. I suspect that might be a path for you, hopefully you will find some joy in the music. 

I got the LHY LPS for my N130 and it went together easily and has performed flawlessly for over a year.  I use it with USB out to a Mytek Liberty DAC. I like a lot of small boxes on my shelves!

I have seen used Aurender NH100 streamers for as little as $800 used. I would consider going this route. It’s FAR superior to my Bluesound Node 2i.

I would recommend saving for a better streamer. You will just lose more money selling the node with power supply than just selling the node. 

I would agree with Jallan and Audphile1: save the money and get a used better streamer. I got the node, installed a quality LPS and made no difference to my years. Then I upgraded to a Innuos Zen mini and BIG sound improvement. I was using a Denafrips Venus for both streamers. 

By the way, I'm using Qobuz and the app of the Innuos is better than the Blue OS in my opinion. 

I have been down this path and can offer my thoughts.  Two years ago I started my digital journey with the BS node gen 3.  After figuring out what I didn't know, the questions to ask and getting use to streaming with Tidal, Qobuz, etc., I took the next step.  At that time I went with the BS node interface from PD Creative and an S Booster LPSU.  I could definitely tell the difference in the sound stage, quality and detail.  Again, at this stage it was all internal BS node plus the S Booster LPSU.  From there I added an external DAC -Schitt Yggy LIM and heard a noticeable difference ( answering your original question as I continued to use the node for the streamer.  Lastly, at least for now, I went big and invested in an Aurender N200 streamer and now the BS node resides on a second system.  All in all I am glad I took the steps I did as the knowledge and experience was worth the initial investment in the LPSU/interface.  

Thanks for all your suggestions and options. I think I've narrowed down my future streamer within the Aurender line - based on your experiences and positive critiques. Since I have two Node130s, a Vault at work, and the extra cash I will give one of the 130s an upgrade of the PSU for my main system. If all goes well, I'll relegate that Node to my 2nd system and purchase an Aurender for my main.

You didn’t mention your budget but Innuos ticks off all of the boxes you noted.  I bought a used Zen Mk3 for $1800 US and it was an improvement over using my Node N130 as a streamer.  I can also rip discs to its 1TB storage.  I liked the BluOs app but I’m enjoying The Sense app that Innuos has even more to stream Qobuz.  

@bassbuyer 

Excellent point about my max budget earlier... I would say $2.5k, and have seen a used  Aurender N150 for sale on the 'Gon from what looks to be from a reputable hifi store. I have also looked at Innuos too - it is definitely worth consideration, too.

Yes.

After a few months of using my N130, I ordered the Teddy Pardo LPS kit.  It was easy to install and it made a noticeable improvement in the sound.  Still have it and use it on a separate system in an unused bedroom.

I’m chiming in late to this 10-month old thread and offering my experience here in hopes of helping anyone else considering an LPS upgrade to his Node.

I’ve owned my Node N130 for two years and mostly used it for streaming background music, leaving my more serious listening to my really nice analog TT rig.  But in the Spring of this year I got the bug to improve my streaming setup, as I had been reading how good streaming has become.  I was prepared to move beyond the Node and go separate Streamer and DAC, but I really liked reliability and ease of operation of the Node.  And, it was wireless, which solved a functionality challenge of streaming in our extended/renovated home.  I did buy a used DAC in April as my first step.  Here is my current setup:

  Spectrum 1G Coax service/ Arris Surfboard Modem/ASUS Zen Mesh Router   

  Wirelessly Stream to Bluesound Node N130     

  Teddy Pardo Limited Edition Linear Power Supply Modification to Node N130   

  Triode Wire Labs Digital American 2 Power Cable 

  Weiss 501 DAC               

  WireWorld Platinum Starlight 8 USB from Node to Weiss 501 DAC 

  Stack Audio AUVA EQ Component Isolators under DAC

Now, I am also running a very good preamp with this setup, and the rest of my system is quite good, full and revealing.  But, let me just say.......WOW.  This is really, really good.  It’s definitely not quite as good as my analog rig, but it’s in the neighborhood.  Suffice it to say, I do not feel a want or need for anything more from my streaming rig- it has everything I need. 

This is certainly not an inexpensive way to obtain good streaming results, but it shows just how good this Node N130 is when used as a streamer-only.  Thanks to rick_n , macg19 and knownothing for their posts/observations which gave me confidence to pursue this path.  I could go on for pages noting my detailed observations, but I’ll spare folks the lengthy commentary.  This streaming setup has everything for me:  proper balance, timbre, detailed imaging, soundstage, microdynamics, really good depth, etc.  I listen mostly to well-recorded Jazz and Classical.  Hope this helps someone.

@rtilden  You should get a Wi-Fi extender or Mesh system and run a decent Ethernet cable from that to your Node.  It’s not all that expensive, and it bypasses the Node’s Wi-Fi receiver and many find this provides a meaningful improvement.  Glad you’re enjoying your streaming more!

soix- Thanks for the suggestion.  I read diligently about benefits of doing as you indicate, and I 'thought' I understood that pretty much across the board, wireless was sonically equivalent to the best wired connection.   Glad to know otherwise.  And it's not difficult for me to try. 

I do have the ASUS Zen Mesh System with 2 Mesh nodes (extenders), in addition to the ASUS router.  One of the mesh nodes is in the same room as the hi-fi system, and it would be easy enough for me to move it near the Node N130 and connect via Ethernet cable.  Aesthetically, it's not as elegant for me, and that's why I didn't give it more consideration when I did my research.  That's still much easier than running Ethernet in my attic and attempting to fish down masonry walls from my modem to my Bluesound Node.  A couple questions for you:

1. Do you have a particular Ethernet cable you like?  My default would probably be      DH Labs or Triode Wire Labs, but I would like to know if you have a favorite.

2. I really hope to avoid yet another rabbit hole, but I seem to recall reading                  these Mesh Nodes (extenders) benefit from their own Linear Power Supply.

3. If No.2 above is true, what about another LPS for the Modem?  And what about        yet another LPS for the Mesh router feeding signal to the Mesh node extender?  

4. Depending upon the answers to these, I might just reconsider the attic work, as        it's probably less hassle and more elegant to bite that bullet.

These are questions I had some months ago but thought I had satisfied myself    not to bother with them.  I will be glad to hear some real experience talking.  Thanks for any further thoughts.

@rtilden  I think because you already have the Mesh node I’d try that first with a good Ethernet cable you can return.  Unfortunately I haven’t compared any but would go with a Veritas Mirus or DH Labs Revelation just going by positive user feedback here.  Running from the attic I guess you’d have to weigh the cost and length of cable along with presumably having to use a lower-quality Ethernet cable, and considering all that I’d lean toward using the Mesh node and if you get a nice benefit just stay with that.  Sorry I don’t have anything more definitive but would be interested in what you find. 

soix- Thanks again for the tips.  I will see what I can do and report back.

If anyone else has such experience, I welcome your comments.

Extender with better wire and upgrading component is a good idea. Sometime trying to put on a quick fix is a sideways move. If you move on the Lumin D1 with sbooster can be picked up cheap almost at the price you could sell your player and through your LPS money in the deal. They dual dacs on that Lumin are very analog with nice sparkle.

Aside from the issue of improved sound or not, Blue Sound specifically states that using anything other than OEM Equipment (power supply) will void the warranty.

paulcreed- I cannot determine, but you may have missed the point here?  Soix gets it, and he is right on the money.  I presume you are trying to help, but I don’t see your system listed, and I can’t tell how you arrived at your conclusion, or how you came to know it.

Based upon encouragement from several folks who really seemed to ’know’, based upon journeys of experience, I decided to max-out my Node N130 before deciding to move upstream.  And now I don’t feel the need to move upstream.  This streaming rig sounds really impressive.  Please describe to us your methods to max-out your Node before selecting the Lumin, also listing details of the improvements- I am truly interested.  I presume you have a true high-end DAC and preamp to make a good comparison?  And a very revealing system that brings out the finer points of complex music?  Please offer the details of your journey, so that we might benefit in evaluating your conclusions.  Many thanks.