PD-Creative

More upgrades.
Streaming the NODE with the Sbooster LPS and Orchid DAC puts Spotify comfortably in audiophile territory. I thought that not possible. By comparison, the Node 2i and new NODE in stock configurations with the Orchid DAC are hifi-ish at best. The PD Creative upgrade with SMPS swings them toward the hifi high end. A quality power supply like the Sbooster tips the scales. I find real satisfaction in the quality, substance and engagement.
I got the Bluesound RC-1 remote on a whim and glad I did. On Spotify it can pause, skip, mute and control volume. That’s really nice because the RC-1 volume adjust is much finer than on the pre. I set the volume on the pre to limit the max output. It safeguards visitors (and maybe party me) from over doing the volume. The push of a preset button sends me from Spotify to a Tunein Radio station. Returning to Spotify still requires the Bluos app.

@wlutke Thanks for sharing. It looks like you compared the modded versions of the node 2i and new node. Is it worth moving up to the newest node even if I have the modded 2i?
-Alex

rareace,
That’s a good question.  In the unmodified form I prefer the more musical sound of the 2i.  It has (subjectively) more body.  With modification and smps on each I much prefer the NODE and would definitely move up in that scenario.  The NODE sounds more refined, it’s balanced top to bottom and the added resolution and focus are obvious, no looking back.  So, yes, I would upgrade from the 2i.  The Sbooster took it to a new level.  Caveat one is there’s more energy on the top and bottom. Less glare, less boom, just more.  I took the sub down a couple of ticks and put a mellower tube in the DAC for the highs.  Perfect.  Caveat two is the noise floor dropped so low that I catch myself cranking the volume without realizing it. 

@wlutke

"The PD Creative upgrade with SMPS swings them toward the hifi high end. A quality power supply like the Sbooster tips the scales. I find real satisfaction in the quality, substance and engagement."

Could you please clarify, are you using the PD upgrade with SMPS and the Sbooster?
Thanks.

though I have not had the inclination or opportunity to compare to very expensive streamers and DACS, I have found that upgrading the 2i with the PD-Creative and Sbooster, combined with the affordable Benchmark DAC 3B to be an affordable and pleasing digital front end...I stream Qobuz.