PD-Creative

Hi, I'm from Singapore.
I have just upgraded my Node 2021 with the PD Creative board and bought a BRZHIFI LPS for it. I mostly only use Node's streamer with the Ares2 DAC.

The mod brings the Node to a new level. Even with only the digital section, there is better clarity, imaging and quietness to the background. And also tighter bass. But the sound does get a little less warm. I'm sure there would more significant improvements on the Node's DAC section.

Overall I'm happy with the mod, and would recommend it to all Node owners.

I just received my mod kit from Pawel for a Node 2i.  Any advice before I begin the installation? I’ve found and watched the install video on youtube.  By the way I also bought the Meanwell switched power supply.

I found the instructions and implementation straight forward....

My installation wasn’t easy. Apparently there’s enough tolerance in the Node 2i “fitting” that if things are off it can be a bitch trying to get things back together.  So much so in my case (ha ha, “case”, get it) that I finally decided to not insert the lower left back plate screw because it would only go in at an angle and that prevented the back magnetic plate from being fully seated. I tried everything, leaving the other screws loose in an attempt to get the back plate to side over another 0.5 mm to the left. No go.

in addition, I had a heck of a time getting the old board’s plastic large signal connector unfastened.  Then more problems getting the new board’s connector fully inserted into the clip.

And the instructions don’t mention to remove the small connector. There’s no corresponding connector on the new board and it soon became apparent this connection wasn’t needed.

All problems aside, it’s one of the only changes I’ve ever made that sounded like an improvement without break-in (burn-in). Wow! Basses sound great!  Piano still a little rough but its got less than an hour of play time on it.

I’m really looking forward to it getting burned-in!

Also, I made the mod in the nick of time! The old power board had two capacitors failing (leaking).  One significantly so. Leaking all over the PCB. I’ve owned the Node 2i for 22 months.