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Streamer Upgrade

I have a modified Bluesound Node 2i with an upgraded power supply board and Terry Pardo power supply. While I am happy with it, I have the upgrade itch! I'm curious if anyone has upgraded from a modded Bluesound Node and what your thoughts are/were? On the TP website, they claim this upgrade brings "it very close to the level of network streamers costing twice as much" which makes me curious as to how big of a jump others experienced. I'm looking at streamer only as I am not interested in units with onboard DAC's. I currently use Roon with a Mac Mini as my Core. My DAC is the Schiit Gungnir MB. 

Thanks!

-Will

128x128willg1985
willg1985's avatar
willg1985 OP
46 posts
 

@curiousjim, in all honesty its hard to say. I had the Node 2i before and bought this Node second hand already upgraded. I never got to A/B them but I will say that I am quite happy with it. I got it for a good deal considering how much just the power supply upgrade is. I read a lot about it and many claim that if you are using the on-board DAC with the Node then the upgrade is significant. I also read that it helps even if you are using it as a stand alone streamer. If it was me though and you are using the on-board DAC of the Node, then I would put the money into a new DAC vs the Teddy Pardo upgrade. I think that you would see a bigger improvement there. Something like a Denafrips Ares II would be nice. Again, I think it sounds pretty good and I think I have a decently revealing system. (Mcintosh MA6900, Schiit Gumby, JBL L100 Classic 75’s)

willg1985's avatar
willg1985 OP
46 posts
 

Thanks @juanmanuelfangioii and @m669326!!

stevewharton
111 posts
 

+1 on the Sonore streaming products and Small Green Computer

Go fiber if you can with the network connection

Good company with good products

mrmeaner
44 posts
 

I now have an Auralic Aries G1 with upgraded power supply from Stephan Hoer-Wege, The upgrade brings it very close to the Auralic Aries G2.1, it’s very very good. 

dinov's avatar
dinov
845 posts
 

@blisshifi Thank you for your thoughts on this.I have a power supply modded node, and it was a big improvement. Migrating my music files from an iMac to a Qnap nas also made a huge improvement in sound and performance. So at this point if I can get things sounding any better that they are I might start concentrating on digital only. I’m interested in upgrading in the future either Lumin which I have heard or Aurender which I have not. I think you’ve helped me decide on Aurender. 

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