Bluesound mode not really cutting it

   Hi , I would like to share my experience that occurred over the past two weeks. I have been running a Project Streambox Ultra II. I have both Tidal and Qbuzz. My streamer is hardwired and I have two usb cables, a Cardas Clear, and Wireworld Starlight Platinum 8. My DAC is a Schiit Yiggy into a Rogue Pre. My system is resolving enough that I can tell a definite difference in cables. I started with a laptop then went to the Project over the Node about 3 years ago. About 3 weeks ago my Project would not recognize my DAC, I put it back to factory settings started over, but no luck. Since I was already looking for something better and being cost driven, I purchased a used Innuos Pulse Mini that came with a Zero Zone LPS for $975. I believe the LPS is Chinese but it’s pretty well built. So my Innuos arrived and I downloaded the app and began the setup. What happened was it wouldn’t recognize my Yiggy thru the USB. So I hooked it up with a Morrow digital coax. I’m using the Innuos operating software and running Tidal and Qbuzz. The sound is a noticeable improvement over the Project. So during this process I hooked up my old laptop to my Yiggy thru USB and it played fine. But again the Pulse Mini would not recognize it. I began to wonder if the Pulse was meant to output USB, so I emailed Innuos support. I received a response from Daniel C the same day. In asking about the Pulse I mentioned my issue with my Schiit DAC. He responded by stating the the Pusle does recognize thru USB. He went so far as to research my First Generation Yiggy and tell me that my Gen III input card was the issue and to contact Schiit. I did, he was correct and I’m in the process of shipping my DAC to Schiit for the UNISON USB card. I am absolutely astounded at Innuos support for going that deep for someone with a used item and no warranty. So to answer your question upgrade your streamer Vs putting money into it. At your price point get the “ Pulse“ over the mini because it’s a tad newer and has a nice LPS built in. There are some good reviews. If you want just a streamer look at the Innuos Pulse and the Aurender N150. Most dealers will sell tax free or you can find a open box for about $1K less. As far as streamers and cables not making a difference, I have to call BS. I think we all have our experiences my experience is not the absolute rule. I also believe that the rule of diminishing returns apply, but there are big tiers of improvement and I exist in a Mid Fi  home and this is a Hi Fi arena. Happy Hunting, Mike B. 

Get yourself a Teddy Pardo power supply for your BlueSound Node.

@moonwatcher

I have the Black Ice Glass FX DAC and opted to have it sent with the Sovtec 12AX7 LPS tubes and it sounded pretty good connected to my Bluesound N130. But then I swapped the tubes out to 1960 NOS GE5751 Triple Mica Black Plates and it sounds fantastic. Feeding via USB and connected to an Odyssey Candela Tube PreAmp utilizing 1960 NOS GE Triple Mica 5814A Black Plate Tubes. Recently just auditioned it at our Audiophile’s Frankensystem Event and the general consensus amongst the attendees was impressive, sounded great and very musical. It’s a good little DAC, just have to find the right tube synergy for your system.

@jetter , I too have the Node 2i with the PD Creative LPS and was happy with it. I am a tinkerer and am currently using a NUC with Roon or a Volumio streamer. For our casual listening I am invested in the Bluesound ecosystem and it is nice being able to connect and transfer music between devices.

I know it’s not their main focus, but I wish Bluesound would develop a standalone streamer to compete with the lower level devices from Aurender,  Innuous, and similar level. I think that market doesn’t care about the upgraded headphone output, larger touchscreen, and built-in DAC.

You have to realize a $600 streamer is maybe $150 from China 

you can’t expect much ,

innuos has a nice little one $1500 retail , then upgrade power supply later to a LPS .