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Replacement/upgrade for Bluesound and Chord Mojo 2 streamer/external DAC combo

Greetings, I am looking for an alternative to my streamer/DAC combination.  Currently using Bluesound NODE N130 only as a source (Spotify/Tidal/local music library) feeding my Chord Mojo 2. Mojo 2 is designed to be a headphone DAC/Amp, but it has better use as an external DAC feeding my integrated amplifier for home audio use, better sound than running it direcly via the Bluesound.  The USB port in the Bluesound connects my music library stored in an SSD, so USB connection to Mojo 2 (supposedly give better signal) is no longer an option.   

Looking on how to improve my setup:
- Upgrade kit and linear PSU for the bluesound.  Many reviews commented on the quality upgrade in Bluesound from the kit, but wonder if anyone has any experience with the upgrade kit (from PD creative or other brands) improvement on Bluesound when running through external DAC? Will it be a noticeable or marginal difference, since i am already using Mojo 2?

- Replace the Mojo 2 with other dedicated external DAC

- Replace the Bluesound and Mojo 2 all together and find a better streamer/DAC alternative? Cambridge CXNv2 came across to my mind, 

My current setting:
- Accuphase E-380 integrated amplifier and Nordost Blue Heaven power cord
- Dynaudio Evoke 10 and Nordost Red Dawn speaker cable
- Bluesound NODE N130, a Taiwanese made RCA to mini coax cable and an aftermarket power cable (not clear what brand, but thick enough cable for the Bluesound)
- Chord Mojo 2 and Nordost Blue Heaven iKable 3.5mm to RCA cable

Not looking to spend much $$$ for the streamer/DAC alternative and not planning to replace my other components, as i am content enough with the rest.  Any comment/feedback is appreciated.
 

nothelle
hdm
1,078 posts
 

Good advice from nwres above and I would second his recommendation of a good R-Core LPS vs something like the LHY, particularly at the inflated price from Vinshine. 

I have two of these in use here (one on a 5V dac and the other on a Wiim Pro Plus used as streamer only feeding the dac) and they are outstanding power supplies: 

https://www.aliexpress.com/i/2255800739878853.html?gatewayAdapt=4itemAdapt

As nwres also alluded to above, these LPS's can have a pretty dramatic effect on improving streamer only performance. I was pretty shocked at how much of a difference the above supply made with the Wiim Pro Plus, and also how much better it was than a slightly less expensive Talema torroid based LPS that I also used on the Wiim.

It's very possible, as he stated, to put together a pretty low budget streamer combination for $400-$750 using an outboard LPS which will compare favorably with a lot of the more expensive streamer options in the $2K-$4K range.  

To parrot nwres one final time, all LPS's are not created equal. 

nothelle OP
11 posts
 

Thanks all.  I have bite the bullet and order the LHY kit, PSU and LPS.  Let see how it goes, will report here once it enter into my system.

Cheers

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
5,381 posts
 

I went from the N130 to the N130 with a Pontus ll.  To the N130, added a Teddy Pardo LPS and the Pontus ll. Now I’m using an Aurender N200 and the Pontus ll and m really happy, but I am still looking at getting a different DAC.😁

All the best.

bassbuyer
511 posts
 

I have the same Bluesound Node.  Used as both the streamer and DAC.  I Then upgraded the DAC and then finally the streamer.  My suggestion is to upgrade one piece at a time.  Start with the streamer.  See how it sounds.  Then upgrade the DAC if you want to.  

dogearedaudio's avatar
dogearedaudio
207 posts
 

Keep the Node for now and get a second-hand Qutest.  Upgrade the streamer later.  I borrowed a friend's Mojo and liked it enough that I found a used Qutest, which I absolutely love.  It replaced a massive Doge DAC 7, with a Sabre chip and all-tube output stage.  I love the Qutest for it's greater transparancy, speed and lack of coloration, and the desktop connections provide a big upgrade in sound.

My streamer is an Ian Canada kit I assembled, with the PurePi battery-powered base, a Raspberry Pi 4 and the TransportPi Digi II.  It's a wonderful match for the Qutest, extremely clean and quiet.  The cost is about $300.  But that may be more than you're willing to take on.  It's also a either "ugly" or "cool" depending on your tastes. ;-)  But my main point is to focus on one unit at a time and get the best upgrade you can afford.  A used Qutest falls within your budget and if you like your Mojo, you'll love the Qutest.

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