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

Installed the LHY audio kit, now i understand all the praises of changing the power supply unit out of the bluenode. I’ve only had listened to this for an hour, but It indeed improves the output on both the direct analog output to my amp and digital output to the dac (though i would say to lesser extent than the analog).  Previously i always can hear the difference between using the bluesound directly vs. using the Mojo in between.  Now they have become very close.  One immediate noticeable difference is improvement on the bass, which was previously lacking as it is more of an accuphase character plus a bookshelf speaker arrangement.  The difference is like removing a screen protector/tampered glass put of your smartphone screen. You normally wouldn’t see much difference for daily use until you remove it and suddenly there is a difference, not night and day but it is just different in a good way.  So far this has been a good spend on the upgrade and thanks for all the recommendations from here.

@dogearedaudio, i hear you. Chord character suits me well and was thinking about upgrading to the next line, either to Hugo 2 or Qutest as you said, but was not sure the costs vs. benefit of it.  Was considering a Hugo version 1, but many reviewed the difference vs. Mojo 2 as marginal.

My B&W Formation Audio (streamer/dac) sounds better than all of the other sources I've used. I am surprised by this - I bought it used as an interim solution but have recently sold $11,000.00 worth of separates because I love the way my system sounds now. Retails for $599-799. I started out with a Bluesound Node and tried numerous dacs and streamers over several years. Not much in the way of reviews for this component which is a bit frustrating. There is virtually no information to be found about the dac chip and it's implementation. But, my ears keep telling me that the music sounds just about perfect.. finally.

@nothelle  Installed the LHY audio kit, now i understand all the praises of changing the power supply unit out of the bluenode.

Give the board some time to burn in. It will improve.

Enjoy!

A follow-up to the ordering suggestion for a LPS above by nwres. You state:"And tell them you want the output side of the supplied cable that goes into the PD creative board in the Node to be 5.5 x x2.1 for the DC plug. The internal DC plug size of the recommended PSU from ZEROZONE is indeed 2.5 mm. (the site states other sizes may be provided on request, although I don't quickly find a place to do so.) However, specifications for the LPSU Interface V2 on the PD Creative site appears to say its input will accommodate either size plug. "DC plug 5.5/2.1mm (5.5/2.5mm compatible),center pin positive." Am I understanding this correctly. Thanks.

@sadbird, i ordered the lps50, 5v option. I ordered through an app called taobao and had chat with the store beforehand, quite helpful and understand right away the needed hardwares for bluesound, with the right 2p to 5.5/2.1mm cable etc.  installed per instruction and followed lhy audio guide in youtube.  Simple enough.  Store name is LHY audio also or Lau Hu Yu Yin Pin, seems genuine reseller or even the official store itself.  Price is quite good, anyone interested in detail can pm.me.