Spice Up your Bluesound NODE! Sbooster Node Power Modification

You want to improve the sound quality of your Bluesound NODE N130? Well.. check out the Sbooster power supply modification! For your convenience, we create a tutorial on how to open up the NODE and swap the power supply.
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More information on alpha-audio.net

[@TheAlphaAudio]

Please note: before you put in the Sbooster AIB board, you need to take out the protective stuff for the normal PSU first. We didn't do that. It fits, but it's a bit tight.

[@onnonugteren2935]

Explane I don't understand what you mean exactly.

[@DJMikeron]

A friend of mine was just here with the node and the booster. I’ve tried so many high end DACs and preamps to improve sound. But they did not produce what I was looking for. I could not believe my ears as we hooked up the node and the Booster. Unbelievable left me speechless. Just try it I am not exaggerating. Fantastic upgrade beyond my expectations.

[@okidoki8544]

Ruim een uur geleden mijn Node N130 voorzien van de Sbooster AIB en aangesloten op de BOTW voeding. Klinkt echt meteen al veel beter! Soundstage, detail en bas enorm verbeterd. Aanrader dit!

[@TheAlphaAudio]

Mooi zo!

[@okidoki8544]

En ik was al ontzettend erg verwend met mijn Krell KPS-28c……

[@okidoki8544]

Ondertussen heeft de AIB en de BOTW 48 uur ingespeeld… het klinkt steeds beter!

[@BranislavSavic]

Thank you @AlphaAudio for the informative video! Have you heard of PD Creative power supplies for the Bluesound Node 130? I have also upgraded my Bluesound Node 130 with a PD Creative power supply, and the sound of the internal DAC improved immediately. However, the real benefits are even more noticeable when the Bluesound Node is used only as a streamer to an external DAC. I would be interested in seeing your next video where you test your upgraded Node and analyze the sound quality changes. 👍🙂

[@TheAlphaAudio]

We have a review and video on the PD as well.

[@backrack01]

​@TheAlphaAudio which did you like better?

[@martymcfly3837]

I have the Upgrade on my Node X... it's a huge step up!

[@jmtennapel]

Not from SBooster I guess, since it has not been released yet?

[@RobotronR6]

@martymcfly3837 Are you speaking of it using the dac or just as a streamer?

[@martymcfly3837]

@@RobotronR6 hello, yes when you use the Internal DAC from the Node, it's a huge upgrade... PD Creative it's the Produkt in my case... Also you use the Node as a Transport it's a little better, but when you use the DAC, it's a must have. Greetings

[@IrenESorius]

Thanks Jaap,,👍🌟‍‍👍‍‍

[@backrack01]

One of these days I'll get around to do this.

[@tillaard61]

Is het voedingsprintje, dat in de Node gaat, inbegrepen bij de Sbooster set? En is die type gericht, dwz speciaal voor de Node N130? Bedankt 👍

[@ccfunkster]

5 weeks later and little was noted for the cost of this kit. Other alternatives are available for 200 bucks less. I dedicated 2 channel DAC will bring you a more solid upgrade

[@artfartzy]

Can you use this for the bluesound node 2i also ?

[@jantheuer8717]

good day isotek v5 aquarius It does the job

[@TheAlphaAudio]

Uhhhh.... That has a different purpose.

[@jantheuer8717]

i can use it on BLUESOUND NODE Gen 3

[@TheAlphaAudio]

@@jantheuer8717 A filter doesn't solve the problem of a noisy power supply in the device itself. A filter - or power conditioner - prevents noise going in or out the power supply. But if the power supply itself is noisy, it won't be able to solve that.

[@blejzerosamigos6115]

How about Node 2i?

[@1999zrx1100]

This whole DAC and Streaming world is new to me but it seems the difference with all these devices and mods are hardly worth the trouble. Read to many times where groups of friends sit and compare 5 different DAC’s ranging in price on a revealing system and come away not hearing much or any difference. I thought people’s obsession with turntables and cartridges were over the top but this Streamer/DAC world is far worse in my opinion. 🤓

[@michaelcuellar59]

How did you get the board? I have my sbooster connected with the LHY board for now but cant wait to get the Sbooster board.

[@TheAlphaAudio]

Will be available soon

[@gonzaloechavarriapicatoste8050]

Hi. Thanks for the video... I am a bit scared of doing the change and breaking the plastic nobs. My plan is to use a external dac mytek broolyin with sbooster and instead of node as streamer ..wiim pro streaming with sbooster as power. This might be cheaper and less risky.... sound quality wise..which will work best? Simllar? Thks

[@deadline7610]

Thanks for sharing. Quick question - did you buy 2 sboosters and how does it sound ? I'm using a WiiM streamer and the difference with my not sbooster but a LPS25VA linear power supply was immediately noticeable for the better. Since your not using the internal dac it comes down to the app and input output features of each. Let's not forget the WiiM has eq. Also a note - If you lower the output volume on the Wiim by 5 clicks - less chance of distortion.

[@PdNConsult]

Thank you for the informative video. Do you guys sell and install the modification (including the sBooster) on my Blusound Node 2? Alternatively, I have very good experience with Farad LPS on my Pathos Aurium headphone amp. Does the modification support Farad 3 LSP as well?

[@TheAlphaAudio]

We don't sell anything. We just test stuff.

[@waynesmith4432]

Can I place the Node on top of the power supply or should I keep it distanced away from it? I’m a little limited on space.

[@TheAlphaAudio]

Keeping distance is always a good idea. The Node is not shielded...

[@Zwakkie05]

Does it matter how you connect the sbooster with those 2 pins?

[@TheAlphaAudio]

Yes, of course... It's the + and -. You can't do it wrong though.

[@aussie8114]

I suspect I would not hear a difference given I’m using the Node as a streaming transport. $1,200 AUD doesn’t seem worth it in that situation. I notice on their website the sbooster input is 230 volts which seems a bit strange given I think it comes from Canada or the U.S. which is I think 120 volts. Correction, it appears to be made in Bulgaria which uses 230 / 240 volts. I presume it’s compatible with lower voltage inputs so it’s designed for a maximum input voltage.

[@jmtennapel]

Quality of power is the most determining factor on the sound quality a streaming transport contributes to. Time and time again, we've experienced this. SBooster has different main voltages settings, something which is clearly specified on their website.

[@Pete.across.the.street]

Not strange, they make different voltages for different markets.

[@Rocker6969]

Weird, when I click on the link I don't see the power supply. You should take us directly to the item you are talking about

[@TheAlphaAudio]

We have a very good search option.

[@ccfunkster]

Can the power supply be upgrade to a AudioQuest NRG-Y3 Power Cable?

[@TheAlphaAudio]

You can use a better cable on the sbooster. Sure.

[@michaelcuellar59]

How long would you say the burn in period is for the board? I just installed it and it sounds really smooth, I really like the sound.

[@TheAlphaAudio]

Depends... I would say two weeks max.

[@michaelcuellar59]

Ill happily oblige that timeframe lol @@TheAlphaAudio

[@ccfunkster]

Just installed this set up on my Node 130. So far not a big difference versus original board. Manual says break in period is at least 100 hours. After 4 weeks usually fully burned in. It is not necessary to leave your audio device 27/7 playing. I did not change the AC cable. We shall in 100 hours if we hear more. Not saying it's bad at all, but want more as other people say altering the power supply makes a audible difference. Peace ✌🏿 Oh yeah, streaming Qubuz with Chord Qutest DAC.

[@anthonykay5100]

I converted a Bluesound and it completely eliminated a low level buz which I assumed was a function of my valve amp

[@TheAlphaAudio]

Great!

[@danijelstarman4689]

Is this possible to install to Bluesound Vault?

[@TheAlphaAudio]

I don't think so. The vault has a different power supply. It also needs more power due to the HDD.

[@danijelstarman4689]

Thank you very much.😢

[@lamaludwig1470]

you screwed it / well!

[@bikemike1118]

This shouldn’t be done by the customer. The manufacturer should charge 20 bucks more for the BlueSound, put the decent power supply in (I mean REALLY put it in!) … and be done.

[@pierrueckt8913]

Exactly, and the good thing is, other people use this flow to charge 300€ to do the job of a 20€ circuit ! Good scam for rich people!! 🎉

[@kvonne]

Too expensive

[@Truthtalks-if2br]

Schiit.. The belly button is bigger than the stomach. Everyone, don't buy the bluesound node.