Welcome to our Sbooster AIB Bluesound NODE Connection Kit Review, where we dive deep into Sbooster’s Active Interface Board (AIB) designed exclusively for the Bluesound NODE N130/X/N132. If you’re looking to optimise your streaming DAC’s performance, this special order upgrade available via The Audio Tailor will elevate your audio experience to new heights.
Design and Build Quality
The Sbooster AIB embodies a maximalist upgrade concept, starting at the power inlet. It replaces the stock C7 connector with Sbooster’s signature C8 connector featuring gold-plated pins, tunes the power path with high-purity silver-plated OCC wire, and terminates each connection with gold-plated PCB terminals. Mounted on a two-layer 2 oz gold-plated PCB crafted in Bulgaria, this board boasts dual-stage non-inductive low-pass filters, active filtering circuitry, and high-performance hybrid capacitors. Add triple anti-oscillation networks and a central grounding point, and you’ve got a rock-solid foundation for ultra-clean power delivery.
Performance Enhancements
By replacing the factory power rail, the AIB slashes noise and reduces jitter, resulting in a noticeably quieter background. Expect a wider soundstage, crisper micro-details, and a punchier bass response that extends deeper with authority. Wiebren Draaijer, Sbooster’s owner/developer, describes the result as a “highly detailed sound with a 3D soundstage and powerful, deep bass response.” Independent listening tests confirm that the Super NODE rivals streamers at many times its price point.
Installation and Compatibility
Installation is surprisingly straightforward and reversible – all you need is a standard screwdriver. The AIB is compatible with the 2021 NODE N130, the updated Node N132, and the Node X, but requires a 5–6 V Sbooster BOTW P&P ECO MkII power supply (sold separately). Once installed, simply dial the Sbooster to 6 V, and you’re ready to enjoy a cleaner, more stable power source feeding your NODE’s internal DAC.
Who Should Consider This Upgrade?
If you’re a Bluesound NODE owner seeking every last drop of performance—whether you’re streaming high-res MQA, Tidal Masters or local FLAC collections—the AIB is your ticket to a true high-end experience. Audiophiles who demand a pristine noise floor, enhanced dynamic contrasts, and an immersive three-dimensional presentation will find this upgrade indispensable. It’s also ideal for multi-room setups where consistency and reliability are paramount.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Dramatically lower noise floor and reduced jitter, 3D soundstage expansion, deeper and tighter bass, superb build quality with gold-plated connectors, reversible installation.
Pros: Exceptional component selection (silver-plated OCC wire, hybrid capacitors), advanced RFI decoupling with the Sbooster Decoy V2, compatible with NODE N130/N132/X.
Cons: Requires separate 5–6 V Sbooster power supply, installation inside the unit (requires some DIY confidence), special order only.
