Streaming for Beginners: The BLUESOUND NODE 2i review
Vložit
- čas přidán 23. 07. 2024
- This video sponsored by Zu Audio: www.zuaudio.com
Steve comes up to speed on streaming with the Bluesound Node 2i www.bluesound.com/products/node/
John Darko's video on WiFi vs Ethernet, • Video
FEATURES:
Connect to any existing stereo amplifier, AV receiver, or powered audio system.
Featuring digital and analog input/output options, headphone stereo mini jack, subwoofer RCA mono.
Seamlessly stream music from a CD player or turntable through the NODE 2i to other Bluesound Players.
Simple setup directly inside the user-friendly BluOS Controller app.
Access and stream Internet radio stations, cloud music services, and your own local music library to multiple Bluesound Players.
Control music wirelessly with the intuitive BluOS Controller app.
Works with Bluesound RC1 Remote Controller
Connect Bluesound to your Amazon Echo with the skill in the Alexa app and use Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant to control Players around the home.
AirPlay 2 lets you play music or podcasts from wireless stereo components throughout your house - all in sync.
The Cardas Audio Stay Home T shirt, www.stayhomeandlistentomusic....
You can support this channel on Patreon! Thanks to contributions from viewers like you, The Audiophiliac Daily Show is making videos chock full of The Audiophiliac’s words of wisdom. Thanks in advance for your consideration / audiophiliac
Twitter: / audiophiliacman
Instagram: / steve.guttenberg
PLEASE LIKE THIS VIDEO!
#audiophiliac #bluesound #audiophile - Zábava
This is the one I’ve been waiting for. Exactly in the same boat as a long time audiophile but no experience with streaming other than over my phone. Thanks!!
I’ve been using a Powernode 2 for a year now. Works wonderfully. Very satisfied.
Thank you Steve I've been rediscovering the whole audiophile world with gear, formats, etc. while just using a smartphone. Buying a pair of elacs 6.2 debut 2yrs ago hooked up to a Pawn shop Yamaha av receiver the "speakers" were good I was impressed with that, now I needed a 2 ch. receiver (knowing I would upgrade speakers later) on your review I got the outlaw rr2160 and the journey goes on. Thanks
Im not up to the Node 2i point in my life yet but I just got a pair of sennheiser hd 6xx headphones and a thx aaa 789 amp and im very excited to join this world and explore the vast spaces of audio that I haven’t explored yet. Thank you so much for the work youve done steve!
Nice, you must have discovered massdrop
@Mr. Ace. Great starting point there. Head-Fi is great stuff, minimal, won't disturb the neighbors, more intimate. Then you'll want a kick ass system to share the music and let loose and dance.
And so many options when it comes to the music services. I tried them all and yes they do sound different but not enough for me. Do what pleases you. Enjoy the music.
Welcome to my world. Given my disabilities, I can no longer handle vinyl nor CDs. So, I have gone all in with streaming, which has brought me GREAT joy. The Bluesound Node 2.1 was a relavation (going to KEF LS50wireless), using both TIDAL and QOBUZ. I make pick up another sound system for the house (maybe a Bluesound Poweramp to passive speakers), but high resolution streaming has brought JOY to my life with out the "stuff" I can no longer physically handle.
❤😁
About time, Steve!
I've had the Bluesound Vault2 for a few months now. Ripped 8000 CD tracks to the hard drive in a month!
At your coaxing to support musicians, I'm now an annual Qobuz streaming subscriber too. Opens up a world of high res music!
I have my node 2i hooked up to my Linn pre and power amps and I’m thoroughly enjoying it.
This Brit appreciates your shout out for BBC6 - there was a time when this incredible channel's future was in doubt. Keep spreading the word!
During the lockdown I moved to streaming too. On the poor side to be honest, with a Raspy 4 and a Dragonfly Red. Since I’m no more living in France I didn’t had the opportunity to listen to my favorite radio, TSF Jazz. Listening now through my system and I love it. Thank you for sharing your experience
Thank you a ton, this was exactly what I was looking for. I am a person with too many hobbies, and I always like to carry music throughout the house with me, from office to workshop. I also have a soft spot for all things New Zealand. Speaking of great new musicians, I think Colter Wall is one of the rawest poets I've listened to in years. To add mystery, as to where music comes from, his father was premier of the province of Saskatchewan (???). Keep safe, cheers.
I just made the transition back in December and am so happy I did. I liked the Node 2i so much I upgraded to the PowerNode 2i ( space issues, plus I got to hook up a TV to the HDMI port). I love Qobuz, but will certainly check out more radio stations.
Steve, the Gaelynn Lea album is spell-binding. Thanks for the nudge!
That is an excellent streamer. It sounds awesome. When using Tidal or Amazon HD it will really blow your mind.
Do you use the built in DAC or a separate one?
@@se7515 built in of course
I'd like to add, thanks for mentioning Gaylen Lee, I scratch the violin when I get time, wow what an inspiration.
Welcome to the world of streaming Steve! Happy to see you finally check it out. I gave in last summer and bought a Naim Uniti Atom for a second system, and found that the sound quality was astounding (using Tidal hifi and a NAS filled with my large CD collection converted to FLAC). Didn't think streaming would sound as good as my main high end system that I've had for over 20 years, but now I'm hooked and ended up pairing the Atom with some new KEF R3s. It's been getting all my attention and my main system is now collecting dust.
Would love to see you do a review on the Naim Uniti Atom at some point to see your reaction.
Streaming with the Bluesound Node 2i changed my “audio life” for good in a few months. I listen to a lot more (new and old) music than ever - and the sound quality is also (in general) great (my source: Tidal Hifi/MQA).
By the way: Try to combine a Node 2i (as a streamer/pre-amplifier) with the XTZ A2-300 power amp, and you will (in my opinion) have a high quality/low cost combo, that can rival much, much more costly equipment.
Hello:) I'm radio fan - is it possible to set some stations under numbers like in ordinary radio receiver and switch from one station and mode using device buttons without application? I prefer phisical buttons as always :)
BBC 6 Music! A well-loved gem over here and I'm delighted to hear you hear over there...
I just joined the streaming club myself with the Node2i. I agree with you it’s pretty dam good sound!
The Node is an awesome streamer with world class software. The internal DAC is very good. I even have my CD transport via optical hooked up to this player and I can control the CD with the internal app. Very cool indeed. Everything else is hooked via IC into my pre-amp. Can't go wrong with this streamer.
Sounds great. What streaming services are you using? I would assume that you are genuinely getting 24/96/192? How good is it compared to 16/44? Thanks. (forgive all the questions but I have been on a dead-end track with the streamer I bought, the Allo USBridge Signature, because I cannot get any good streaming services into it (Tidal is, imo, too pricey for what you get, which is, basically, standard PCM - I think that the MQA is more marketing than quality)
???IC.............integrated circuit???
Welcome to the wonderful world of streaming!! It's all I do these days. BTW, great shirt today!
Welcome to the streaming world steve! So many endless things to explore and listen to. Been streaming with slim devices (aka logic tech) squeezebox players way back in 2005 ish. And all my players still work and can stream my library and tidal. Can't say that in today's throw away world.😀
I'm with you. I just ordered this unit yesterday. I finally realized HiRes audio is really something worth having.
How’s it going? 😀
So what's up? Did you love it enough to keep it? What are using to power the speakers?
Steve. Good info. Compelling. In the last few years I have streamed music from a number of devices, several of which do streaming as a sort of “extra” feature. While they all worked as advertised, I found them confusing to use, and so I ended up settling on a few known streaming services, not exploring internet radio in the way that you describe here. After watching your discussion of the Blusound Node 2i, I ordered one. It’s one of the very purchases that I have made based on a CZcams review. After setting it up I am enthusiastic about how the interface works, it’s so handy to be able to save presets and stations on my phone app or my laptop. Though I am just getting started, I really like it. I can see it functioning as a sort of central control center in my multiroom audio system. Thank you for your video.
Thank you for the review about the Bluesound streamer but more importantly thank you for the heads up on Gaelynn Lea! Amazing!!
Thanks Steve,
I ordered a Node 2i last weekend and am expecting it in a couple days.
Thanks for the timely review!
Other than streaming from my phone or computer and getting it to my pre-amp via Bluetooth AptX or USB once in a while, I've mostly listened to vinyl or CD for decades, so this will be a different direction for me as well.
Knowing your lack of streaming expertise and your vast experience with audiophile music & equipment, your judgement that the internal DAC is "perfectly serviceable" went a long way with me. I know that if it was really lacking, you would have been all over that fact.
Anyway..looking forward to playing with it, comparing the internal DAC to my Emotiva, and enjoying the hopefully easy access to a much larger library on my main system.
Few things here. Zu Audio, yes, yes, wonderful company, wish they made bookshelf speakers. And thank you for letting us know your favorite streaming radio stations!
Hey Steve
I've had the Node 2i for over a year and enjoyed it, like you, for the chance to hear new music. Yesterday I received the Denafrips Ares ll and added it to my system. Wowie zowie! I could hear a difference. You gotta try it.
I love my Node 2i. It replaced a headless 2012 Mac mini in my system after I got frustrated with using Audirvana remotely. I agree that the built in DAC is perfectly fine, but running it into my Schiit Gumby is a vast upgrade so I’ve only tried the internal DAC once. Nice to see you embrace a new category!
how did it compare audio sound wise to the audirvana . which i use.
Can one use the spotify app to control music remotely?
Thx
Hello Steve, Would like to thank you for turning me on to WFMU. Live in the Bronx my entire life & never heard of it. Been a WFUV listener of 20+ years couldn't believe it was the next station up the dial. Good old school FM radio. Don't need no streamer, my Outlaw receiver picks it right up ( w/ a little antenna manipulation!)
Started streaming with the NAD M10 that I hooked to my Klipsch La Scala II Speakers and loved it, so I got the Node 2i to hook to my NAD 316 BEE V2 that Steve recommended with the Klipsch RP 600M in the bedroom, and then got the Powernode 2i to run my Klipsch AW-650 speakers out at the pool. They all connect to Tidal and I can connect them all together playing the same music, or just listen to one at a time. I am now looking at the NAD T778 to run the Klipsch R7 5.1 Home Theater which will also use the Bluesound. I am more than a convert, I am an evangelist.
Good stuff, Mr. Klipsh. LOL!!!! I own also Klipsch! ;)
This sounds like the perfect place to ask your opinion. :)
I've been eyeing an upgrade to my system for a while centered around the node/powernode path.
A couple years ago I acquired a mid-90s NAD CD player and Tape deck at an estate sale so I've been planning on completing the system with the 316 for some time. But considering that I've been wanting to include a steamer as the primary source (along with my turntable) I've waffled between the NAD+ node2i vs. just getting the powernode 2i (since they are the same parent company anyway).
I know the architecture of the amp is different (powernode being NADs hybrid digital class D), but in your experience how do your two setups compare?
@@vmstranger Sorry for the delay in my response. If power is an issue for you, the Powernode 2i will have 70 watts and the NAD 316BEE will have 40 watts. I have never been a fan of the Class D amps, but the new circuitry eliminates any concerns I have had in the past. I have put the Powernode and NAD to the A/B test with the Klipsch RP 600m, and I thought the Powerenode had a little more body than the NAD. Maybe because of the additional power. Both the Powernode and the Node have a very capable DAC. With the NAD, before the Node 2i, I used the Schiit Mode for the DAC. Bluesound and NAD are sister companies, so there is a lot of similarities.
Welcome to the club Steve. I stream my massive Flac collection (Hard Drive connected to my router) to my Node 2i via wi-fi. Very happy with the results, in fact I can't imagine how I got on before. Note; I listen to physical media like vinyl, CD's and yes cassettes but the Node makes easy work of managing my huge CD collection (ripped to Flac).
I’ve been using my Node2 white for several years now. Love it. The inboard DAC is decent. No glaring faults, especially at the price point. You need to go at least to a Schiit bifrost multibit to get a roundly better DAC, IMHO. I recently got an RME ADI-2 FS v2 (with the AKM 4493) and it’s a LOT better, as one would expect. But my wife can’t tell the difference at all in short listening sessions.
Great discovery video. Thank you!
We purchased a Cambridge Streamagic 6 probably 5 or more years ago. The streamer is our most used source. All of our old CDs are on an NAS device in addition to any new downloads. We also enjoy vinyl. But when we are cooking on a weekend, nothing beats listening to radio stations from all over the world in fabulous sonic quality. Frankly I can't see why every home doesn't have one. I am thinking about a Bluesound Node 2i for another system but I like the convenience of walking up to the Cambridve and pressing a button or turning a knob.
don’t forget the “b” in 95bfm! Just just doing my research on the node 2i and I’m thinking I’ll pull the trigger. Thanks Steve.
I received my black node 2i in November 2019. I purchased tp link AV2000 from Amazon to provide wired Ethernet. I recently received a pair of PS Audio M1200 mono blocks. These are connected to a pair of Klipsch RP-8000F. I stream Tidal Hi-Fi and Spotify Premium and it sounds great.
It is very convenient to stream. Start the music from the Spotify app, or the BluOS app for Tidal, adjust the volume as needed and enjoy. The music plays on. Unlike Bluetooth, it continues to play during phone calls or even if you turn your phone off because the source is the internet or music server.
I have considered a DAC and preamp, but that will remove the convenience factor. I would have to keep up with a remote or get up to manually control the volume.
I don't consider myself an audiophile, but I do enjoy music and this set-up is very pleasing.
Thanks for the Gaelynn Lea recommendation - I went and found some of her music, and while it's not my normal bag, it is indeed stunning.
Nice to have you converted. Or at least on the start of your road to conversion... nice shout out to the radio stations too - I’ll be checking those out!
As I live and breathe... it's about time, glad you liked streaming.
For those curious about the internal DAC, it's decent if it's your "first" DAC (eg. if you've been just using the one off your laptop). However it's not comparable to say a Schiit Gungnir. Using the node2i's DAC- the soundstage is shallow, lacks layering, less dynamic, diminished low end, less smooth and lean. It's a bit on the bright side as well, but it is defined and transparent. I used the node2i dac going direct into a PASSlabs power amp (node2i as preamp). Be sure to UNcheck the "fixed output" in Audio settings otherwise you could damage your speakers. You want variable output from the steamers.
I appreciate your review. Have you purchased a DAC to bypass the Node2i's, or have you settled? Also, what streaming services do you use? FOrgive me for asking but I've hit a dead-end with my Allo USBridge Signature because 3rd-party products don't seem to be supported (apart from the Volumio/Tidal partnership) by main streaming services (and TV's aren't outputting beyond 16/48). Thanks
Hi Steve I have just loaded an app that gave me American radio stations, man I'm so happy because here in the UK our choice is quite limited. Now I need to get into streaming as well, many thanks from Rob in England.
Nice bump for Darko, he's got a great channel. 🤙
Thank you -- but not THAT video. It looks dreadful. :(
Thanks for the shoutout Steve!!!
i have full set of PS Audio gear.... _completely_ wired with Cardas.
i was sad to see this shirt not available in 4x. any chance of this happening?
I auditioned this unit for about 2 weeks before returning it. My first attempt was to plug it directly into an Emotiva A-300 which was powering Focal Aria 906 Speakers. I found the sound to be very mid heavy however bass and treble was very pleasant. I’ve since switched out this unit for an NAD C368 with BluOS 2i set as a preamp into the same Emotiva A-300. The results are much better and far more detailed. Also with adequate bandwidth WiFi or wired wouldn’t effect sound quality unless your router isn’t stable enough for large files. I’ve never had an issue with WiFi on any BluOS device.
Thank you Steve for letting me know about Gaelynn Lea. I've now heard her music over CZcams and must say it has made a deep impression on me.
let me know if you agree. her music, though hauntingly stunning.....it quickly grew tired to me.
BluOS is addictive. I started with the NAD C658 and almost immediately bought a Node 2I for another system. I mostly stream Qobuz and Idagio but both players can also stream local content sitting on my NAS drives.
One cautionary note about the 2i: While it does have an analog input, it does not offer analog bypass. The analog signal will be digitized to 24/96 regardless of whether you're using the 2I's digital or analog outputs.
Hey Steve, I too got into Qobuz and bought the node 2i. Can’t be,Ive what I was missing although I’m always looking for the higher res stuff rather than the CD bit rate. Thanks for a great show really informative
So did you end up leaving the DAC plugged in or did you just use it with its internal DAC?
Wow, Steve! We’re with you on Node 2i, Qobuz, iPhone, the Bluesound app, and more. We use a turntable with the Node as well, like you mentioned. You covered a lot in little time. You should review one of our Cherry Amps! We have a reference system that drives Magnepan 1.7i, JTR 210RT, Apogee Slant 6, or custom Vifa/Seas speakers. It super simple! Node 2i to a 130dB+ Cherry DAC DAC 2 HS which drives a pair of Cherry MEGAschino MK2 Monoblocks. These are 1kWpc amps with 120dB SNR and 0.001% THD+N. Output impedance is low wide band and the system is true balanced and DC coupled end-to-end. You should also review JTR speakers if you haven’t already. A real find when it comes to measurably low distortion and nearly unlimited headroom. No need for a sub!
Thanks for creating valuable and entertaining content in your channel.
You're correct. This is a great product for the money. And the app works smooth !
Steve, I love my Node 2i. I wish you would have listened to the Bluesound DAC, more than you did. Go back to it and give it a better listen. I thing you will be more impressed lie I am. I think the DAC is great and sounds amazing. Also, the ability to to play MQA files is great. I love this new file format. Also, I have not tried Roon yet, but I think I will try that some day.
The blusound dac is really not good unless it’s the only dac you have heard. It is pretty clearly a bottom tier sounding dac and it isn’t even close.
@@Boskibro Blah Blah Blah. Sound to me like you're the one who hasn't heard much Jesse. Better get yourself some better cables! LMAO
@@artkulak9802 lol
Hi, thanks for the Video. I have a CXN v2 and a Node 2i in comparison. I hear a small advantage to the CXN v2. Even if not always. What would be a good DAC to pull the Node2i past the CXN v2? I think Modi 3 would not be enough? thanks, Steffen
I am much like Steve, I dont put much into streaming.
We have Amazon prime which gives me the option, but I only use it in the workshop with my phone hooked to a little Kinter tripath amp driving an old pair of fishers I got for free.
If I'm listening for enjoyment and relaxation, nothing beats the overall experience of vinyl.
Nice review, thank you! For digital files, I use now a blu-ray Sony UBP-X800 reading them from an external HDD, and send them to a dedicated DAC. Do you think Bluesound would bring an improvement in sound quality? Strictly in this scenario. Thanks!
Glad you enjoyed the bluesound 2i, I love mine and your are right it is a source or transport... and so can sound even better when linked with an NME or Denafrips or Myteck or other higher end exotic dacs out there. But for me hi-fi streaming is like owning a global music store for £20 a month. Although admittedly very easy to get lost in it all LOL
hi..excellent video , and info solid.. but I am confuse .. I have A Av 7705 (preamp) +monolith 11X (amp) what is difference between Heos app >>from Av 7705 or bluesound n2i ? thanks
if the streaming app I use isn’t supported by blue sound I can just make use of airplay 2 from my MacBook to play with?
I have this streamer. I plug it into my hegel h360. Obviously the dac in the hegel is the bomb. However, the node as a $500 transport is pretty straightforward and awesome.
There have been quite a few reviews on this device already with varying praises and criticism. But thanks for reminding this streamer can be a tool to discover new music too. Music doesn't always have to be HiFi to be enjoyable. I still remember the days of listening to my favorite DJs playing good music on AM radio and later boom boxes. Thanks for also mentioning artists from time to time when you are reviewing gears. E. g. You mentioned Amber Rubarth (The Church LP) in your review of, I think, a pair of KEF towers. I don't even remember what KEF model it was but I now listen to her music too.
Hi Steve you forgot to comment on how you found the Node 2i internal dac as against the external ones and did you have a preference for any in particular.
🤣
The internal dac is a pretty good value standard burr-brown dac that sounds well for the money yet no match for a more sophisticated external dac. I would rate it as comparable with a good midrange CD player. So when you are streaming compressed radio or Spotify in most cases it will do fine. For more sophisticated listening consider a dac or higher level streaming device.
@@eelcosterringa1374Thanks for the clarity : - ) Maybe you could help me out with this:
I have a yamaha R-N402D receiver but its sound is cold in combo with my KEF LS50's.
I was recently gifted a cambride audio azur 840 V2 with a warm sound, a different class amp. but it does't have DAC capabilities. So Im considering hooking thisone up with something like a Node 2i or a Volumio Primo. Do you think a Node 2i or a Volumio Primo's integrated DAC would outperform the Yamaha?
@@lifeisgreat8 Hi. Did you ever get your answer? Me, I'm just now looking at the Node 2i because you can connect Amazon Music HD with it - Volumio is connected to Tidal only. What did you end up with? Are you happy with it? Thanks
I have it since 4 months and very happy with it , it changed completely my way of listening music , with a simple interface on each phone iPad computer , . Only problem is that I don t know how to have the infos tag readable in the BluOS interface . And the playlist are not convenient at all . I have a big 3 T NAS + a hard drive 2t direct;y usb linked to the device and it works ! ( if you format fat32 , limited to 2 T ) other device like Marantz don t work with hard drive USB
Question, could you put the reference links to the radios you tell about in this video ? Thank you for this video
Love the Cardas room setup guides.
Steve - great to see you have WDCD on your internet radio list! One of my fav stations too (although they're in my backyard - almost)
Steve, your the best!
Shout out to bFM! Nice one. Enjoy your Node 2i, I love mine. Peace from New Zealand.
I had a similar problem re ethernet in that I could not run a cable from my router to my laptop. But, I bought Powerline adapters. You plug them in to any power outlet and connect your ethernet cable to (in my case) an outlet next to the router and another to an outlet next to where I use my laptop. So the signal piggy-backs on your electricty cables. It works really well.
Does this device upconvert the MP3’s like the Cambridge audio streamers purport to do?
If you already use Bluetooth enabled active speakers will the Sound coming from the blue Sound dac be an substantial improvement ?
thanks for the radio station recommendations - have you ever listened to RadioParadise ? very eclectic
TidaL also offers music with Dolby Atmos, right? and 360 sounds in headphones
Just hooked up my Node 2i yesterday for the first time, in the process of upgrading cables as i have it hooked up to my full Naim system. Just running Spotify from my phone for now, sound pretty good. Is an upgrade to Tidal that much better, would like to know. Thanks Tony🇨🇦
Hi Steve. Great start. Looking forward to seeing your digital streaming journey as it unfolds. After the mid-fi digital bridge by BlueSound, may I recommend that you check out Sonore and SoTM (esp the SMS 200 Ultra Neo) next. Then there is the Roon server to check out and report on. Then there is the effect of different DACs and their power supplies. Each change can be heard as clearly as a change in power amp or preamp. Good luck and enjoy the journey. May I also recommend the Hans Beekhuyzen channel for newcomers. Greetings from the Channel Islands.
Great job steve
Ha, thanks Steve! As soon as I saw it, I was like, I want that shirt! Ordered!
Great subject I too I’m curious this but you talked mainly about how you liked it but not at all about how to do it . I will watch the other bit you mentioned too
Steve, take a look at the Yamaha WXC-50. Would love to hear your thoughts.
Steve thanks for this one. I am in the middle of research but was looking at slightly more expensive models like the NAD 568 and Cambridge 851. Might start slowly with the Node and upgrade my DAC instead. Can you please give a link to the singer you recommended?
You could buy a node 2i then buy a better day later to improve the sound (if you feel the need) as the main cool thing of the bluesound is its MQA decoding capacity ( although it's dac is not bad either) not that I use tidal / MQA myself...am already happy using deezer hi-fi subscription at the moment
Welcome to the next generation of HiFi Steve! I'd love to see more of this type of content. You are a traditional audiophile (LP/tubes etc) willing to try something new. Instead of complaining about just how much better the old stuff is, I'd appreciate your discoveries and opinions on how to make the new stuff sound good. Can you hear the difference between 16 bit and 24? Roku or apple TV as a streamer? Is new Sonos any good? HiRes streaming vs SACD?
Would like to see you review the Sony hap-z1es
Purchased the Node 2i. Totally unexciting. Very little detail, air and involvement of the listener compared to my IPad and Audioquest Cobalt DAC setup. Even my wife immediately noticed the difference. Rest of the system was a NAD 1155 preamp, Adcom GFA 555 power amp (I know I am old) and Klipsch Forte III. Streaming via QoBuz. I returned the node 2i and purchased the Cambridge Audio Azur 851N I removed the NAD preamp from the system and used the 851N as a preamp. Much, much better. More detail, more air, excitement, sparkle and involvement of the listener. Glad I returned the Node 2i. Thanks for the review.
Hi would you recommend a powernode 2i with klipsch r51m or just node 2i wiyh r51pm?
I was thinking of buying a cheap computer and using my DAC (Cambridge) to feed it to my integrated amp. Computer would also add internet surfing to my rooms capabilities. Any thoughts on this?
Now that you did this review can I ask that review an innous MKIII? I am curious what you will say
The potential for musical exploration got my interest so ergo, I (@ 70years), am definitely
going to check this streaming "thing" out. Bluenote does MQA etc (good I guess?) but
what I would like to know is how much of a sound improvement would an external DAC
provide - like the Bifrost you mentioned? (yup I know Schiit Dacs are non-MQA)
Hye Steve ,
I wanted to tell you how much I’m a fun of your videos ..
I like your style and your way of tackling Music
By the way , BBC Radio 6 Music is also my favorite web Radio
Take care
Thanks for posting this Steve - the Bluesound Node will be my next Hi Fi purchase and I intend running it in my back room worth a D3020 V2 and an old pair of DM600 S3s.
For local content what have you used? a NAS, USB Drive or streamed from PC/LT?
Can you just stream from the app on the tv for tidal? Would that be the same quality?
I upgraded my node 2i with 120 $ Z organic audio power cord (small croatia craftmade company) and achived great progress in sound.
There are also power supply upgrades available for the node 2i . But it means diconnecting the internal one to add an external supply . Just a thought
Node2i -> external DAC -> poweramp is going to be a game changer for the industry. I'm doing just this now. Transparency is top notch, as is bass response. Imagine, saving thousands with a preamp delete while increasing in sound quality! Be sure to change the Audio settings to use variable (volume) output with the node2i.
Steve... Love your videos and respect your opinions. I purchased my new KEF R3 based your reviews. I have a McIntosh 252 integrated Amp with the bluesound node 2i as my source. You mentioned that the Node 2i DAC is serviceable but I'm interested in your opinion for an "upgrade" DAC. How much do I need to spend to get something "better". I really enjoy my system now but thinking about the future a DAC seems like a reasonable next step. I just don't have any frame of reference for how good the Node 2i DAC is and at what level of DAC would be considered an upgrade. Thanks!
Great question.
So how does internal DAC compare to Schiit Bifrost??
I'm even more confuesed now. I have the spotify premium membership and can stream it directly from my sony strdn 1080 recevier put I'm unsure if a higher quality service would benefit me and then do I need the premium of tidal to improve the sound?
The sonic difference between Spotify or another lossy service like Apple Music is modest but noticeable. I was on Apple but AAC files vs Qobuz CD or better quality shows AAC less airy in the treble and a touch more mid bass bloat. To me, worth the difference as most of my critical listening is on headphones.
Any opinions on whether the Schiit Modi 3 is significantly better than the Node 2i internal dac?
Love my node2i. Also great for discovering new music.
How is it different from using your notebook and a DAC ?
@@DrinkWater713 Hi. I am actually using it with the dac in my mcintosh c47.
@@BeelzebubLXXV Interesting. Doesn't it already come with a DAC ? Also, why should I buy it instead of simply using my computer with a DAC ? Does it have any exclusive benefits or features ?
Lucas Milagre Tavares Ferreira yes it does have an internal dac. Supporting MQA If you’re using TIDAL. (Google it) I Don’t have a computer. Using my iPhone to control music. Peronally i think TIDAL sounds best.
@@BeelzebubLXXV I use Tidal as well. Mainly for the gapless system. But the curated content (Tidal Masters) is a big plus as well.
When you hooked up the external DAC components which made a difference and did you need the external DAC for improved sound?
You'll benefit from what the external dac provides. And there is a huge swathe to choose from. If the built in dac is ok with you, fine. If you "need" an extra dac you'll probably have been seeing interesting options out there, or you may already have a favorite DAC. The possibility to integrate my existing dac into the system is a plus (for me).
If you are just starting give the built in dac a chance. Think of it as a system that is flexible and gives you room for expansion.
Well, we look forward to watching you evolve as a digital audio guru. Hehe :D
I find that 24-bit audio on Qubus sounds less digital than a CD. at least female voices
Ugh, how does it sound ? Hooked up to an external dac how does it compare to a cd transport hooked up to the same dac ????
I hope you see this because this is a year old but I am curious about a couple things. I was looking at an article about RCA / Coax vs Optical connection and which was better for digital audio. But I also read that HDMI is a better option for digital music due to the data size. Is this true and if so why can I not find an amplifier that would accept an HDMI connection from the Bluesound Node? Everything that is an amp seems to be balanced or coax or optical. The new Node has and arc connection so does this work with an amplifier and is there amplifiers that accept HDMI for taking the DAC processed sound from the Node and playing through an amplifier?
Steve, a couple of things. HDMI and music, I'm not convinced it's all that big a deal except possibly for hi-res, true hi res musc of which is pretty darn scarce. VERY few two channel audio amps have HDMI connectivity, and no manufacturer has ever seen a need to really commit to adding the feature. So chill! As for optical vs coax, coax is better, but the quality of the cables can make the difference. As far as I can tell the new NODE's HDMI ARC is for hookup to TVs, not hi res DACs. But I could be wrong.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Steve, thank you for your time. That is what I was wondering. Since the DAC in the device already has converted the digital signal to analog, hooking up the device to a 2 channel receiver via Coax would not degrade the bitstream.
Hey Steve, would've been nice to hear a bit more about how the Bluesound Node 2i actually sounded.
How does it compare to listening to a CD for example?
How does playing a local digital file compare to streaming the same music on Qobuz or Tidal?
Does it work with Roon?
No offence but your actual review was about a minute's worth out of a 10min video.
Though thanks for the radio stations you mentioned.
Love my Node 2i!