The 2021 Bluesound NODE: A Deep Dive into its Features and Performance
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- čas přidán 10. 12. 2021
- In this video, I will give you a detailed review of the new BLUESOUND NODE (2021) and let you know my thoughts on its performance, sound quality, and overall value compared to its predecessor, the NODE 2i. I'll also go over the new features and upgrades that the Lenbrook Group has implemented, and give you a comprehensive overview of what to expect from the new BLUESOUND NODE. So, let's talk about the new BLUESOUND NODE (2021) and see if it lives up to its promises.
Music in this Video:
Bensound - Badass
Wandering Soul - Asher Fulero
That One Bar Scene - RKVC
B-Roll Video by Space Space from Pexels
B-Roll Photo by Francesco Ungaro from Pexels
B-Roll Photo by Dolby.com
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Fantastic video! I'm considering adding a streaming DAC to my setup and have watched SO MANY videos, including many about the Node.
Yours was very well presented (by which I mean, you are a good presenter!), full of information but efficiently delivered. Through the footage of you using the Node, I got the best idea yet of how it would work from a UI point of view. Just a great video all round, well done and thank you :)
Thank you very much 😊. You really made my day!
Thanks for a user-friendly review that speaks to usability without going down the rabbit hole...
Very comprehensive and informative review. I'm always apprehensive about putting a new layer between hardware that sounds great, but could be compromised if I get it wrong. This makes me want to investigate the benefits.
I have the Node connected via APTX-HD to my Bowers & Wilkins Formation Duos, and it sounds incredible. The combination of such a good speaker and the Node, brings out the best in the Node, and I now have such a simple way of playing every piece of music I own, via a USB drive with all my CDs ripped to FLAC, and on top of that, we have network shares to my wife's MAC and all of her music. With Tidal Masters as well, what I have is an incredibly simple, flexible way of playing whatever I want, in incredible quality. It may not be a super high-end audiophile setup like I have had in the past, but it's damn, damn good.
Awesome setup, I bet it sounds great!
I have only heard the formation Duo once, at a demo, but their sound definitely made a lasting impression.
Good stuff, I wanted something that would work as the audio centerpiece for my multimedia setup, and had heard mixed reviews about usability and support. Your video makes me feel much more confident when it comes time to purchase the hardware that will fit my needs
I really liked this review. I just purchased the Node and your video took the edge off the installation anxiety. I'll let you know how it goes.
Excellent choice, the NODE is a great sounding and extremely reliable streamer.
Great video, thanks!
Great review!
you have a fantastic audio visual set up well done!
Thank you very much. I just wish I could get rid of that annoying, constantly reoccurring, upgrade itch😄
fantastic work
Thanks, you made my day!
Thank you for the review. Do you recommend running the Node through a DAC or directly to my McIntosh? Have you tried it with Tital. I am currently running a iPhone dock directly into my amp. Sound is ok, will the node improve my overall sound quality. Thank you.
Great review, I will for sure save for one of these... ;-)
Thanks Retus, I appreciate it. I'm sure you will like the NODE.
Usb dac amplifier works now with primare i25 prisma. Sadly with no fixed usb sound output.
Hi ! Is the bluesound node sounds better, when playing via analog, than the ls50 wireless, or the difference is minor ? I have a pair of ls50 wireless 1st gen and i want to upgrade the connectivity, but i don't want to loose in terms of sound quality. Thanks a lot for your response.
Nice review! Unrelated question: what desk stands are you using for those LS50's?
Hello Alexander and thank you. Those are IsoAcoustics ISO-155 stands.
@HiFi Reference How would you rate the usb audio 2.0 output against the analog and the digital coaxial in terms of sound quality? i brought one for myself and planning to connect via usb audio out to my RME adi2 dac. Interested to know your impressions of it so far.
I have one. I use the built in DAC; I haven’t seen any reason to use an external DAC. I am trying to minimize the number of devices in my setup.
Use it for my TV (eARC), laptop (optical), network (wired network), and casting from my phone.
Edit: oh yeah, I output to an integrated amp.
Thank you for your review. I’m thinking of getting a used Sonos Connect preamplifier. It’s much cheaper option. Will it to the same thing?
Yes, it does basically the same thing and the Sonos sounds good too. Just be aware that Sonos Connect devices that are manufactured from 2011-2015, do no longer receive software updates from Sonos. It's probably best to dig through some Sonos forums and see how that affects the usability.
I just purchased the node 2 weeks ago and like you purchased it primarily for USB out. I intend to go USB out to a DDC and then I2S into my Holo spring KTE Dac. So far I’m using spdif into my Dac but I really need the ddc and I2S to help clean up the signal path. If they don’t have it ready soon then I will be retuning it. Thanks for the review!
Thank you for your view and feedback. Yeah, it's taking way longer than expected! Luckily, I was able to sell my old Node 2i at a great price, plus I bought this with a small discount. Otherwise, I'd be very annoyed.
@@YuriBrus Just installed the latest firmware and I'm happy to say that USB out is now working!!
@@malcatron Really? Gonna rush home and try it out, thanks!!!
@@YuriBrus Does USB work?
@@klepp19 yes, in my setup it works flawless
Thank You.
👍🙂
Thanks very much! Great review! So, just to be sure, you can use the USB out to bypass the internal DAC when you plug it into a standalone external DAC or say an integrated amp with a DAC?
Hello Alex and thank you for your positive feedback. Yes, the NODE N130 has been updated and USB audio out works great 👍
@@YuriBrus Thanks again. That's good to know. Some amps just don't have coaxial and optical ins for some reason. For example, I am looking at the Roksan Blak integrated, all it has is USB.
@@Rascallucci That's an excellent amp. Unfortunately, it's very difficult to find where I live.
Hi Yuri, great informative video, thanks for this. At the end of this vid you were mentioning/questioning the fact if people with a certain setup should upgrade to this. I'm kind of a "digi-beet" (you're Dutch are'nt you ? ;-) so let me ask you this ; i have a all analogue setup with a turntable , great spreakers , and two Roksan amps (pre+power) . I want more easy accesable music ! So when i buy this Node ; do i need a better DAC or doe this Node sound great by itself? Easy controlling this with an Iphone too right ? Thanks again !
Thank you for your positive feedback and question. Yeah, I'm Dutch 😄.
Within its price range, it's definitely one of the best streamers, even if you stick to the internal DAC. It's probably not going to sound as good as your turntable, but it's super easy to operate, and with something like Tidal, you'll have access to more music than you ever imagined.
Sure, BluOs works on iOS as well.
Hoe klinkt het rechtstreeks op een eindversterker, en heeft een extra voorversterker dan nog een meerwaarde, klankmatig?
They have usb output now supported into an external dac
hi, i am using hegel h95 + kef ls50 meta
I wanna buy this product
What advantages does h95 + ls50meta + node 2021 provide
Does it improve sound quality?
I will be very grateful if you reply
Did the firmware update happen with the USB audio out yet? Thanks great video.
Hello David, and thank you for your positive feedback and question.
Yes, the previous update fixed that. USB audio out works flawlessly👍
hi I wanted to ask you for an opinion on the new Blusound, how does it sound? is the app reliable?
In my opinion, the Bluesound NODE is one of the best streamers for around $500. It sounds very good and the app works great on both my android phone as well as on my windows PC.
I just bought a NODE and im very disapointed by the hdmi arc that decrease volume quite alot. And its really2 small
Thanks
Now I have this streamer but still I need to turndown the treble lower. I have tinnitus and use rogue RP1 tubes as preamp, Emotiva XPA gen3 two as amp and Magneplanar 3.6 speakers
I saw you had the RME equalizer that I’m curious about how it works with Bluesound
I have hearing issues, I use an equaliser in my system to tweak it to suit my crappy hearing.
@@aussie8114 Thanks equaliser is getting closer to a buy
@@urbantone Maybe you could try the Schiit 6 band EQ in between the pre amp and amp. That EQ is apparently transparent in the system. Most people seem to say the RME is too complex.
Very nice review! I’m just wondering since the KEF´s already have a steamer built in, how do they compare? Also, its impossible to bypass Kef´s internal dac, even on RCA input. The analog signal coming from the Node, will be converted to digital and then again to analog. Can you hear a significant difference between KEF alone and KEF + Node? Thank you!
Hello Luis André. Thank you for your feedback and questions. Yes, that is correct. You cannot bypass the internal DSP/DAC of the lS50 WII, so unfortunately, with this setup, I could not make a proper comparison between the NODE’s analog and digital outputs. Compared to the NODE 2i via analog, to the LS50 WII, the newer NODE sounds a bit more dynamic and open. This is also the case when I compare the NODE to the KEFs internal streamer. Although, the difference is not that huge, that I would recommend purchasing a NODE, just to connect to the KEF LS50 Wireless II. Currently, I use the NODE as my desktop source, connected to an RME ADI-2 DAC FS and a pair of Dynaudio LYD7 active monitors. This setup costs about the same as the KEF LS50 Wireless II, and in my opinion, is a good alternative to the Wireless II for someone who wants to be able to use headphones as well or doesn’t like the’ specific’ KEF sound.
@@YuriBrus Thank you for you feedback! That means the ADA conversion on the KEF speakers is quite good and transparent. I liked your review very much. I have the KEF LS50 I and I’m tired of Audirvana not working smoothly. Playback stops very often. For that reason I’m considering a Node to become my main streamer for the KEF’s.
@Luis André Ferreira Are you using Audirvana with the LS50 Wireless II?
@@YuriBrus I have the LS 50 Wireless first model, not the new one. Yes, I use Audirvāna with them. I think it’s a great interface, especially the upnp function, but it’s very unstable.
@@luisandre12345 I also use Audirvana with my LS50 WIRELESS speakers. I like it much better than the internal streamer of the KEFs. Do you use WiFi?
Is it possible to wreck the nodes dynamics by hooking it to an amp/preamp with less dynamics? Or is that not how it works?
Hello and yes, it is possible that due to a gain mismatch between a source device and an amp, the signal either gets distorted or sounds too weak. The NODE, however, has a pretty solid output voltage when set to fixed output volume. So far I did not have to make any gain adjustments on any of my active speakers and I expect it to perform well with most amplifiers.
You should have mentioned the high pass filter for the subwoofer out, though I suppose it's not a new Node feature as such.....it's extremely useful
Hello Dominic, thanks for pointing that out, it is indeed a great feature, and I regret not mentioning it. Don't know how I have forgotten that, I had especially prepared my SVS to show that function.
You mean “low pass”. (It lets the low frequencies pass through)
@@YuriBrus Could you not have used anold AVR's for subwoofer output? I am wondering whether Node 2021 can connect to AVR via HDMI and how would that use case play out? My TV is connected to AVR via HDMI and Toslink connects TV to AVR to "return" audio to it. Bluray is also connected to AVR via HDMI, as well as Roku 3 (which I use to play Plex channel when music server runs Plex server). I am wondering how to optimally connect Node 2021, Roku 3, Linux music server/streamer, an old AVR with Preamp out to a hifi amplifier (to leverage hi-fi nigh end as much as possible for the home theater setup)?
Which of the following software can Node 2021 run, if you know:
Roon endpoint,
HQP NAA
MPD
Plex
Squeezelite
...
@@Burevestnik9M730 The NODE is Roon Ready, but if you want all the other option, then something like this maybe more interesting for you: www.sotm-audio.com/sotmwp/english/portfolio-item/sms-200/
So can it play music firles directly from a external hard drive?
Yes, it can👍
Yuri, I have no idea if you have any experience with Macs, but I would still like to hear your thoughts... Mac Mini, which I own, or Node which I do not own? Feeding a Schiit Gungnir Multibit DAC. Is the USB audio out on the Node working yet? And I assume the Node HDMI will extract audio off of the TV, CEC compliant? Is that working? The HDMI CEC is the reason I am considering the Node... Or, stick with the Apple TV with CEC? Also, thoughts from any one else would be appreciated too. TY
Hi Michael
The NODE does support CEC and the USB audio out is working since the latest update from last December.
Unfortunately, I do not have a Mac Mini to do a direct comparison, but two of my friends are using a Mac Mini as their source, and they are very satisfied with the sound quality. Myself, I have both the NODE and a Prime Mini Windows PC connected to my DAC. I'm using Audirvana on my PC and in comparison with the NODE, there is no noticeable difference in SQ. I'm keeping the NODE though, as a second desktop source, for when I am using my PC for other applications, plus I sometimes use it in other setups as well.
If I could only have 1 source, though, I would keep the PC with Audirvana.
@@YuriBrus Thank you Yuri, keep up the good work, I enjoy your reviews.
@@michaelwright1602 Thanks, I appreciate that.
Excellent review. Thank you!
Has USB output been enabled since?
I’d want to connect it to the Audiolab MDAC+
Found it has been added.
Have you tested it?
@@nickbdy Yes, it works flawless 👍
Thank you very much 😊
@@YuriBrus How would you rate the usb audio 2.0 output against the analog and the digital coaxial in terms of sound quality? i brought one for myself and planning to connect via usb audio out to my RME adi2 dac. Interested to know your impressions of it so far.
@@sreec9106 Compared to the NODE 2i, the analog output has improved. However, I think it still sounds better when you use the digital outputs. Between the USB and coaxial output I can't hear much difference, with the RME it is possible to connect both simultaneously and switch in the BluOs app, if you would like to do a comparison. Ultimately, I chose to use the coaxial output, because I also have a mini PC that runs Audirvana and I want to use that with the RME as well.
Great video: thanks
So you know if the node can stream to am Apple speaker using AirPlay?
Hello Carl thanks for your positive feedback and sorry for my late reply. Unfortunately I gave away my Homepod mini, so I cannot verify this, but I suspect it is possible via AirPlay.
@@YuriBrus I asked BluOS and they only implemented audio TO a BluOS device
@@video-carl thanks, that's good to know.
I went and purchased the Node a couple of months ago and must say I am very happy with it. I cannot hear a difference between it and the same tracks played on my CD transport. I keep hearing how other players are better sound quality wise, but if I cannot tell the difference between the Node and a CD transport, what are these "better" players doing to the sound? This is digital, not analog. Thanks again for the video Yuri!
Thank you, for watching and for your positive feedback.
So it should. It is a bit of an audiophile myth that there CD players and streamers sound different, providing it is not faulty or has one of those vanishingly rare R2R Dacs. Any sound differences are either due to marketing induced expectation biases or different volume levels. That is not to say that specs can be better on some DACs but it is always at levels below audibility. Sound level matched any differences between CD players and streamers magically disappear in double blind tests. Same with CD v Hi Res, there is no audible difference in sound quality apart from mastering or master sources which may be different but then it is not comparing apples with apples. Having said that, I really like the Bluesound streamer for its functionality at a good price point.
Great review.
Do you have any experience setting up the Node (2021) with third party wireless speakers? As I understand this can only be achieved through Bluetooth.
Thank you in advance.
Hello and thanks for your positive feedback.
That is correct, the NODE supports 2-way Bluetooth, so you can send the signal to either a Bluetooth headset or speakers. Alternatively, you can use the analog output and connect it to active speakers or, if your Bluetooth speaker has a 3.5 mm jack input, use that.
Have a great day and best regards
Yuri
@@YuriBrus Thanks. Actually my main question was (which I did not put) is if using third party wireless speakers will degrade the quality of the Node's 'plusses'.
@@ArnaudSiemons Bluetooth is not the type of connection that I would recommend. From my experience, hardwired always sounds better than wireless. So yes, I think it possibly will degrade the sound quality.
I think it still have this 50ms artificial delay over optical/analog and 300ms with builtin BT
Great work thanks! what differences did you perceive by attaching it to the RME dac?
Hello Enrico, thank you for your positive feedback, I appreciate it. Unfortunately, the RME does not have analog inputs, so for a direct comparison between the NODE's internal DAC and an external one, I used the KEF Wireless II's analog and digital inputs. In that constellation there is no audible difference, at least none that I can hear. If I add the RME in between, though, I do notice a somewhat better instrument separation and with some recordings, vocals seem to grow slightly larger, if that makes sense? Currently, I have it set up like this; The NODE via USB out to the RME and the RME via XLR to a pair of active Dynaudio LYD 7 speakers. Sounds extremely good for a sub $2500 system.
@@YuriBrus why did you switch from coax to usb?
@@mantasdapkus1198 The USB output on the NODE is a recently added feature included in the latest update, that is why I am running that now. However, I did leave the Coax cable connected and in the BluOS App you can easily switch between either output. Connected to the RME DAC, they both sound very good and I will have to do a lot more listening to decide which option sounds best to me.
@@YuriBrus cool, i was worried that you have instantly decided that USB sounds better. I'm going to grab the Node and use it on my RME! Currently TV is connected via optical and PC through USB. Nice to know that i won't be losing much (if anything) by connecting the Node through coax. Thanks 👍
@@mantasdapkus1198 Yeah, I'll probably end up doing the same. Leave the NODE connected via Coax and use the USB input on the RME for my PC, else I can't use Audirvana any more 🙄
Will this play a library on a usb drive plugged into it?
Yes, it does. It only has 1 port though. So if ever the USB audio output will work, you would have to choose if you'd want to connect your DAC or an external drive.
I have just purchased and set up this newest edition of the node, connected to my Denon avr with the included rca cables. I conducted a little experiment using my Cambridge Audio Azur bluray connected by some high quality rca cables. I listened to an album ( blu ray audio) with the Cambridge, and the same via Qobuz . I couldn’t tell to much difference. I have to wait for my NAS to arrive, to stream my own music, rather than my picks on Qobuz, cause I did try the usb, external hard drive attached to the back but , if forums are to believed cause it is formatted for use by a MAC , Blu Sound does not support. But I have set up the app on my iPad rather phone, so I have a remote with a 10” screen.
It's a very capable streamer, still like mine very much, and use it nearly every day 😀
5 months later, are you still happy with the Node? I'm considering adding a streaming DAC to my AVR setup (Sony 1080 AVR, Dali Oberon 7 speakers).
I really want an improvement in SQ compared to streaming from my HTPC. It seems that everyone feels the Node DAC is just "ok" compared to similar priced non-streaming DACs which people rave about.
How have you gotten on with the internal DAC compared to the Cambridge?
@@al201103 Very happy with it.. I have actually mostly been using this device to listen to music. I have to admit that it has been surprising at times with the Blu Sound dac picking up different nuances in music I had ripped from CD. I have listened to plenty of times using my Cambridge Audio Blu ray, yet somehow I can occasionally find these little differences, subtle and pleasant an extra little bit of instruments . Occasional hiccups in streaming using Qobuz, but that is more internet hiccups than problems in the unit. For the price point, it is a great little unit,
@@sandgroper1970 Wow! Thanks for such a quick and in-depth reply!!! Very glad to hear you're loving it!
Just finished watching a 34 minute DAC shootout on YT....more uncertain than ever and coming to the conclusion that one DAC might not be enough!!!
Do you recommend the Node over Audirvana on your computer?
Hi Craig, no I don't. I still like Audirvana a lot. It's convenient to have a stand-alone streamer, but it's not a necessity and if I could only have one, I'd choose Audirvana on a good PC.
This a reference gear for thoose who prefer streaming to other sources. If is not in my house is because I audiotioned a 2i and seemed poor sounding to me . Is really the new Node a big steep from 2i?
8:25
There's a video on YT comparing the Zen stream with the Bluesound Node. It's worth a look. With higher end equipment at any rate, the Stream comes out a lot better. EDIT// note that the Zen doesn't have a DAC
@@sdrtcacgnrjrc streamers are transparent i think. Node's dac is not great but with external dac it can be great purchase. Especially that bluos is great and included for free (maybe only expensive Roon is better than this system). Ifi streamer has many connection problems I read...
Primare i25 prisma + Bluesound node N130, was about to return the Node n130. the sound became restless and my ears tired while listening. Node 2 just sounded more relaxed. The problem was that Gain was set higher than 0. +4. for the 3 inputs on the Primare i25 prisma, reset it to 0, what a relief that is. Bluesound has fantastic software, where Heos is simply lousy and unworkable, especially in Nas environment. that's where the bluesound comes into its own.
Can you turn the blue LED off in software?
If I remember correctly, it can only be dimmed, while in operation. Unfortunately I currently can't check this, so I hope someone else can verify this.
Can you control the volume from the node even though you are using an external dac?
I tested: No! (Unless there is a hidden setting that I missed of course!)
@@jujuu2 thank you for testing!!
Can this Node play Apple hi re lossless to my home amplifier (Linn)?
Hi John, if you use the Node hardwired to your amp, then yes. The NODE is AirPlay compatible
@@YuriBrus Thank you!
@@YuriBrus AirPlay comparable but up to 24/192 or just 16/40?
How can I connect NODE to my MARANTZ SR5014
Hello and thank you for your question. You have three options to connect the NODE to a Marantz SR5014 AV-Receiver. The first is 'analog' with RCA cables, the second and third are both digital, with either an optical or coaxial cable. Still, you do not necessarily need a BlueSound Node to stream music with the SR5014, since this AV-Receiver comes with its own streaming platform 'HEOS'. This might not be as smooth as BluOs, but it's still a capable platform, with a fairly good app. If possible, I'd recommend connecting an Ethernet cable to the Marantz, this will give you a more stable connection than WiFi.
@@YuriBrus Thankyou
@@mvsrpharma anytime 👍
I believe the latest firmware update now allow USB line out. Can anybody confirm?
Hello Rizal. Yes, that is correct. USB audio out now works since the last update in December. Best regards, Yuri.
The update was released 12/28/21.
@@NateEll yep, works great
Appreciate this is an old video and the ship may have sailed...but if you want to correct all of your album artwork, a program called Bliss does a great job (maybe 40 Euro for unlimited subscription). Scans your files and scrapes for all the data for you online, and makes the replacements after your approval. All done in a couple of hours.
Excellent tip, thank you very much 😊
Can you use that via Hi-Fi????
Yes, you can
@@YuriBrus Super
It's still one of the easiest streamers available 👍
@@YuriBrusThanks 👌
N130 usb not functional w/XMOS 2.0
except for the mqa and hdmi you get the same by buying any old apple ipad.
if this sounds good the previous of the same product must have been really bad.
"Setting up multiple players is super easy as well." Spoken with confidence like someone who has never set up multiple players on bluesound before. I can tell you from experience it is not easy and it certainly isn't easy to play Spotify on multiple players once you've got them set up.
SPDIF sounds better than usb anyway
Can you explain why? Most say use USB so we use the DAC clock.
@@klepp19 clock less jitter
@@pennfootball71 I thought they were both the same?
Airplay but no Chromecast = fail.
Hi Motorambler. Yeah, that's a bit of a bummer. Apparently it's not possible to add just the Google Chromecast for Audio, at least not at the moment. Who knows, maybe in a future update, but I'm not counting on it. Have a great day and best regards, Yuri
@@YuriBrus of course it's possible to add Chromecast.
@@moto-rambler this is the latest Bluesound Support post, regarding this topic; support1.bluesound.com/hc/en-us/community/posts/4412978980119-Where-is-chromecast-
@@YuriBrus I see, adding Chromecast is hard. so basically Bluesound is lazy?
@@moto-rambler Possible, or maybe the demand for audio only Chromecast is too low, even google doesn't offer the Chromecast audio any longer. No idea, personally, I do prefer Chromecast over AirPlay though.
Don't hold your breath for USB audio support, it will never happen. Back in 2019, Bluesound/NAD promised Dirac Live Bass Control support for their M33 Blueos streaming amp, it's 2023 and still no signs of it coming anytime soon. Never buy a product based of promised features!
Overpriced, an android TV box and a DAC plus USB player pro app cost less than £120
Although I do think it's a good streamer and worth it's money, I am always open to explore alternatives. Have you seen this one already: czcams.com/video/_h98vloKWno/video.html
Best regards, Yuri
Yes but they sound like crap while bluesound node sounds so good!
Thank You.
I thank you 😊
I think it still have this 50ms artificial delay over optical/analog and 300ms with builtin BT.
I guess you mean, when you connect it to your TV? Have you tried HDMI?