A good budget streamer - Bluesound node 2i
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- čas přidán 11. 02. 2020
- #hifireview #bluesound #stereoreview #audiophile #hifi #streamer #dac #node2i
I wanted to try some more recent stereo streamers and got the Bluesound Node 2i. The Node 2i sound quality is apparently better than Node 2 based on what I read. The software does require a lot of patience to setup and there is not really a manual.
Having said that, this is one budget streamer that is pretty good.
Thank you Thomas for clarifying that the dac in the 2i can be bypassed in order to hook it up to a better day like the Schiit Gungner 2 multibit dac. I'm now a subscriber too.
DSD ?
Thank you so much! I just ordered the Node2i, your review is certainly the clearest and most well made on youtube, I do not understand English well but your review was clear and understandable by anyone. Thank you
Great to hear!
For not understanding english well you do write pretty well though...
Greetings, Thomas! Thanks for the nice review. I recently swapped the original cable (of Bluesound) to Nanotec power cord (with Tellurium plugs) and the result is more than what I was expecting.
I really like Bluesound. The sound quality is great and the prices are kind of the sweet spot. The combo with tidal it's just killer 👌
Very useful review. I really appreciated Frederick as he offers a great "common man" view point!
Finally a straightforward discussion on the dac inside the blue sound. Thank you.
Thanks for this Thomas. I have not entered the world of digital streaming but have been very curious about the Bluesound products. In my (mid-fi) system this may just be the way to go.
I think it is a solid choice for entry level streamers. Just hard to setup as I mentioned.
As an happy owner of Bluesound node 2i, with almost a year of use, I can tell You, couldn't be more objective your review!!
Hey Tom I actually own the Vault 2i and it's a great piece regardless of it's price. I have to also give a shout out to Bluesound customer support they are one of the best I've had the pleasure to deal with. Great company great value products.
Thanks for sharing!
I think the Bluesound is such a great product for the price. You can connect it to a high-end DAC and use the Bluesound just for streaming and replace it every x years as the streaming world evolves.
Hi Thomas, just found you. Very interesting video. I have just purchased this unit ( recommened by British Audiofile ) and am very pleased with it. Keep up the good work.Regards Richard Herbert.
Thanks for sharing
Hi Thomas, first of all, I'm glad you feel better. Second, I put together a system for my friend's 50th birthday including following: bluesound + KEF LS50W and stand + Focal Air sunbwoofer and Audioquest cables. Man! It sounded great when I did AB test close to my McIntosh + Focal Diablo + REL subs
What are the benefits of adding a Bluesound Node 2i to the Kef LS50Wireless (2)? I thought the Kef already had lots of options for streaming Tidal/Spotify Connect/etc..
A combo of a Bluesound Powernode 2i with a pair of passive Kef LS50 (Meta)s could also be attractive I guess.
@@Wuppie62 couple things in my opinion: blusound works under wifi and wifi has broader band than BT.
And Blusound DAC is way better than builtin DAC on KEF.
I have another system contains: Focal Diablo, McIntosh MC601, C2600 and LUMIN DAC, and two Rel TI9 Subs,
With KEF LS50W + Bluesound + focal Sub, I got 80% of sound stage of my premium set
@@hamidnia7242 Hi, may I ask you how do you connect the bluesound to the kef's? Do you use the rca input or another way?.
I'm looking for a quality tidal/hi-res files streaming solution for my klipsch the fives. Currently my main source is a fiio m11 pro that it supposed to have a quite good dac set, but it doesn't seems to make a real difference. I've connected it through phono input (line) and USB, but it sound laking power and resolution. A big difference compared when I use HDMI (streaming tidal/spotify to a chromecast on my tv) or the optical input (to connect a cd player) it sound way more lively, strong and detailed that way.
I'm thinking to get a bluesound but I'm afraid I could get just the same result if I plug it to the fives via rca, or couldn't be able to bypass the fives dac plugging it to the optical input.
Any info could be very useful, thanks in advance!
Good work, sir ! I like your style with no bs !
Thanks for the review! I bought one, due to arrive tomorrow. I'll be hooking this up to a Mytek Liberty external DAC going into Parasound Zpre3 preamp and Emotiva XPA-2 amp powering Def Tech BP-8060ST towers. Hope it sounds good!
Does it support MQA
@@Andersljungberg yes
I run four of them in a multi room setup. THE main feature for me was that they are ROON Ready and use the robust RAAT protocol.
Also, I feel wired is much better for those although wireless is stable most of the time but not flawless.
I use almost every feature that it packs and that’s a lot. Very satisfied with both features and sound.
Four! Wow you are really maximizing it's potential.
Thanks Thomas. I am using the Node 2i with a Chord Hugo TT2 dac. I use it especially with Tidal and Spotify. I can only compare with my laptop and it is much better. I think it is good enough.
How do you connect it to your Chord, Coax? If so, what cable do you use? I consider buying this streamer and test it by connecting to my Roksan DAC.
I love mine thanks Thomas for that review
I’ve bought mine more than a year ago. Great unit. Easy to use and sounds very good.
Congrats and thanks for commenting.
I run a hardwired Ethernet Node2 (pre-i) via the coax S/PDIF out to a Levinson pre/DAC. With expensive RCAs there isn’t a ton of difference between the two. But the Node2 sounds identical to my Aurelic streamer when run via coaxial digital out.
It’s a value high point. There are better units. But to get a net better in every area of performance, you’re essentially looking at Top Line Aurelic, PSA DirectStream with Bridge, etc. all of which are roughly 10x the price of the Node2/i.
If you already have a solid DAC, grab the Node2/i and don’t look back for a few years. 👍😎
what coax cable do you use for the node2i?
Good format for this review Thomas, thanks.
I've been enjoying more music since getting the VAULT2 and loading it with about 8000 music tracks so far.
(2TB is probably excessive since I've only used about 30GB)
Quobuz works well and Spotify for my wife ;-)
Yeah, convenience is definitely one should consider when it comes to buying gear. Sometimes because it is so easy to access our library, we end up using it more.
Has anyone here compared.a Chromecast Audio to a Bluesound when connected to a high end DAC? I have a Nuprime Dac-10. Is there a significant sound difference? Considering the CCA and Node are just passing 1's and 0's to my DAC...isnt the sound more about my Dac sound quality at that point?
I'm a big fan of the BlueSound Node 2i; I do use it as a streaming transport only and feed the coaxial digital output into my Naim DAC. This gives high-res from virtual any streaming service. When combined with my nDAC the sound is amazing.
I use a Node2 as a pre-amp also. Direct into a David Berning EA-230. Very simple to use with presets, especially with the available wand remote for it. Any remote will work as the Nodes will learn commands, but the metal Bluesound remote is a nice extra. Use the trigger out to turn my amp on and off and I have a very simple solution for my family.
I should note, presets don't work with playlists of music on USB drives in back, only on nas shares and Spotify. Had to ask support about that one.
Thomas, I hope you will test the denefrips with a low jitter high quality source and possibly compare to this one.
Good reviews! love working with bluesound. I do however have some remarks to ensure its quality. 1st If possible lock the output volume, using the buildin volume controll does degrade the sound quality. 2nd Try to keep tone controll off, even switching the button withoout adjusting the sound levels does also affect the sound quality.
If you use the volume control in digital domain, absolutely, sound quality will suffer. through the analogue output it's fine. What i found is that when switching tone controls on/off, the overall volume level changes, volume drops if tone controls are switched on. I guess this has to do with keeping headroom when turning up bass and/or treble. Used sensibly, it's fine though. Some poor recordings can do with a bit of manual manipulation in that area!
Hi,
This is my first streamer. Like you, I found it a bit of a challenge to set up but it has worked well since then.
I have it connected to an audio input of a Classe preamp and it sounds great. I don't find it analytic at all.
Thanks for the idea of connecting it to a dac. This offers a possible upgrade path.
Yeah, setup was a pain but once done it is fine. Yup, you can upgrade the DAC and many people in the comment section has shared their positive experience.
Hi Thomas! Great reviews! If you're interested in trying other budget solutions, please check the pi2aes board. It requires minimal DIY though: marrying it with a Raspberry Pi. But there is pretty good instruction on SBAF. I currently use 502DAC as a digital streamer (bought before pi2aes was available). I quite prefer its sound quality to the USB converter solution (Schiit Eitr), both connected to DAC via SPDIF input. Better soundstage volume, instrument placement, and probably little details. The difference is not night and day, but is fairly noticeable to an experienced listener. Interesting how it compares to the other streamers.
Thanks!
This is the best explanatory presentations by Thomas-- Yet one has to have a look at the critical comments (as recent as Dec 2019) by the people who purchased this device (Bluesound Node 2i Wireless) from Amazon -- You may then wonder why so many complaints about the device buggy/ defective software and its difficulty either with Bluetooth pairing or wireless connectivity etc. And that is regardless of the fact that they have all confirmed its good sound ...
Nice one as always Thomas.
I’ve owned the original Node | Node 2, and found that used in tandem with a decent DAC between $800 - $2.000, and say something like the Albedo Audio Pure Silver Coaxial cable and an iFi Audio SP/DIF purifier, linked in turn to an inexpensive linear power supply, it becomes even nicer.........., yet haven’t missed having the ability to upsample my tracks DSD 128 via Audirvana Plus with my second time around Mac Mini, in which I’m loving it.
As you’ve stated, it was the software connectivity which caused me to go full circle, yet in true.........., I do crave something like the Innuos ZenMini MK ll or say a Aurender N100H, but only time will tell.
Until next time, stay well Thomas.
O_o scar
Thanks! I was looking at the Aurender N100H for myself actually. Waiting on a Lumin streamer currently and will see how it performs.
Funny thing, the higher end your system is the more you can hear the flaws. Resolution is a double edge sword.
Great review Thomas. Maybe one day you ll have opportunity to review Cambridge Audio CXN V2 Network Player and/or Primare prisma amp/streamer/DAC.
Thanks for the suggestion, hopefully I will.
Use to have a node 2 and the Dac wasn't a good fit with my system and ear. I tried pre box and then an RME ADI-2 and I can say that the node was behind. Could not deliver the stage and separation of the pre box or RME. The RME is way superior even with a RPI and volumio to feed ....so overall it.is a good product for $$$ but not audiophile from my pov. Just saying. Good video and review keep on thanks
Thanks Thomas for the video. I have a question. What if I have an amplifier with already a DAC built in it? Shouldn’t an IPad connected via USB and controlled with Tidal connect do the same thing?
The agree that easy to use, sounding good, and stability are key factors. That said, the Denafrips and Bluesound units are excellent (enough) for most folks..
Hi Thomas, love your channel. Could you please tell me what music is playing in the background?
I love my 2i--I have it i white, with a purple flare power cord..lol. . At 5 to 6X the price one could move up to a Mytec Brooklyn Bridge---still way less costly than a PS Direct Stream or Aurender, Would love to see you review that.
Nice rundown on this unit Thomas. I just bought one about a month ago and I'm loving it (using Tidal as we don't get Qobuz in the Great White North). I agree I think you have go to a lot higher priced unit to significantly best it. I run mine WIFI with a tablet and works fine. Had no issues setting it up at all. Just adding my 2 cents worth. Thank you.
Thanks Nick, I am curious what other streamers are there out there that can compete.
@@ThomasAndStereo I don't have an answer for that. I have a what I'll call a modest audiophile system that works great for me, so as you said it doesn't make much sense to drop in a 2 to 3 thousand dollar unit.
Im using the node 2i for about 6 Weeks Now. I was looking for a solid streamer with a Good UI, where i can maybe add a Multiroom Speaker later.
Currently the Node 2i is working as my Main Streaming Device and DAC, hooked up to a Shiit Jotunheim for balanced Pre amp Outs to 2 Shiit Vidars.
The Device is Not perfectly easy to setup but anyone will do it..
The App works Good to Perfect in My opinion and the Integration of Streaming Services, USB devices, NAS, bluetooth Is Self explained.
The build in Dac is really Good for what it is. And like you Guys mentioned. You Need to Upgrade a lot of Other components first until you Go for a external DAC.
Also the low latency of the Multi Room playback is nice and just Works well !
I use it with wired network connection and like it a lot.
Its really cool to just let a friend Play some tunes via Bluetooth in seconds.
If your looking for similar things its a no brainer at 550€. (Here in Germany)
Thanks Thomas and Fred for the nice Video. Keep it up !
Thanks and glad it is working well in your setup. Appreciate the feedback.
Does anyone know how the 2i works as a Roon endpoint? I’ve heard mixed things. I’d be running it into a Qutest, so thank you for confirming that it’s onboard dac can be bypassed.
Thanks. I have this unit and agree that it’s solid at this price point. I ended up connecting it to a Pro-Ject S2 music box dac and it sounds noticeably better to me.
Ah nice! So the project S2 dac is better.
Hi Thomas, love your reviews. if you get a chance could you review the S.M.S.L dp5 streamer/dac. Looks like it is in the same price bracket as the node, supports full mqa decoding, and also supports dlna
Very nice video, thanks! It would be interesting to see a direct comparison with the Audiolab 6000N, the other popular streamer at this price point, specially using no external DACs, as this is how most people are going to use them.
@David Israel, I switched from a Node 2i to the 6000N and I prefer the Audiolab. I use Amazon UHD so I don’t need the MQA unfolding. An interesting thought however, mine runs through a Denon X4700 I use as a processor and I use Audyssey. As a result, even analog inputs are digitized so it doesn’t matter what DAC the streamer has, its handed off to the Denon DAC once its digitized. So it should be a moot point, they should both sound the same......
Thanks for the review. Spot on, if you ask me. Bought a second hand node2 first as a try out a couple of years ago. The total ease of use and decent sound won me over. Traded up to a 2i a year ago. Even more natural, brilliant soundstage for the money. And indeed, instrument separation also very good. Slightly warm sound. Personally I enjoy listening to mqa files. Through the 2i this leaves little to be desired. 'good enough'? Yes. I am curious about your ares2 findings. Might be an interesting next step. Even without mqa. Greetings from the Netherlands.
Thanks, yeah the ARES2 can do something in terms of sound quality the Node 2i cannot do.
I've Just put out an email to Topping asking if they could send you a d90. Comparing that to the ares2 (and MP dac) on the node would help me decide which way to go next. Sean asked viewers in a video to reach out to audio makers to ask for review gear. Ok, if It helps you (and Sean, and Jay), sure.
By the way, did you see the ares2 and the cheap tube amp you reviewd several months ago are both in backorder? 😂
Thanks for another great review, Thomas. The Node 2i is a great device. To get the best sound quality an external DAC is essential. I'm using the Moon Mind2 streamer. Sound is better but the Moon app isn't nearly as good as the Bluos app.
Yeah, I almost bought a Moon Mind2 streamer myself.
Hi Thomas! I have a Samsung TV, bought in 2018, 49 MU6500. I want to connect a Bose 5.1 Accoustimass 7 via a Pioneer Receiver VSX-D603 S ( old style receiver from 1990's). what would you recommend? thanks
Great video, thanks Thomas.
Must admit, I really like your channel and your balanced appraisal of audio gear.
I appreciate that!
No problem, you are welcome.
Hi there, what would be the most convenient (and also stable) way to access my flac files (on a 2tb hdd) from the node2i? I'm thinking (1) via the usb port behind; (2) connecting the hdd to my nighthawk r7000 router's usb port; or (3) through an internal hdd on a network PC. Thanks.
I don't remember as I don't have the unit anymore, but looking at the photo, there is a USB port at the back. Perhaps plug the harddrive directly to that port? I remember it worked with a USB stick, it has been a while for me.
Still puzzling what to attach to my new Arcam p240 poweramp and monitor studio gx200 speakers. Currently a marantz av8003 (had the mm8003 poweramp but that's dead..). Considering a stereo preamp like musical fidelity 6 series. But i would need a separate dac to attach the cd, tv and a i.e. node 2i streamer with tidal mqa. Or go for a streamer that attaches all.
Any advice what would be a good dac to consider? I am new in that territory. Or a worthy preamp with dac:)
The reason i stay away from most network streamers that can function as preamp is horrendously bad (like arcam st60) or nad that apparently keeps breaking down
Its a frustrating puzzle right now:)
It would be interesting to hear what you think about the PecanPi Streamer. There's been a recent CZcams review on this comparing it to the BS2i, but it would be interesting to get your thoughts on it too. I enjoy the interesting approach you have in your reviews. Cheers!
Would you go with a Raspberry Pi (Allo DigiOne Signature Player) and Volumio (w/linear PS) instead? Using an external dac via SPDIF etc. Want to have Qobuz, Spotify, Network audio etc all easy in one place and best quality etc. (between the two).
Nice review Thomas. I took the plunge 2 months ago have zero regrets. I'm using a schiit gungnir dac and the node 2i streams music flawlessly. The internal dac is good enough given the price of the node 2i.
Robert Cowart Hi, is using the gungnir as a Dac for the node 2i significantly better?
@@delvalle9256 yes it is better. It digs deeper into the recording with more detail without being analytical. Schiit makes great products.
Robert Cowart Thanks.
Thanks for the review.
I am so impressed with my Node 2i that I started ripping my CDs onto a USB drive and listen to them on the 2i. I do find the DAC in the 2i a little weak when compare to the rest of my setup that consists of Mac amp and pre, Cary 200tsDAC, Sonus Faber Sonetto 3 and Nordost Red Dawn power, interconnect and speaker cables. My biggest gripe was that $2 power cord that came with the 2l. And it doesn’t even come with proper HiFi receptor that allows me to use a half decent power cord. So I cut off the connector that goes to the 2l and soldered it to a Nordost Red Dawn. Wow. What an improvement, especially with music ripped from CDs. Bigger sound stage, more details, articulate bass. Mind you, the Red Dawn costs as much as the 2l. Lol. But well worth the money. Suggestion to BLUESOUND...sell an adapter that allow people to use a proper HiFi power cord.
Theres no way anybody who spends $600 on a power cord would even look twice at the Node, it's a whole different level.
@@drewpknutz1410 Why not? I am using it strictly as a streamer COAX into my DAC. I admit the Red Dawn power cord was a bit overkill. But that’s just an old cable I have lying around. I have since bought a $5 adapter and now using an old Nordost Blue Heaven…about $100 on the used market. Still a huge improvement over the stock power cord.
excellent vid. how is denafrips ares2 vs bluesound node 1? I have ares 2 on order but like on 2 month wait still...maybe should cancel order, hate waiting.
Ares2 will definitely do something the Node 2i cannot. Just a question if it is worth it or not for you. Will cover in my video.
Thanks. This is very helpful. I want to use mine connected to my av receiver to stream tidal MQA. Am I best to use an rca cable, coax or optical output?
You better research because I think for MQA you have to use RCA, you can't use coax or optical. Double check.
Thanks very much
Hi mr Thomas to connect the node 2i to preamp do I need just regular rca or digital connector? I don’t know if that make sense to you Thanks
You would use RCA going from Node 2i to the preamp. If you use digital cable, it means the preamp will become the DAC and the preamp will need a built in DAC.
Thomas hopefully you see this, I’m thinking of purchasing the Node2i and I also have being delivered the IotaVX stack paired with triangle Br-03s. Which DAC should I use the one in the Node2i or the Wolfson built into the IotaVX? Thanks!
I think the Node 2i might be slightly better but they are around the same level of performance if I remember. Maybe one will be sharper but I don't remember either one standing out from the other significantly. It is very very easy to AB test it. From the Node 2i, use RCA going to the IOTAVX and then also use optical going from Node 2i to IOTAVX, you can AB test just by swapping inputs on the IOTAVX.
Set up is very fast & easy if you use the Ethernet connection, pretty much "automatic" - plug & play. Setting up using WiFi it gets complicated.
Thomas I need your help, I’m currently running a Marantz 1060 with Klipsch RB51s with lossless files through a chord mojo. I love the Marantz sound but I have my eye on the simaudio i-5. They’re hard to come by they sell fast or they sit on ebay for a long time with a high asking price. I’ve heard an i-5 because my Uncle uses one. Do you have any recommendations on products that have similar design such as dual mono or similar engineering. I was thinking about picking up a Naim second hand. Advice on some amps for me? Thanks.
Maybe check out creek destiny, not dual mono but I find it excellent too. It is a bit warmer sounding though and have more authority the Creek.
But is MQA format really transmitted if you forward the signal from it digitally especially if you use toslink ?. and does not the other DAC also have to support MQA in such cases? . To get the highest quality from tidal
What would sound better then this. ?
Have you reviewed the topping d90? I have one and it's good. But I don't hear much of a difference over the bluesound node 2i and it has far superior specs etc then the node 2i which is absurd because I was hoping for a night and day difference ! But not really I do hear some but it's barely and I mean I really really really have to listen for it.
I'm honestly kind disappointed I was hoping to hear a bigger difference going with the d90 I'm starting to think maybe it's not in the DAC I will hear better sound quality upgrading from the node 2i but instead maybe I should put an external preamplifier into the chain instead of using the pre amp built inside the blue sound or In side the d90 the only thing that comes to mind for me to wanting to try is the Freya + preamp 899$ what do you think how will I get better sound? Some people say they like going from the dac directly to the power amp especially if it has an internal preamp inside. Well some will say there is a big difference putting an external preamplifier in the chain any thoughts?
I am happy with my sound system but at the same timeI wanted to sound better without having to break the bank.
how is your quest going? im considering buying a node 2i and thought I would also have to buy a quality dac to get the most of it. d90 was one i had been looking at but now im not so sure I even need it...?
Nice review. Thank you. Just wondering if you have ever compare this vs Sonos Port which is Sonos streamer on the Sonos ecosystem. Trying to decide between Node 2i vs Sonos Port. I have PS audio amps and BW 803 D3 speakers. Thanks
I had the older Sonos streamer and this sounded better. Nice amp and speaker you have.
I think it will depend upon whether you use its internal DAC or an external DAC. If you are using an external DAC, it would be a wash for non hi-res audio. The sonos app/eco system, though, is far better.
A real sound review thanks. 1st one found, rest are about inputs and unboxing telling nada. 👍🏻
Glad you liked it
Wonder how this compares in features and sound to a Pro-Ject Stream Box S2 Ultra ($849) / Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital Preamplifier and DAC ($399) combination?
Unless I AB test it, I would not know. Sorry!
Thanks Thomas ! Love the streamer built into my Pioneer elite amp, Aureus 830a Built in Dac , i use the line out of amp to send signal to my other amps so yeah i need a dedicated streamer but yeah i don't need the built in DAC . Review coming soon of the new iFi DaC that gets released Feb 15th 😆 Just been working crazy hours 12 hour and double shifts wearing me down !!!
Nice, I am curious what you think about the IFI DAC. I had the IFI iTube 2 and it was nice. Take it easy man!
@@ThomasAndStereo work won't allow me to take it easy , but I will let you know about the new Portable Dac, i'm not allowed to say anything about the dac unitll the 15th of feb confidential 😆 serously HIP-DAC 😆
@@ThomasAndStereo it sounds awesome for its super budget price point of 150.00US. How did the musical fidelity pair with the Yota SA3? (Stock tubes)
@@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120 You mean the musical paradise dac? It sounds smoother than the built in DAC. The build in DAC is a bit too digital sounding for me so I don't usually use it. If you are talking about another dac that is $150, I have no idea.
@@ThomasAndStereo sorry about that Thomas, I was on my 10 min break, i had to hurry with comment ,but yes the Musical paradise , I would love tube rolling ! And the DAC with iFi Audio is sounds great for a headphone DAC , everything I get from iFi has been just wonderful for its price point ! Ohh Yeah i sent Sean some pics of my Sansui G-8000 I have it torn down and deep deep cleaning and servicing everything on the RECIEVER ! The build quality is top notch and very easy to take apart and work on ,This beast is so full sounding ! I was blown away adjusting the mid-range tone control because turning it up or down had not much effect at all on the bass and treble very very shocked !! Sansui sound is very addictive And i couldn't turn the volume knob passed 3 on the JBL 530s ! The JBLs a very inefficient and give my pre 1k amps a workout ,, But the Sansui was hitting Piano notes with a sharpness and pression like I haven't heard before for me thats a huge plus espically with budget speakers !
I would love to hook up to your FS Older KEFS ohh I bet that would be on point , and with your Moon SACD player geez weez ! That would be interesting! 😆 The Sansui sounds beautiful , yeah good punch but when the music gets very complex it trys to keep up 😆
Hi I purchased the 2i because of your positive review thanks you were on the money. If I want to upgrade like another streamer which product will you recommend , thanks
Maybe take a look at Innuos product? I tried their super high end one but I heard their affordable $1k ish one is not bad.
I almost jump when I see the word budget not because I don't like spending money on my music but rather I don't have the previlage to spend. I would like to have the best music/listening set up like you but unfortunately don't have the time. Good videos Thomas!!!
Great review. Saving up for a pure streamer, either one of the Innuos or Lumin streamers to use with my DAC. The Innuos is very appealing because it can be a Roon Core server and can rip CDs.
Nice, Lumin is supposed to send me a streamer to review too so soon I will have one up.
Thomas & Stereo Fantastic. Look forward to hear what you think. Audio Excellence are big fans and also Innuos.
Thought you would have covered 2 way bluetooth (ability to send aptxhd qualcomm to suitable headphones) discuss pairing, quality etc. ) This being one of only a few units built in that does it.
What can I expect if I connected Node to Yamaha AS801 compared to laptop with windows connected to same Yamaha using USB cable ?
What kind of cable do i use to connect my PC to "optical in" input? I guess it's not "normal optical cable as the socket is very different from "optical out" one where you can send data to external dac. Can you please explain that to me? Thanks in advance! Good video as always!
and how the hell the same input can work as digital and analog? im kinda lost there
I always wanted that streamer but now have a raspberry pi with volumio on it. It's also a good interface and the raspberry pi allows you to add dac/ digital out board. I ordered a Saber 9038 dac board and it's a neat entry level Streamer which definitely performs on par with the Bluesound.
Nice, I always wanted to try with the raspberry pi myself.
I am curious. I can stream Deezer HiFi from my phone via airplay i can also stream directly from my pioneer internal app. Does getting this Node 2i makes a big difference (because its a better dac then my internal dac in a Pioneer VSXLX504)?
Probably but you would want to move up higher level if you want a true upgrade.
Thinking of getting this with a pair of LS50Ws mainly for the Tidal MQA decoding, but also for some futureproofing/versatility. Would that be worth it? Extra ~600€ to the price, but if I wouldn’t get it I probably wouldn’t bother with Tidal at all and just go for CD quality. Also could the Toslink interface be detrimental to quality?
I don't think so because the DAC inside the LS50w is very good, probably on par with this. Will MQA give you way higher quality, debatable.
Hi, I am in the same dilemma . Have the Kefs’as well and listen to vinyl and tidal/Spotify. Read on some forums that MQA with Node is an upgrade vs Hi-Fi streaming. Living currently in Romania and can get a new one for 375 Euros. Not sure ... will check if Incan return after trying ;)
How does the DAC compare to something like Topping / SMSL dedicated DACs in the $200 range?
Question: if you plug the node2i in a 24/192 pcm dac using coax, will you still be able to steam MQA in full resolution? Or you need to plug the node2i to your pre amp using RCA and use its internal dac? Thanks
support1.bluesound.com/hc/en-us/articles/115006191908-Why-Isn-t-My-External-DAC-Playing-MQA-
Hi Thomas, as always very good and informative video, i have just one question, if you use tone controls on node 2i and node is connected to external dac, does the tone controls work? Since it's in player itself they should work, for example if i add more treble even node 2i is connected to external dac it should increase treble output?
Good question, I don't know but I'd you are connecting by digital, it should not. Email them to confirm, I no longer have the unit.
@@ThomasAndStereo Thanks, i emailed them and will post answer here.
Ok, so here's my system: Martin Logan Theos, Marantz SR7007 (running in STEREO ONLY, Pure Direct, Bi-amp mode), BlueSound Node 2i, Schiit Gungnir Multibit DAC, Black Cat Silverstar Digital Coax from Node 2i to Schiit, Black Cat Coppertone RCAs from DAC to Marantz, Anticables 3.1 speaker wire (bi-amped), AudioQuest NRG power cables (Y2 on Node 2i), X3 on DAC and AVR, Panamax M5400PM power conditioner/voltage regulator. The question is, should I upgrade the streamer? Or the AVR and get a proper pre amp and amp (s)? If I upgrade the streamer, what would you recommend that is significantly better? After auditioning all of the available high-res services I have settled on Amazon as my favorite, so support for that would be a must. All opinions welcome.
You will get more return if you upgrade the AVR or speaker I think. Sure the Dac will help but what do you find missing in your system? Perhaps adding a sub will have the biggest return assuming your room is somewhat treated.
@@ThomasAndStereo Thanks for the reply. I forgot to mention that I have an Era Designs Sub10 in the system...and I JUST got the speakers a few months ago, then added the Node 2i, the DAC and upgraded the cables. My initial inclination was to upgrade to a proper pre-amp and amp combo next, but was worried my source might be more limiting than the AVR I am currently using. Overall, I am pretty thrilled with what I am hearing now...but I was pretty thrilled before I upgraded the DAC and before I upgraded the cables too!
Thanks for quick response, also what RCA will you recommend around $100?
I think for Node 2i and IOTAVX, you should not invest a lot into RCA cables. Spend the money elsewhere. If you want to get something decent, sure but not at $100.
Cheaper is getting better and better great vid my friend
Yeah, like the Musical Paradise DAC you have at your place now.
Great review!
I have a nudie question. Does streaming through this device give me better quality then if I sent it through my iPhone directly to the preamp? I'm assuming that using the app will download it directly from the streaming app (Spotify, Amazon, Whatever) and use the DAC in this device to decode at a much higher rate then I can get from my iPhone. Is this a correct statement? Thank you.
What do you think about the DeNoN Heos link? And link amplifier?
Does this work with a Naim NAC 112x?
EQ where can I get one for my home stereo??? Thanks
Great video. Question regarding connecting the 2i to a higher-quality DAC. Doesn't the fact that the coax and optical output is limited to no higher than
24-bit/192kHz make using an external DAC pointless? Especially if the external DAC has higher resolution? In other words, what's the advantage of even connecting the 2i to an external DAC?
No, because sound quality is more than the bit rate. Think about it, many old expensive dac can still outperform today's DAC because they sound more analog.
@@ThomasAndStereo Makes sense. Thanks.
Looking to buy an amp under $1000 I’m looking for advice on two different amplifiers was wondering what would you guys recommend over the other.
The two I’m considering are the IOTAVX Sa3 and the musical fidelity M2si. It’s on sale now for $599 at the moment.
And if I get the IOTAVX I will go with both integrate an amplifier.
Thanks again buddy I always appreciate your advice and help
I never heard the MF M2si so I would not know. I did have some great experience with musical Fidelity. If you get the iotavx, make sure to get the matching PA3
Thomas & Stereo Thanks Thomas I sure will get both.
Do you think the Elacs Debut reference would be a good match for this
I heard this unit at a store and really enjoyed it. I tested Tidal but ended up not keeping it. Maybe down the road. Right now I do not have a use for a streamer.
Yup, I don't use streamer too myself but I can see how convenient it is.
How does Yamaha wxc 50 dac preamp compare dedicated preamp? Thks
Sorry, I never tried it so I would not know.
Can I connect this is Dynaudio xeo 2 for streaming hi res audio and is there any way I can add subwoofer to node2i?
Yes, should be easy, actually. Adding subwoofer too. I use with subwoofer on my DALI speakers with NAD amp; the Node2i has adjustable cross-over built-in. Easy peasy!
@@WhatEver-dx3eu Thank you :-)
How to connect node to a tv or pc.Thanks.
I connected the Bluesound Node 2i to my Denon PMA-A110 amp's DAC and it sounds pretty good.
If I have an integrated amp which obviously has a dac, how do you recommend me plug these node? Vía rca or coax?
Another question, between these and the powernode which do you think is better? Thanks a lot
I would use the coax. It's likely the dac in your integrated amp is superior to the dac in the node.
Connect both at the same time and try out which one you prefer, you only need to switch inputs.
Thomas.... I don’t have Node 2i, I steam Qobuz from phone to old AppleTV3 via AirPlay then from appletv optical out to McIntosh MCD 500 CD player to utilize DAC. Qobuz streams CD quality to Apple TV and Apple will carry that same quality signal which is max output . Will the Qobuz offer any difference running to my CD players DAC being that I can stream direct from Node to CD DAC at higher sample rate to start with (greater than CD quality to start)? Or ill my DAC already providing same quality either way? Thanks, hope I make sense
Hello?
As genesis said ..... NO REPLY AT ALL
Hi what about the powenode ,a complete hifi Can it play youtube music,Can it be connected to a pc ,thanks.I bought the Freya after your review.Gonna buy the aeres 11.
Unfortunately, I have not tried the powernode so I would not know. AresII, I will be making a video on it.
HI Thomas,
I am not sure if that's something you do on your channel; But,If it's perhaps possible , could you do a head to head USB or coax Video shoot out between a Raspberry PI 3 ( no matter which Program use, ie, Rune,Volumio, Moode audio) and the Bluesound Node 2 or Node 2i Thank you
Sorry, I don't have a PI3
Did you hook up the MP dac you own to the node2i? I'm curious if that would be a better configuration or is the dac on the node "good enough" i.e. there is not enough of an improvement to justify the cost of that dac.
I did not as I don't have the MP here at my place. Someone borrowed it and Bluesound has asked me to ship it back already. Let me see if I can just buy it so I can do somemore future testing with it.
@@ThomasAndStereo I would like to hear your opinion on using your MP dac with the node 2i.
@@marksimpson1286 if I have a chance to test, I will update u.
Would this have any better sound than an Apple TV. I've been streaming to an ATV for like 10 years now, and always wonder if there would be anything that would have better sound quality. I'm fairly content with ATV to an older Mcintosh preamp, but kind of wondering if there would be any improvements.
I have to AB test but if you are using a mcintosh preamp, you might benefit more with a higher end streamer.
Great unit ...tnx. 👍
Can u review cayin idap-6 ? Cayin is better than oppomod modiefied oppo 205 in SQ. I have tested them. How is this streamer compare to them? I would love to see some review for pure digital transport. Thanks
Only if they send me.