2. digital
  3. 138729-79323

Blue Node 2 ... ???

I've been thinking of adding to my system and ran across this advertised in Stereo Reviews latest and they also had it listed as a Class B item. Stream from internet radio to RCA to pre.  ...  would be the application I am interested in.  Current system FWIW, Sansui TU 9900 fully modded by Mike Williams at Radio X into an Audio Research LS2M MKII remote to two Sumo Andromeda II A which are run one a side, one channel for the Acoustat panel and one for the base module. Sony ES 5400 Super Audio player balanced through the pre into the power amps.  All cables are Straightwire, silver on the Sony the rest Maestro IC and speaker most custom cabled and terminated as they are local guys and really help with your specific needs.  Dedicated room fully treated by Acoustic Sciences Corp.

I contacted BlueSound who referred me to Magnolia, who can't seem to find a unit to demo I can hear in store.  I am VERY happy with my systems performance and just looking to add capability, not replace or upgrade anything.  Last guy I talked to suggested I just buy it and if I don't like it return with a 15% restocking fee deduct....  are they crazy?  Most of my system was put together near 25 years ago and I have auditioned equipment, cables, power cords, and you name it (especially vintage tubes) on and off for at least a decade. Last equipment change was the Sony ES5400 ran a $3500 Marantz player out the door, which wasn't a big deal since the Sansui did that too.
Anyone have any experience with the Blue Sound Node 2?.
midareff1
21 responses Add your response
maritime51's avatar
maritime51
1,288 posts
 
Me, and I love the sound. Buy the new version, just introduced. 
gdnrbob
4,407 posts
 
+1 Maritime.
I own the original Nodes and use an Ayre Codex as DAC.
The Nodes work as they should and the outboard DAC enhances sound quality.
I don't think you will be disappointed with the onboard DAC, but you can always plug in a better one, like the Ayre Codex or a Schiit Gungnir or Yggy- which aren't a lot of money used (Well, under $2K used), but give outstanding performance.
Bob

yashu
195 posts
 
Wonderful little piece for $500.  While the capabilities are many I use mine primarily to stream Tidal, and some favorite internet radio stations.
 
While it sounds very good on its own it becomes outstanding when run through the DAC on my ARC CD9.
maritime51's avatar
maritime51
1,288 posts
 
I make the same uses. I’ll have a NuPrime DAC 10 soon, and suspect it’ll be even better.
wtf's avatar
wtf
307 posts
 
Bluesound has managed to create a terrific platform that is also easy on the wallet. I’ve had my Node 2 for 2.5 years and I can honestly say I’m still very happy with my choice. It’s versatile, sounds good (even better feeding a nice DAC), and is affordable. Bluesound also offers free firmware and app updates on a fairly regular basis enhancing functionality/services.
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,479 posts
 
Hands down the best streamer for under $500......Bluesound Node 2 all the way!
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
@mattmiller Do you plan to stream your Node 2 through your NuPrime DAC?  I have a Node 2 as well on a secondary system and I'm conflicted about whether to buy another for my main system and couple it with an even better quality DAC or wait for something like the AURALiC Vega G1 to use as an upgraded streaming DAC. 
maritime51's avatar
maritime51
1,288 posts
 
I guess you mean me. I’m going to try it, but I bought it to use with a transport.
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
@maritime51 I did mean you.  Sorry!  And thanks.
gdnrbob
4,407 posts
 
Definitely use a high grade DAC, if you want to get the best sound output.
B
mr_m
1,900 posts
 
I agree with Bob. The Node 2 or 2i are great choices, but adding a high quality Dac will trump either one on it's own.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,392 posts
 
Last guy I talked to suggested I just buy it and if I don’t like it return with a 15% restocking fee deduct.... are they crazy?
That is crazy. You can buy the Bluesound Node 2i from quite a few online dealers and return it after a trial period with no penalty.
Amazon, Music Direct, Crutchfield, just to name a few.

Since so many B&M HiFi stores have closed, online auditioning is how to buy gear these days.


loomisjohnson
1,900 posts
 
excelent stremer--i find the inboard dac to be very good sounding
jarcher
20 posts
 
BSN2 all the way.  You'd probably have to spend over $1K to better it as a DAC.  At or below $500, it's a no-brainer : no need to demo first - there's nothing better really.
maritime51's avatar
maritime51
1,288 posts
 
Yup, the onboard DAC is great. I bought mine without hearing it. It is a great sounding bargain. 
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
I have the Vault 2 which is basically a node 2 with ripping ability and a couple bells.

I still have no desire to upgrade my music server at all.

Hooking it to a high quality DAC does take it to another level entirely.

I use a Mytek Brooklyn dac connected with,Nordost Heimdall spdif and let the Mytek fully unfold tidal MQA titles up to 24/192.


If all you need is to streamthen for $500 you just cannot go wrong.

Bluesound support is good and as already stated they perform regular updates to the player and the Bluos app which controls it.

That is a point worth mentioning, you control the node via the Bluos app on either android or Apple platforms and imho it is near perfect. I find the control of say Tidal through the Bluos app is vastly superior to using Tidals own app!

Go for it, you will not regret it! 
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
I was just looking at the specs between the Bluenode 2 and 2i.  It seems the major differences are related to connectivity enhancements.  As far as I can tell the DAC is completely or substantially the same? 
  • 1Ghz Arm Cortex A9 Processor
  • 32-Bit/192Khz DAC
Since I'm very happy with my wifi connection through BluOs app and I'd only consider upgrading if the DAC were sonically better I think I will stick with the 2.  But I may be missing something?  Please chime in if I am.  I love the product for the price.

Post removed 
wtf's avatar
wtf
307 posts
 
@three_easy_payments .. Bluesound has stated the 2i uses the same DAC chip as in the 2. If you care about Bluetooth it's been upgraded to aptX HD. Otherwise, it seems AirPlay integration was the impetus for this hardware refresh. As I don't care about AirPlay personally I will wait for their next generation. 
Post removed 
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
@wtf   Thanks!  I agree too...will wait for next generation.
Log in to respond
More to discover
80x80
Ayon Audio Kronos Signature DAC
80x80
EarMen Tradutto
EarMen Tradutto
80x80
Accuphase DP-78