Bluesound Node 2

I’m Bluesound smitten!

I started with the Powernode to replace-downsize my A/V system

Upon hearing it I immediately went out and bought the Node 2 for my Audio system - wow what a difference

I’ve just purchased the Pulse Mini for outside music - again, what a great component

If you have not done so - treat your Blusesound products to good power cables and interconnects - you will be rewarded with an amazing performance.

Power cables make the most significant improvements - the salesperson in the store could not believe the improvement when i took my power cable in to audition the Pulse Mini. The look on his face was worth the effort of a second visit, with my power cable in tow.

Regards...

@klone - I'm using the DAC in the Node 2 with good cables on the analogue outputs

I had a Bifrost with the 4490 mod + v-link192, but the Node 2 with the same good cables trounced the Bifrost, so I sold it.

I thought the Bifrost combo was good, but the Node 2 is an exceptional perofrmer and incredible value.

I now sure that the standard computer USB interface is not really meant for  high end audio - unless you buy one of those specialty USB boxes, but that's a lot more expensive.

It would be interesting to hear the Node 2 with a really good DAC - like the Ygg'y, but that's not in the cards while I have sound this good.:-)

It would be interesting to know what type of DAC the Node 2 uses

I'm listening to the Pulse Mini as I type this and the details, balance and clarity are outstanding. I've actually reduced the bass by 4db and it's still powerful

Perhaps I'll get another one and link them as a stereo pair - yowzer ! :-)

Cheers

@wgutz - the cables I use are a DIY cable with a Helix geometry that I have perfected over the last couple of years - see link below

http://image99.net/blog/files/be8de0c383c5434907610d6b55049e69-75.html

If you are not into that level of DIY you could simply take a piece of 12 or 14 guage extension cord, remove the outer sleeve and then braid the three internal conductors and add IEC connectors - that works much better tan the stock cable.

I use the IEC C7 figure 8 connector below on my cables - it should make some improvement on a standard power cord
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/one-pieces-Gold-Plated-Figure-8-IEC-C7-AC-Power-Plug-Female-Connector-Audio-/...

Otherwise you could simply buy a cable from one of the reputable cable companies.

- Signal Cable
- Pangea does a nice one with the C7 plug - see
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PGAC14C7
 
Whats the difference?
- The HELIX Power - provides superb imaging, deep controlled bass, exceptional clarity.
- The braided extension cord - is better across the board than the stock cable, but lacks the finesse of the helix geometry
- A larger gauge power cord with the IEC above should also provide some benefit - mainly better bass control

If you can find a cable with a similar helix geometry in a commercial product I'd opt for that, but the only one I know of that has a variation on the Helix geometry is from Nordost and costs more than the Node-2 :-(

Anti Cables does a braided cable, but it does not come with a C7 Figure 8 connector

I would recommend not using an IEC - C7 adapter they are OK in a pinch to try different cables, but not a final solution
 
Hope that Helps