2. digital
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Bluesound Node2

Let me start by saying I'm a (very) late convert from vinyl into the digital domain. I finally got very curious  about what I might be missing and recently purchased a Bluesound Node2 and got a Tidal HiFi subscription. I have it connected to my preamp's MP3 connection and I think the sound quality is real good, CD quality depending on the original content. That said, I see a lot of folks buying either external DACs or preamp's with a built in DAC. Given that I don't use my computer as a source for music, are there any advantages in having a DAC? I do have an average quality CD player that I occasionally use but I'm now finding myself using Tidal more and more for almost all my "digital" content. Just trying to find out  what I'm missing. Thanks. 
 
128x128kalali

Showing 3 responses by williewonka

williewonka
3,067 posts
 
I just purchase the Node 2 and had the opposite experience of some of the above posters - I found the Node 2 sounded better than my Bifrost (with the 4490 upgrade).

I performed a side-by-side comparison and initially, could hear no difference. Then I replaced the stock power cable that came with the Node 2 and it opened it up and presented more details and clarity than my Bifrost - which I found quite surprising.

The Bifrost has been an excellent DAC and it had responded positively to great cables, but the on-board DAC in the Node 2 definitely has the edge when connected with those very same cables.

The Node 2 also allows me to cut the iMac umbilical - finally!

Simple to install, great sound, nice interface and my wife does not have to become a techy to operate it

FYI - I'm using the Node 2 connected via Ethernet - not wi-fi.

Bye Bye Apple :-o


williewonka
3,067 posts
 
I seem to be having some network issues and was told by their support that the NAS drive had to be connected to the same "switch/router" that the NODE2 was connected to.

Anyone else have an opinion as to how to connect a NAS to a Node 2

Many Thanks
williewonka
3,067 posts
 
Scott, thanks for the feedback.

Seems my problems are related to my Samsung tablet and Samsung phone on my metwork.

I've now installed the BlueOS app on my old motorolla phone and my old Asus tablet, windows computer and my iMac and everything is working very well.

still waiting to hear from Blue's tech support.

there's a lot of chatter about Samsung gear and networking issues on the web.Could also be related to the setup of the NAS drive.

will keep you posted
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