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Bluesound Powernode 2

Hello - this is my first post/question, hopefully there's someone out there who's brain I can pick.

I'm looking at the Bluesound Powernode 2 as a possible Roon end point to tidy up my kitchen system. I currently use a SB+ (modded squeezebox) into a Thorens TTA2000 (Class A, 20 - 30 watts or so) which, while sounding rather lovely, is a bit messy given the location, and I can repurpose the SB+ and amp in my office. My question re. the Powernode 2 - is it similar to/bear any family resemblance to the NAD D7050? I bought the NAD unit a few years back and thought it was pretty poor indeed. I'm not anti NAD, indeed I have their M51 in one of my rooms, but am slightly wary of cheaper class D implementations (just my gut/prejudice).

There seems to be a bit of a gap between the Powernode and the next all in one Roon amp solution - Lumin, Auralic or Naim.

Many thanks in advance.
Mike
egertmic

Showing 2 responses by williewonka

williewonka
3,066 posts
 
I have the Powernode 2 on my A/V system, a Node 2 in my 2 channel system and the Pulse Mini for portable music around the garden.

I first bought the Node 2 and was so impressed with the interface and sound quality, that I went out and bought the PowerNode 2 for my A/V system. Last was the Pulse Mini.

I love the interface, I can stream from all the major services, I can stream from my NAS drive, They work from my iTunes music library. I can pair devices or run each with different tracks indepently

I run all the devices from either my Android devices or my windows computer
- Apple computers require a specific wireless router setting to connect properly

I have experienced wireless issues playing 24/192 tracks, but that’s an issue with my router.
Ethernet connections do not have any playback issues

I cannot comment on the other devices mentioned - I’m a "blue guy" all the way

BTW: All of the units I have improve their sound quality when treated to great cables.

Hop that helps
williewonka
3,066 posts
 
@egertmic It’s quite understandable that power cables would make such a significant improvements because the Node 2 is so small and therefore, so is its power supply.

A good power cable definitely augments the abilities of the Node 2 power supply.

Good IC’s will also make a significant difference. But it then becomes an issue of how much does one spend on a $600 box.

I had some very expensive IC’s attached and the improvements were amazing,

But where does one "draw the line?
- Is it prudent or sensible to spend 3 times the cost of the box on cables?

Personally - I like to squeeze every ounce of performance out of each component in my system. I also tend to view my cables as components.

Fortunately I am a DIYer so I can afford to have the best cables attached to the Node 2 for a very reasonably priced solution.

Regards - Steve
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