BS Node 2i: WiFi or Ethernet..?


Greetings from snowy Chicago.

My rig:

Bluesound Node 2i
Chord Qutest (with Teddy Pardo LPS)
Belles Soloist 1 int am
Dynaudio Special 40s

I stream Tidal mostly and my router is in the same room as my Node in the basement and I have very strong wifi signal.
But, cant direct connect the Node to network w/o running a 15’ cable.

My question:

- Has anyone heard better SQ results by using ethernet connectivity with Node 2i compared to just using WiFi?
- Am curious if using a wireless "access point" then connecting it to Node 2i via ethernet would sound "better".

Any thoughts or experiences out there?
Thanks.

ianrmack

Showing 5 responses by ianrmack

I live in Chicago (as stated) and WiFi is very stable and very fast with ZERO drop-outs.

My question is about SQ between wired and wifi...

I can use an access point easily for $30 then run ethernet from there to the Node 2i.

QUESTION: Does the Node 2i sound BETTER with WiFi or Ethernet?
@audiotroy

Nice hijack attempt, dude.
Let’s please stick with the topic and you may sell your wears elsewhere. Thanks.

BTW, there are 2-3 direct comparisons out there of the U1 mini and Node 2i and results are inconclusive. One guy MAYBE hears it on headphones but struggles otherwise.

https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/comparing-lumin-u1-mini-to-bluesound-node-2i.1037564/

Thinks the differnce may come down to WiFi v Ethernet.

Hence my thread. Now, if you have something to contribute, please feel free. But the stock answer you provided is shallow at best.

"Hey, throw more money at your issue with a more expensive product and it will be better...!.."

YAWN.
Yes, I added an Audioquest PC to the Node 2i.

Did I hear a difference...?...not sure. 

Just really wondering about placing a wireless access point device next to my Node 2i then running ethernet...

Anyone...?
@gdnrbob

Paid like $75 for the AQ PC for Node. Check. Base covered.
I have my Node 2i on 5ghz, too, and signal is STRONG and I never get drop-outs.

Since my modem and router are in same room as Node, I could easily just run a test piece of wire over. Wonder how to reconfigure now...;-)

Re. my Qutest - have a Teddy Pardo linear power supply for it and THAT was a great upgrade. Have some other PCs around and will see.

In general, I am VERY pleased with the SQ I am getting.
Just looking to tweak a bit...if possible.
Hi, All - 

I am the OP and this is my conclusion:

I use Wifi and it sounds good, works reliably and I have no issues.
Will continue to do so happily.

Thanks.