New Bluesound's Node 2i

I just installed a node 2i in my system. The sound is much more holographic than my previous source (laptop > eitr > metrum amethyst). I’m happy overall with the sound quality, however I made a direct comparison between the internal DAC and my amethyst and the metrum beat out the bluesound - although I’m not that surprised. I think it really depends where you are coming from for your previous source.

One thing to note: the node 2i sounds massively better when wired in my system as opposed to using the wifi. And again the wifi sounded better than airplay or bluetooth. I think the big compromise with streamers like the bluesound is that you have to use their app/streaming software. I don’t mind the interface, just something else to deal with. Also, there was a severe burn in within the first 3 hours, it was actually terrible out of the box and slowly opened up as I sat there.

I also just ordered an aftermarket shunyata power cable for the node 2i so I can report back on that after I listen to it.

In my case with the 2i, the wired connection sounded incredibly better than the wireless connection. If you have ethernet cable long enough to reach upstairs, it might be worth it to just run the cable on the floor to test the sound. 

My guess is that its the wired input into the unit vs using the unit's wifi adapter which improves the sound. I would think there is electrical noise associated with the wifi module.