Questions about Node 2i


I'm trying to work out a fairly low cost streaming solution.

Current set up is Apple TV to Schiit Modi 2 Uber and the SQ is just okay. I don't think the weak link is the Modi.

I'm trying to do this on a limited budget so looking at a BlueSound Node 2i. But I have some questions.

1) How much SQ advantage is there with the 2i over the 2. The Node 2 can be purchased used for less than $400. What! HiFi gave the 2i glorious reviews over and above the 2 but couldn't really explain why there was a difference as the DAC was not upgraded.

2) The features list says that the 2i and the 2 will play music from my own external HD but only mentions it once and does not elaborate. If I have ripped CDs in an iTunes library on a HD will it play it through the Node 2?

3) The idea of a multiroom player appeals to my wife....which is always a good thing when spending money on hi-fi stuff. But, they're basic speakers are $300 each. I'm assuming you'd need at least 2 for a room to sound decent at all. The SQ does not have to be great for this application but spending an additional $600 to get okay SQ in another room is more than I'd like to spend. Can anyone speak to the actual quality of such a set up?

4) Do powered speakers from other makers than BlueSound work with the Node 2i or 2?

5) If I have a Node 2i or 2, is there any further role for the Modi 2 Uber or any other low price DAC?

Thanks for any assistance or experience you may have to share.

George
n80

Showing 5 responses by djones51

Yes , I only use the 2i wireless don’t have a wire in my living room. One of the reasons I waited for the 2i to come out was the improved wireless
I think a lot has to do with wireless not only better wifi with wifi 5 but 2 way bluetooth and airplay 2. I have no first hand experience  but I believe it works with any bluetooth speaker and headphones according to the review on nerdtechy. The better SQ of the node 2i supossedly comes from how the device itself is built with better noise shielding  utilizing trickle down tech from the NAD M 50.2. I never heard the node 2 so I don't know for sure. If a more seemless wireless application is what you're  looking to do the 2i would be better fit if everything is wired probably wouldn't matter . My 2i found my library without a hitch but mine is WAV file on a NAS. 
If you get frequent drop outs using wireless I would use a wire. I run the node 2i on the 5ghz band and everything else in my house on the 2.4 ghz. I also set the channels in my router so I am the only one  within my area using them and will periodically check it. So far it works fine.
I always doubt my ears that's why I ask my wife who has better hearing and sees everything I put in the system as another little black box. If you like the sound that's all that matters. I do some things , like adding  new DAC , I "think" improves the sound and other things for convenience like the node2i   and putting my CD's on a NAS. 
Bobpaule The only thing I  can  tell  you  is when I  look in settings on my 2i it shows I am connected to my 5ghz network.