I cannot talk to the other players on your list, but for me, the Node 2 has proven to be an exceptional value.
The sound quality improves immensly when treated to great cables (i.e. power and IC’s), to the point that I have stopped looking to achieve any further improvements in sound quality - it sounds phenominal!
The last tweak was adding brass cone feet under the Node 2 - this provided the icing on the cake by creating an expansive image with pintpoint placement of musicians.
For some interface functions (i.e. playlists) I found the computer version of the player-app to be easier to work with, but for general playing and song selection the smartphone/tablet app is very well thought out and versatile
I also have the PowerNode 2 on my TV system. Another excellent product with superb imaging and enough power for my needs. Whether streaming via ethernet or listening to the TV via the toslink input, the sound is very three dimensional and enveloping.
I have no doubt there are better players on the market, but not for $600 - well except for maybe the new Node 2i :-)
BTW - I just compared the specs of the 2 vs. 2i and the only difference appears to be the wireless capability i.e.
- 802.11 b/g/n WiFi vs. Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac, dual-band)
https://www.bluesound.com/products/node-2/
https://www.bluesound.com/products/node-2i/
So if you are not that picky about dual band, you can pick the Node 2 up for $528 (i.e. until supply runs out) or pickup a previously enjoyed unit for even less. Both are bargains in my book for theri price
Best of luck - Steve :-)
The sound quality improves immensly when treated to great cables (i.e. power and IC’s), to the point that I have stopped looking to achieve any further improvements in sound quality - it sounds phenominal!
The last tweak was adding brass cone feet under the Node 2 - this provided the icing on the cake by creating an expansive image with pintpoint placement of musicians.
For some interface functions (i.e. playlists) I found the computer version of the player-app to be easier to work with, but for general playing and song selection the smartphone/tablet app is very well thought out and versatile
I also have the PowerNode 2 on my TV system. Another excellent product with superb imaging and enough power for my needs. Whether streaming via ethernet or listening to the TV via the toslink input, the sound is very three dimensional and enveloping.
I have no doubt there are better players on the market, but not for $600 - well except for maybe the new Node 2i :-)
BTW - I just compared the specs of the 2 vs. 2i and the only difference appears to be the wireless capability i.e.
- 802.11 b/g/n WiFi vs. Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac, dual-band)
https://www.bluesound.com/products/node-2/
https://www.bluesound.com/products/node-2i/
So if you are not that picky about dual band, you can pick the Node 2 up for $528 (i.e. until supply runs out) or pickup a previously enjoyed unit for even less. Both are bargains in my book for theri price
Best of luck - Steve :-)