WiFi System Upgrades

@williewonka 

I've had my Node 2 for about three months. You are correct in your assessment of Bluesound. The Node 2 is the main source of my system. The whole family loves it. I use its DAC and it sounds fantastic. I've felt no need to use my external DAC (Arcam rDAC), although I'm sure down the line I will do a comparison, which is always interesting and sometimes fun to do. 

The BluOS ap is very good and a pleasure to use, build quality is great and customer service is outstanding. I do hope you try the Node 2; I would love to hear your impressions of it in your system. If you have the time or inclination report your thoughts on a comparison of the Node 2 DAC and your Bifrost, please.

Cheers,

Scott

@williewonka

I had something similar happen last week; I updated to the latest firmware (2.8.3) and latest BluOS (2.8.0) and lost my library. I tried reindex and rebuild but couldn’t get it back. I won’t begin to speculate about what happened but I sent a support request to Bluesound; which is easy to do from your tablet and when you send it a diagnostic report also goes to Bluesound.

Within a few hours I had corresponded with Bluesound and discussed the situation. When I couldn’t resolve the issue quickly they immediately set up a remote access appointment. I got a call from Canada and within a few minutes the Bluesound rep had me up and running. Fantastic customer service.

Ultimately it was found that a parameter in file sharing on my iMac had been disabled; I have know idea how. It could have been an auto update on the Mac, just don’t know.

If I were you I’d confirm your using the latest firmware and BluOS update (I’m sure you are since you just hooked up everything yesterday) then do a rebuild. If that doesn’t work send a support request Bluesound and they will have you up and running in no time. I really can’t overstate how responsive and great their support is.

If you have any other questions holler.

Cheers,

Scott

@williewonka 

"So my questions
- do I have to re-index each time i start a listening session?"

Forgot to answer your question; no, you do not have to re-index each time you start a listening session.

One feature among many that I love about the Node 2 is when I retire for the evening I cue up what I want to listen to on my iPad and in the morning I just have to touch play on the Nodes control panel and begin listening; don't even need to use the ap. Nice.

Cheers,

Scott

That's great, williewonka. You have a fantastic system; thanks for providing feedback on the comparison.

I know I enjoy my Node 2 a lot. I haven't had high dollar sources in my system but the it's the best source I've had.

Cheers,

Scott

williewonka, thanks for the update. I’m running WireWorld Equinox interconnects on my Node 2. I’m using the Node via Ethernet connected to my router (the Ethernet cable run is 20 feet and I’m using Blue Jeans Belden cat6a cable). The Ethernet cable run is too long to consider higher end brands. I’m running iTunes AIFF files wirelessly to my router. Are you using a different power cord on your Node 2? Thanks.

The family and I love streaming. As I type I'm listening to WGUC out of Cincinnati. I believe they use a 192kbs stream and it sounds great. With a tap I can listen to KDFC out of San Fransisco or stream a station from Belgium or Wales or Antarctica or Asia. It's pretty cool. We don't us any premium services just the lower rez free streams from TuneIn, Spotify etc. I don't stream for serious listening but that could change if I ever pay for the higher Rez premium services.

Cheers,

Scott

Thanks for the reply, williewonka.

I may have to get an adapter (didn't even consider an adapter until your reply, thanks) for the Node 2 and try a different power cord. I run a WireWorld Stratus on my amp and would like to upgrade that a bit in the future. When I do I'll try the Stratus on my Node 2.

Enjoy your Node 2. I think you'll like it more and more. I noticed the music refining as the days went by gaining in scale, fullness and resolution. It really is a great piece of gear.

Cheers,

Scott

@williewonka

I'm afraid I'm not much help with comparisons. It's the only after-market cord I have used. Compared to the stock PC it is more refined and more quiet which gives more detail and resolution. I don't believe it changed the character or tonality of my amp

I like it well enough that when I upgrade I'm going to try the WireWorld Electra 7, with the only change being that the Electra has OCC copper over the Stratus' OFC.

I like WireWorld's philosophy; in that the lower end stuff that fits my budget has the same technologies and build quality as the higher end pieces. As you move up you benefit from more/better material, such as OCC, silver and larger conductors. They're not the only company that does this but it is one the best at offering great cables for all budgets. My system consists of all WireWorld cabling.

Don't know if you knew this but the Bluesound gear will be "Roon Ready" by the end of the year. I enjoy BluOS and think it is excellent but it will be nice to have the option of using Roon if one so chooses.

Cheers,

Scott