WiFi System Upgrades

I had a very similar setup to start with  and upgraded the DAC Magic to a Schiit Bifrost.

The difference was amazing.

Still got the Bifrost, but also use a v-Link192 with spdif to into the Bifrost. Much better than using the Bifrost usb port.

Perhaps try a v-linkV-link192 with your DAC magic first to see how they coexist.

Regards

Yesterday, I purchased a Bluesound powernode 2, mainly so my wife can access our music library easily.

My streaming system often fails and the reasons vary, but most are related to iMac OS upgrades. Fixing problems can be tricky and way beyond my wife's skillset.

Bluesound has got it right...top marks for...
- easy setup - mine uses ethernet
- intuitive control interface, mine is android based
- excellent sound quality
- basic manual controls on top of case - very nice feature
- clean design

This unit has left me wanting a Node 2 for my audio system.

It's  not prerfect, but by comparison to my imac, it's bloody marvelous

Instant access to tons of free radio stations and many popular streaming services

The Node 2 will replace my iMac and v-link192, but will still work with my Bifrost 😊

I'm a convert 😃

Regards
 

Scott, it may take a couple of months to get round to the purchase, since I'm moving house, but I'll  post my  findings here, stay tuned 😊

Cheers

Scott - a question from a Bluesound neophyte - Yesterday everything was pretty straightforward, but today I went to the Bluesound interface and it would appear that the link was lost overnight and there is no bluesound player to select.on the network

I've verified the NAS library is online and accessible, however it did go to "sleep" overnight - but it canstill be viewed on the network from other computer(s) via a file manager

The Bluesound interface only displays the following items
- My Playlists
- My Presets
- My Favourites
- Settings
- Help
- Add a player

I then selected the "house" icon (top right) and found the power node in the "My Players" list 

After a while the list above has had a "Library" item added together with  and on selecting it, a list of albums or songs or artists, etc can be displayed.

When I try to access a track I get a message stating the track cannot be found - I assume because the index has old data?

So my questions 
- do I have to re-index each time i start a listening session?
- can the index be saved somehow?

Moving onwards - I selected "Radio Paradise from the list and now the "Library" menu item has been removed

Any Ideas?

Thanks - I'm sure its just learning curve 

Guys - Thanks for the input - I’m getting there :-)

What I did find is that the Bluesound seems to be sensitive to routers used in the "network" pathways

For example my router/device path is was as follows
1. is a Wireless Router/Modem that connects to the internet - also has 4 ethernet ports and is the DCHP server fro my LAN
2. is an 8 port ethernet router switch connect to #1
3. is a 5 port ethernet router switch connects to #2
4. my NAS Drive connects to #3 via ethernet
5. my Bluesound connects to #3 via ethernet

A bit complex, but #3 is located with the TV and #1 and #2 are in the basement - I had needed more that the 4 ethernet ports provided on #1, hence the need for #2

I have tried many different configurations, but the above worked te best - until now.

I’ve since removed #2 from the network
#3 now connects directly to #1 and I can now at least see the PowerNode 2

Getting the PowerNode to see the drive can be trying at times and I have not figured out why - yet :-)

I did have issues with re-indexing - the process appeared to see only one song - I have 4000+++ in my library - but that seems to have resolved itself as of this morning
.
I hasten to add - this is not unique to the Bluesound - my existing setup suffers similar issues.

If anyone else has experienced similar issues please tell us how you resolved them - e.g. if a particular ethernet router switch caused the issues - which brand was it and which brand resolved it

Having said that - I just turned on my phone and the library was visible and active - go figure :-)

I am still very impressed by this little box and the comments from my wife - she likes the manual controls on the top of the unit - "it's so simple" - only time will tell :-)

Thanks again

Scott, after success with the Powernode 2 on my av system, today I purchased the Node 2 for my audio system .

It was easy to setup an  A/B comparison between its built in DAC and analogue output stage to that of my Bifrost.

Verdict - I cannot discern any difference between the two units.

And that result is even before the Node 2 is burned in. it is also using a stock power cable, so it should start performing even better.

Needless to say I'm extremely impressed and a very happy camper indeed 😆

Scott one further update - I have just completed installing the Node 2 into my system using an excellent cables ( power & IC's).

As I suspected the Node 2 up'd it's game and it was easily noticeable...
- improved clarity
- finer details
- more precise imaging and spacial accuracy.

Can't wait for it to burn in :-)

I've compared my DAC/Vlink192 setup to many other brands and configurations and most paled in comparison, so the Bluesound really is a very nice surprise and so affordable

If you have a Bluesound - Give it some TLC and get the best cables you can afford - it responds very well.

BACKGROUND INFO - My comments are based on streaming tracks from my NAS drive only, that is connected via ethernet cable (no wireless). I have not yet tried any streaming services

Resolution of tracks include MP3, 16/44, 24/96 and 24/192 and are mainly RAW and AIFF.

That's about it :-)

Cheers

Scott - I'm using no-name CAT6 from a local computer store and it works flawlessly - the run is 30+ ft long and it passes through a Ethernet Switch on the way from the NAS to the Node 2

I'm into DIY cables, so I make my own - but they are extremely good - I've compared them to cables costing thousands and I find mine offer better performance - believe it or not.

One other thing I've found with all my components, using my power cables will result in the components operating at lower temperatures and they provide improved clarity and spacial accuracy.

Here's a link if you are interested...
http://image99.net/blog/files/be8de0c383c5434907610d6b55049e69-75.html
http://image99.net/blog/files/4127b5fe2694586e383104364360373b-74.html

For the power cables - even if you don't use the conductors identified in the link, adopting the Helix geometry alone will provide significant improvements. I adapted an 18 gauge cable on my Yamaha mini system and the improvements amazed me.

If you are not into DIY, then I would suggest a power cable from Pangea or Anti Cables perhaps.

I like the braided architecture of Anticables and based on that I believe they would provide pretty good bang for the buck, but they are quite thick,

Unfortunately, when the component only costs $599, spending a lot on  cables seems a little ridiculous and most of the power cables out there are on the expensive side. But I have found that the more "affordable components" benefit the most from great cables

 For connecting the power cable to the Node 2, I use a Cryo'd adapter from Take Five Audio to connect the standard IEC connector to the smaller C7 socket.

https://www.takefiveaudio.com/categories/82-ac-adapters-nema-uk-schuko-c7-c5

Hope that helps :-)

Scott - those are very interesting power cables - how did they compare to other power cables you have used?

They are also pretty resonably priced - BONUS!  :-)

Thanks

Scott - I’m now in my new house and have the system up and running - finally.

The Node 2 has been playing for a few weeks and hopefully well broken in and it is the best sounding digital setup I have had to date.

But in the quest for "audio nirvana" I had one last tweak to apply - I purchased a C8 Figure 8 IEC connector from Ebay and installed it on the power cable. I was using a standard 3-pin connector with a C7 adapter.

The improvement was immediately noticeable with a much improved cavernous and enveloping image.

I’ve also added one to my sub on the A/V system and that improved also - I would recommend getting one for any component with a Figure 8 socket

There is now very little difference between my analogue and digital audio - apart from the pops and crackles. This is exactly where I wanted to be.

So for now, I’m willing to just sit back and enjoy the music.

Just looked at Wireworld and their Symmetricon power cables look very interesting. Have you thought of trying them? :Look at theri Fluxfield cables - similar to my Helix from the looks of things

How’s your system panning out?

Cheers - Steve