I went A/B between the Node 2i's DAC and my MHDT and there was no contest. However, between the Node's DAC and the older Peachtree DAC IT, it was hard to tell a difference.
New Bluesound Node – First Impressions
I'm new to streaming. To get started, I ordered the new Bluesound Node, the just-released successor to the Node2i. It arrived Friday. System: Sonus faber Olympica III speakers, McIntosh MC402 power amp, Magnum Dynalab MD208 used as a preamp, Denon DCD-1600NE SACD/CD player, and various cables, mostly Audioquest. I offer my first impressions, FWIW. I don't claim any particular expertise.
I connected the Node to the pre via Audioquest interconnects. It doesn't accept my aftermarket power cords. Used wireless, not ethernet. I have free trial subscriptions to Amazon Music and Qobuz.
First, Amazon Music. Tried some Beethoven, and some Rameau, with poor results. Compressed, tinny, and unlistenable. 10 minutes of Amazon HD was more than enough.
Next, Qobuz. Brahms, Schumann, Led Zep, Bowie. A very substantial improvement on Amazon HD. Notably, on the same tracks, the Qobuz high-rez sounded significantly better than the Qobuz CD-quality. Differences were immediately apparent on Led Zep's Dazed and Confused, available in both formats.
But the Qobuz high-rez can't compare with CD quality sound on my system as currently configured. On the same recordings, CD quality is clearly superior to Qobuz high-rez played through the Node. Detail, presence, dimensionality – there's no contest.
As a means to explore music to purchase on CD, the Node, playing Qobuz, may or may not suffice. As a substitute for CDs, I very much doubt it will do.
Let me re-emphasize that these are only my first impressions. I don't know how the Node will sound after further break-in, or with an ethernet connection, or with an external DAC, or with different interconnects/preamps/amps/speakers, or with other streaming services. I hope this post is helpful to other forum members considering this or similar equipment.
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@gg107 I can’t comment on the NODE, but my Node 2i when fitted with exceptional cables excels in every way. The improvement is night and day. I would believe the NODE would probably respond in a similar manner when connected using great cables The sound quality is exceptional, with superb dynamics, very wide image, deep and textured bass and one of the cleanest and most detailed reproductions I have heard on any similar component, that I would certainly not describe as "Dull" The onboard DAC actually blew the doors off of a Modified Schiit Bifrost that was also treated to the same excellent cables - so that’s not bad for "a Convenience" I use ethernet to stream, but I also have the Pulse Mini speaker and the onboard wireless receiver is exceptional - but there is a caveat - but NOT with the Bluesound - you need to have a good Wireless router to get the best results Do not rely on the wireless feature installed by your ISP - they tend to be very bad with a very poor range. Several of my neighbors require repeaters when using the ISP provided wireless offering - I have the one wireless router and it even covers half of my neighbors property. In fact one friend just got Bell Fiber optic and his wireless range did even cover half of his property. So, don’t buy a DAC, save your money and invest in the very best cables you can afford - the NODE will reward you :-) KLE Innovations makes some very nice Interconnects and power cables Or there is an exceptional DIY option, i.e. if you are of a "handy" nature Duelund conversion to DIY Helix Geometry Cabling | Audiogon Discussion Forum Regards - Steve |
To get the best out of Node, you need to use, 1) Ethernet with decent quality LAN cable, like Supra CAT8, 2) External DAC as @hilde45 pointed out, 3) Decent power cord, try Cullen PC with figure 8 IEC, 4) Decent quality Digital Coax cable, The only thing (IMHO) Node has it going for is, its entry price and a nice app interface that allows access to multiple streaming options. Good luck! |
Any guesses on the BOM for a device that lists for $549 retail? If we are bypassing the DAC and analog outputs, which I fully endorse, can we also assume the functional / usage BOM is one half of device BOM? I agree that DIY cables and aftermarket cables will elevate performance of the unit. @tomic601 ’s excellent choice of the Audioquest Diamond Optical cable comes in at $499 list for a 0.75 meter run. Adding a custom power cable and an aftermarket LAN cable leads to my question: For those of you using the Bluesound Node / Node 2i, what are your reasons for not moving up the network server / streamer chain (commensurate with your cable expenditures)? Thanks! |
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