Just installed a bluesound node 2i , quality not so good

Another thumbs down for the Bluesound. Just tried it on my Hegel 160 (built in DAC) - tried the Bluesound both with the Bluesound DAC and the Hegel DAC and the built in Airplay in the Hegel (with the Hegel DAC) sounds much better (especially the mid range).  Surprised it was so noticeable.  Back it goes.

Limited internal DAC. If you have good speakers and a transparent system, you'll hear the difference when comparing to a good external DAC plugged into the Node.  Also, threads galore on this topic on Agon and other sites as you search more. 

the nodes have been out there for quite a while, yet folks who claim to be audiophiles, come here and post, still lack an understanding of that the thing is...

@emergingsoul -

Like listening to music filtered by a blanket. Node 2i needs a better dac.  So disastifying.  Avr’s with bluos handle music better.  Waste of money for me.

You have a $500 streamer/Dac. If you want something better, spend $3K on an Aurilac.

As the Thing of Fantastic Four fame said:

You pays your money.....

Bob

This thread is so subjective. A dude with an AVR is complaining about the quality of the node? Come on already. I teed up the node back to back with a Lumin in my home for the weekend, struggled to come up with a difference. Had audiophile/musician friends come and listen to confirm. The OS plays a huge factor also, Lumin was abhorrent.  

And why is this in the speaker forum?