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All Hail the meek --yet mighty – NODE 2i

Here’s a salute to the venerable Bluesound NODE 2i. It’s not much to look at, but what piece of audio gear has been more ubiquitous and held up better over the past ten years than the NODE 2i? It opened the door to the wonders of quality streaming audio for legions of us. I’m guessing the lion’s share of us on this forum have owned or are very familiar with the NODE. So let’s take a moment to acknowledge and applaud that it has been the mainstream standard for nearly a decade. How many other pieces of gear have come and gone in our systems over that timeframe while the NODE continued to sit humbly on its perch?

But I’m not writing an obituary here. The Node 2i continues to be the standard, in my mind, for sub-$1000k streamers – and then some. With smartphones and cars -- even though they might have years of service left in them --we reach a point where we want something new. So it is with audio gear. Like many, I got caught up in the hype of the latest Chinese streamer last year. At first, I was amazed at its level of detail. But with time I realized that the detail came from an overly bright top end, and that other frequencies, especially bass, were lacking. When I put the NODE back into my system, it was music to my ears. Over the entire spectrum, it was simply better. With the NODE the mids and treble still had plenty of detail, but they also had body and tone – and musicality. And let’s not overlook its excellent and rock-solid user interface software. All it lacked was the sexy touch screen that I never actually touched.

I also tried a $3k streamer last fall. It was excellent across the entire spectrum, but its overall sound was dry and analytical. I can’t claim the NODE was better, but in many ways, I preferred its more natural sonic signature, and in terms of price, there is no comparison. I couldn’t justify spending that much money for only minor improvements.  

So here’s to the NODE 2i. I will continue to keep my eyes open for a streamer upgrade that is reasonably priced and that is actually a noticeable improvement, but until then I’m going to continue to enjoy my NODE 2i without apology. Anybody else out there agree with me?

wester17
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audiodidact's avatar
audiodidact
63 posts
 

3 years with the Node 2i with PD Creative upgrade and  outboard LPS. Everything works flawlessly and jaws drop often: “You mean you’re streaming that?”.  I use an older model node 2 for the whole house/outdoor system. The  app/software are damn near bulletproof. Look, I know there’s better (ive wanted a Aruender N200 or better for awhile), but the 2i just keeps chugging along t like the Little Train That Could.  I’m happy. 

panzrwagn's avatar
panzrwagn
463 posts
 

I bought my Node last fall because of one feature - a headphone jack. I was about to have shoulder replacement surgery and looking at about a month of enforced indolence. You don't move around much for  at least the first couple weeks, so I wanted to catch up on my listening with my HiFiman Sundaras. At full volume, the Node could just drive those notoriously inefficient phones to a good listening level. Other than that, I've been completely pleased. I've since moved the Node to my office and added a Topping DX3 Pro which drives my Sundaras very nicely.

Overall, the Bluesound Node reminds me of the Large Advent speakers from the 70s: It sets a bar for overall performance and value that's hard  to beat. It may not be the absolute greatest at any single performance aspect, but it is very good and sins are those of mostly omission, not commission. And you have to spend a lot more for small improvements. It will probably be the last thing I'll upgrade. 

drmuso's avatar
drmuso
93 posts
 

@moonwatcher 

Yes, you can use the USB as an output to a DAC--that's what I do, but this only became available starting with the Node 130, so the 2i or earlier models won't do that, if I understand correctly.

I'm using a Denafrips Ares II DAC, and I think it is only marginally better than the DAC in my Node 130.  I suspect you have to go further up the Denafrips line to get a significant improvement over the Node's DAC.

The addition of the Teddy Pardo LPS to the Node made more of a sound quality improvement than the Ares II does.  I think the Pardo people say it elevates the sound quality of the Node to the level of $2000 streamers.

Yesterday I listened to a few YouTube comparisons of the Node X and the Eversolo AM6.  Based on these reviewers' impressions, it sounds like the Eversolo might be more detailed and brighter, so a good match for a laidback-sounding system.  I hear live music as not so analytical, detailed or bright, and I think the Node provides a more natural, "musical" presentation than some analytical and detailed components do.  I have compared Node hi-res streams to the same CDs and LPs, and often the streams sound just as good.

I also wonder if the lack of a graphical screen on the Node is actually a plus; if the electronics needed for a screen might detract from sound quality.  I have two universal disc players that have controls for disabling the video electronics for improved audio quality.  I have heard the improvement in deep bass when disabling the video.  The info provided by such screens is available on my smartphone when I'm using the Node, so I think that is more convenient anyway.

 

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