Bluesound Node versions SQ

@invalid , I have never had a red light of death on any of my Bluesound products.  I have always kept my units on the top shelf with plenty of space around them so heat soak could be a problem with the design but my setup doesn't create that opportunity.

@ironrick6 , after getting the Chord Qutest into my system, I immediately started some traveling so my listening was a bit delayed.  Now, almost a month into ownership I'm getting closer to sharing my thoughts.  Not sure if adding to this thread would be the best place or if starting a new thread would be better.  I'd like to document my system and experience so that people could understand where my thoughts are coming from.

@ironrick6 , I'm replying to your message here since Audiogon wants me to verify my phone number (ok...) and a payment method (why?) to respond to your message.

To answer your question, I'm currently using an old 75 ohm Audioquest video cable with an RCA->BNC plug going into the Qutest.  I'm looking for a used Audioquest digital cable to see if that makes a difference.  I would like to try the USB cable; however, I use an SSD plugged into the N130 USB port so I'll need to do something different to test that option out.

@plain_fan  my bluesound node 2 was on a shelf with plenty of ventilation, there was a design flaw in the power supply, that causes the two capacitors to get too hot.  All you have to do is look at at the design and you can see it isn't very good. There are two power supply capacitors next to a voltage regulator heat sink, a board in front of them and a transformer directly behind them.

I had 2 Nodes that got hung up and died on updates, both past the warranty period.

Dirac is nice but you might investigate shm.  They are Hong Kong based and make streamers coupled with Dirac.  Or if you have DAC, I really recommend the Wiim Pro, and then add a separate Dirac Unit from shm .  That will keep costs low.  The Wiim is a great piece of budget kit with a fun app.

@invalid , I’m sorry to hear about your issues with your bluesound node 2, I’ve not had any issues.  I took a look at the stock power board that came out of my N132 for the LPS upgrade and see exactly what you mentioned.