Improving my Bluesound Node 2i
I’ve had the Node 2i for about 6 years now. About four years ago, I upgraded my DAC from a Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M to an Audiogd NFS-1C. It’s a simple well built unit with just high or low gain settings. I have some kind of Kimber Cable co-ax running between them. I use it to stream Spotify Premium. I know, it’s not Roon or Qobuz, but it’s always sounded good to my ears and I’ve made many playlists on it, and I’m not changing.
Lately, I’ve noticed much less gain and clarity from this combination and wondered if there’s maybe a setting that’s off? I’ve also noticed that my Bluos app wasn’t the latest, so I’m upgrading the app as I write this. Oh, and I also live in Israel so wondering if the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, David’s Arrow and other advanced missile interception technologies could somehow mess up the signal? Pretty sure I live near where the batteries where they set off Iron Dome and David’s Sling..
Any thoughts or suggestions on this?
The rest of the system is:
Onix OA-30 integrated, Audiolab 6000CDT, Nakamichi DR2, Lenco B55, Schiit Mani, Kef K140, Nordost Silver IC, Straightwire Silver ICs, Monster IL Reference
Thank you for your constructive thoughts and suggestions. Please no political, religious, or war commentary. I didn’t ask, nor do I really care about your thoughts on those subjects.
(Hate having to include the last 2 sentences, but civil conversation and discourse seems to have left the room several years ago). So, let’s stick to what we all love and cherish - the music and our audio systems. 🙂
Is there a way to verify that you are truly getting a lossless stream from Spotify? If it has changed for whatever reason to a lossy stream it might explain the lack of sparkle. Also, a bit of a long shot and tough to verify, but looking up the Onix, it appears it might be on the older side. Any chance the caps might be getting a little tired? |
Try shutting everything down and unplugging everything including all interconnects then put it all back together and see if that helps. Especially with DACs and streamers this can sometimes do the trick, and cleaning your connections is a good idea too as oxidation/dirt can affect performance over time. Hey, it’s free and easy and may help and good to at least rule out if nothing else. Best of luck. |
Spotify "Lossless" is still compressed by about 50% I stream Qobuz in my main listening room but I also use Spotify since my kids are in that ecosystem. When A/B ing between Spot and QB the increase in SQ from QB is meaningful, esp. in bass response. I often make a playlist on QB and use an app called SongShift (free) to convert the playlist from QB to Spot which I then share with my kids. Since your beloved playlists can be converted I would recommend giving QB or Tidal a try. As far as getting more SQ out of your current system, I would recommend trying an external linear power supply for your Node. I got a notable upgrade with more control and clarity in the bass after the upgrade. Good Luck and Cheers |
When I had my Node2, I installed the LHY power board and used their outboard LPS. I thought it made a huge difference. https://www.beatechnik.com/product-page/lhy-bluesound-psu-kit Very easy to install and really did lift the performance of the Node2 several levels. Well worth the small investment. |
