BLUESOUND NODE, WIRELESS MULT-ROOM HI-RES STREAMER ['BUY' LINKS IN THE DESCRIPTION]
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- Опубліковано 11 лип 2024
- Bluesound describes it as, a wireless, multi-room hi-res music streamer. Paul Rigby just says, “Node”. And lets it be.
VIDEO CONTENTS
00:00 - Intro
2:11 - Closer Look
8:14 - Sound Quality
8:47 - Wired for Sound: Wired and Wireless
10:31 - Bluetooth
11:25 - USB Stick
12:45 - Headphone Tests
13:37 - Conclusion & Ratings
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CONTACT: www.bluesound.com/products/node/
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I am very pleased with my Node - works well with my Leak Stereo 130 and Linton's.. ticks all my boxes - greetings from Ireland and keep up the excellent and honest reviews / Paul Mc
Nice review Paul. I use Roon connected via Ethernet and the my Bluesound Node 2021 connected to a Mytek Brooklyn DAC+. The BluOS app works great as I also connect to Tidal and Sirius XM.👍👍
Thanks for mentioning the limited financial returns via posting a UA-cam vid. Puts things into perspective. You obviously put in SO much more effort into the professional quality and presentation of your videos. You do have an impact on your viewers!
I bought my Auduiolab 6000cdt CD transport because of you.
Nice, neat review Paul, I just subscribed.
I just bought a Node (n130).
For digital music I've been using bluetooth from my iphone directly into my Preamp (Michi P5) for a nice very nice sound but thought it was time to upgrade. I had trouble setting up the Node but a quick call to the importer's support line saw me set up nicely in no time.
My Node is connected via ethernet and I'm using the coaxial out with a nice cable. The step up in sound quality is evident and I'm very impressed with high-res recordings. I was having the odd jitter issue with bluetooth that I'm not getting at all with the Node. Detail and sound stage is excellent and it's got great energy right through the scale.
What caught my attention during your review was your suggestion of paying more for better sound quality. When you said that I assumed you meant if one chooses to use the streamer's DAC. If all you want is the digital signal from a quality, audio focused CPU then surely this is all you'd need?
A quick bit of info for any potential buyer, the unit does not support the UA-cam music platform.
ought the 2i shortly after the Node was released, It was a super bargain at 350 euros. I think it's a great piece of kit & it works flawlessly over WiFi in our bedroom setup. Thanks for the review. Cheers.... 👍🏼
A informative review, yours is the only one that mentioned the sound quality of using the usb port which is the most important piece of information for me.
Great video as usual, you have a very original style and can see you presenting a tech tv show. I’m getting a great experience from Streaming high-Def 24/96 tracks from Apple Music using an Airport express box hooked up to my internet via Ethernet port which is, then directly hooked up to my Leak stereo 130 and Rogers LS6 speakers. I’m not sure if I’m getting the full High definition sound but it sounds amazing. Wish I could compare with the Node but what I love about my set up is I have a Samsung the frame tv above my stereo showing the beautiful (sometimes animated) artwork and lyrics if I want them, for me it makes it a better experience than just using my phone.
You are a gem. Thank you. I’ll need to spend more to upgrade my 2i.
One thing I don't think was mentioned in the video is that the USB can also be used to connect to a DAC - this was not available at release time but was enabled in a firmware update several months ago
I have the previous gen and run it through a preamp as I needed more connectors. Something I've found is that in this setup if I set the Node to fixed level output (using the preamp volume control) then the sound quality is dramatically better. Much stronger and deeper bass, more extended treble, better dynamics.
I found the same with my Node 2i. Thank you for confirming I am NOT crazy! Haha!
Do you use a preamp or integrated amp to it?
Thanx ! Bill from Northeastern France !
The Node is a keeper. I have been living with my 2021 Node for a year now, rock solid, has never once given me issues. I cannot say that about the other streamers I have owned. iFi, Cambridge, Denon, or anything using PlayFi. The Node sits there quietly, and does what it is asked to do. I have had no issues with the software either, on a Samsung tablet, iPad, iPhone or Mac desk top. When I say the Node has been rock solid, I mean it has been "Rock Solid", it has never refused to work or unexpectedly crashed on me. And I do use an external DAC, Ares II, so I have no experience with the Node's internal DAC.
As with my 2i, I'm pretty sure that the new Node supports IR learning so you can use just about any IR remote that may be stuffed in a drawer somewhere, no need to purchase the Bluesound one. IR control is a great feature, don't need to hunt for my phone and fumble just to pause it.
I added the Node 3 to my Marantz Model 30 and SACD 30n set up via USB-A (out from Node) to the USB-B (input on SACD 30n). Utilizing the Node 3 as a source and the DAC from the SACD 30n, the result is pure sonic bliss. I do not like the HEOS software and interface that the Marantz SACD 30n utilizes internally. The Node 3 provided a far superior experience (for me) with the BluOS App on my dedicated iPad Mini (acts only as a remote interface, not a source). I do utilize the ethernet input on the Node 3 for internet access since that option is stable and reliable. My Marantz system was assembled primarily for 2.1 channel vinyl playback, but after adding the Node 3, I find myself streaming from Qobuz, Tidal and others quite frequently. The quality and detail of the sound from this combination far exceeds my expectations. So it turns out that digital and analog can happily coexist after all, at least in my media room.
Great review Paul ! I should add that this is the sister company of NAD ; they both share the same Blue OS systems ! The NAD C700 is a terrific upgrade ( much of the technology of the NAD M10 ) . If you still own a Node 2i add a decent DAC ; it will work solely as a streamer and depending on the DAC ,will sound even better!
Which DAC would you recommend please?
@@glennmiller1029 I’m using a second hand Soekris R2R ladder Dac ! Denafrips makes a real nice one too
@@nigelgauntlett582 Thanks Nigel
@@glennmiller1029 Denafrips Ares II if you ike an analog sound. If you like digital, just about any chip DAC will get you there in that $500 range. Just my opinion, my Denafrips Ares II replaced a $1200 Schiit Gungnir.
I love my Chord 2Qute (an older generation Chord model). I am a big fan of FPGA DACs-very organic sound.
If anyone complains about any sonic inadequacies of this player, start by looking at your whole system. I find the node provides a very high quality of sound that is, most assuredly, being supplanted by your speakers and power (and room) and anything else in your so-called "audiophile" chain of events.
Any ideas on how it works using the Blusound storage system, as it allows MQA to be sent via Ethernet. MQA does show improvement when using digital out just from the storage system, at 88/24 resolution. The new node has better conversion systems than the storage system, and could benefit.
A great review, as always, Paul. How would the Node compare to the Audiolab 6000a Play in terms of sound quality I wonder?
Cheers
I have Audiolab 6000A, it is the same DAC as in Play, there was 0 difference in sound quality but maybe the Audiolab was little better/ louder, only difference I can think of is that BluOS have gapless playing and PlayFi dont... save your money and maybe buy better DAC :)
I added the new node to my all analog two channel tube and vinyl rig as my first venture into the digital world of music after many years of resistance. I couldn't be happier with the value of this unit. Nice sound, easy to use and convenient as it gets. No, it doesn't equal the all analog presentation but it really sounds better than I expected. It's a super fun intro into the digital and streaming world and seems great for the money. Tempting to add an external DAC but cautious about spending big on a still evolving technology. The blue sound node is a small investment with big returns IMHO but avoiding the rabbit hole that follows is an entirely different issue.
I've been wondering the same for a while now. I've had the Node 2i for a year now and using the built in DAC that has sounded better than the DAC in both my Marantz and Emotiva integrated amplifiers. I keep reading that a DAC can make all the difference for a streamer and I only stream music. The concensus is that the best value for the performance munit is the Denafrips Ares II at a price of about $850.00. I'm not ready to make that kind of investment. I've also come across a U.S. company called Geshelli, who makes the J2 for about $250, and have heard only amazing praises. They offere 3 options for the DAC chip, and are known for a warm, airy presentation (very analog) that I'm looking for. This may be the one for me. geshelli.com/product/jnog2/
@@ramondelgado6778 I can tell you this, the Ares II will get you into that analog sound you are looking for. Add a Schiit Lokius EQ, and really take control of the sound.
@@michaelwright1602 That sounds like a fantastic idea! Thank you for your comment!!!
Great review! Have you done any sound quality testing with the hdmi vs optical. I am looking to purchase a streamer and the hdmi is a plus if the sound quality is going to be noticeable over the optical. But if not would you consider the denafrips ares ii over the node?
I think you may want to use SPDIF or USB instead of optical as there are some (apparently) advantages with jitter. If you get the new node 2, it also offers USB audio out if you're going to an external DAC. I haven't used HDMI with the node so have no opinion there.
I have the node2 connected to a denafrips ares ii and it works great with SPDIF or USB. I'm currently going back and forth, trying to determine the differences. I seem to be favoring SPDIF currently, using an audio quest SPDIF cable. The USB cable is a freebie cheap cable and I've yet to try a more expensive 'audiohpile' USB to determine if I can hear a difference or trick myself into believing there is one.
This I can say with certainty: I prefer the denafrips over the internal DAC in the node.
That doesn't mean the node has a bad DAC, there are just better, and the node/ares ii combo works well.
Unfortunately, the far right and left RCA inputs can be crowded tending to shroud the jack if you have a cable with a generous cover over the lug. One one of these and like it but that crowding bothers me sometimes.
dont forget to upgrade the power board from a switching to a lps board it does make a big dif.
2022 it's i2s to dac and pi2aes Mercury streamer to rule them all.
I2s is definitely the way forward. Sadly it seems that you need a serious cash outlay for a streamer and DAC that support it, but I suspect that shall change in the next few years
Are you able to use the original music app. on your phone while using this or do you have to use the Bluesound app. to navigate your music?
it has tidal and spotify connect so far, so as long as you use it that way its np. also can work with roon
Is wiim pro a viable alternative or has the bluesound still the best budget streamer?
I’m happy with mine but I should of got the Vault so I could store some CDs into it. Maybe I should sell it and buy the vault.
I would like a better way to scroll down and find albums in BluOS though.
I'd just like to know if should I get a bluesound node or Cambridge Audio CXN v2?
I returned my CXN v2. I found it to be very buggy, went through two units, got rid of both. There was a lot to like about the v2 as many reviews have stated. Both of mine froze up more than a few times, and would have volume spikes that took out one of my amplifier's channels. The Node on the other hand, plays nicely with all of my gear and the outboard DAC. Never had a software issue with it freezing up or crashing, no wild volume spikes or other issues, it just sits there quietly and works.
As usually a very thorough review. But I do wonder.... How is it, that a downloaded hires file can sound better than a streaming file in the same format (on Qobuz actually the excact same file if you buy the download)? I mean, it goes through exactly the same streamer whether it's coming from the hard drive or the online stream....any thoughts on that?
Put the hires aspect to the back of your mind and focus more on the delivery system and what that entails. I’ve tested many CDs (for example) that sounds far superior to hires streams because the current stream delivery is compromised. It sounds very nice, don’t get me wrong, but not as good. I remember hearing a, what, £30k digital system at a HiFi show (not the best location for quality music either) based on a DAC and a ‘mere’ 16bit wav file source that blew my socks off because the HiFi chain, the delivery system, was well designed. Don’t be hoodwinked by numbers.
@@TheAudiophileMan I think you maybe missed my point.... it wasn't about hires (I have the same experience with cd's in my own system, at least for most of them, though I can't say if they are the same master as the stream), more on the fact, that it goes through exactly the same process inside the Node, whether it comes from the stream or the hard drive. It tecnically "streams" from the hard drive also.... so why the difference? I have had the same experience on a much more expensive streamer....
If it's the same file, your streamer and DAC don't care if the bits come from local storage or somewhere else in the world over the internet.
You're not going to get "better bits" because you stream it from a local disc. It's the same file. And if you drop packets or don't receive parts of the file, you'll know it. Because the music will suddenly be missing. It doesn't lose resolution. It loses. Completely.
Edit: as mentioned. It has to be the same file. And you would need to confirm that your source isn't offering you a different version for download that they do for streaming
I have one and love it and only one complaint and it has to do with the software. As you choose your favorite streaming service and Blue Node (software on the phone) uses that list to chose from the following describes the problem. The problem with the Blue Node list is that it isn't alphabetized!!! Oh what a bummer as you have to scroll for quite some time to find an artist you want to play.
I read somewhere, to pass MQA through the coax you have to do it through settings, and nothing else will work . That's ok but also a pain, seems MQA is not popular ..
Can anyone tell me how upper mid frequencies sound mature? Asking for a friend.
Node+extra money in the pocket OR Cambridge cxn v2 ? Is Cambridge really worth extra ~250 pounds?
Interesting that you believe that networks have a role in quality. To my ears I don't believe that they do unless the network speeds and latency are left wanting. A quality Wi-Fi environment can be just as quick and free of latency and packet loss as a wired connection. To me, a player will buffer a stream and built the same file that is stored on a disk.
That being said I do use Ethernet. Thanks for the video.
I'm not a fan of WiFi either, at least not yet in the tech's current incarnation (in purely sonic terms, yes it offers convenience and broadens the scope of HiFi tech but not in pure sound quality terms). In fact, I wrote a piece on that a few years back which is still relevant: theaudiophileman.com/wi-fi/
Matching an external dac, to the node ??
No mention to the usb output to an external and better Dac? It’s the major update for a future proof product
You're veering into an upgrade video when external DACs are mentioned. This is an out of the box review. Saying that, whenever I receive questions from Node owners about upgrades, I do talk about the DAC upgrade. In the same way that I talk about the Node itself as an upgrade for a built in amp streamer. What I've yet to really address is the option for an external Node power supply...
If I want to use it with an external DAC, do you recommend it using an Coaxial cable or an optical cable ?
USB would be my first choice, then coax and then optical.
if your dac has usb use that
I hope it works better than my 2i.
I was suffering from Wi-Fi connection issues and was having problems with Wi-Fi and also the node 2 I at the same issues, and no the node issues was more than Wi-Fi problems. After resetting the system about 50 times I finally got it to stop skipping 1/2 second intervals, mostly when I would stream a new album. The first and second songs on every album it would give 2 to 5, 1/2 second skips.
One of the people commenting criticized the node, saying that while it’s great for multiroom use, it has so many features it’s difficult to use for simple streaming. That’s exactly my issue in that I am older and technically incompetent and so ease of operation is right behind sound quality for me. I was thinking of either getting an all in one. (perhaps the Naim Uniti Atom which I’m told is relatively easy for an all in one too, use), or to get the node and pair it with an integrated amplifier. I will be using the.Graham ls6 speakers. Any advice? Thank you.
I find the Node very easy to use, and it is rock solid. I have my local radio stations saved and find searching for music quite easy, Amazon and Qobuz. I use an external DAC with the Node, so I have never heard the internal DAC. And it was simply a matter of running a USB cable from the Node to my DAC, change a setting or two in the Node and I was listening to music. Like I stated earlier, the Node is rock solid, I leave it on, and have yet to have an issue where it did not want to work, unlike the other streamers I have owned.
@@michaelwright1602 thanks, and too many possibilities. Good to know this is one.
Current update: I am trying out a NAD C700 at home next week. I hope it pairs well with speakers. If not, I am leaning towards taking your advice and getting a Node and pairing it with something like a Hegel H95. We’ll see. Again, thank you for your advice.
@@michaelwright1602 one basic question please: if I purchase and connect a Node to,e.g., a Hegel H95 Streaming integrated amplifier, Will (1) the sound quality and (2) the ability to connect with Amazon Music HD and Quobuz be that of the Node or not of the Hegel?
@@michaelswitzer3186 If you go with the H95, I would use the built in streamer. You may need a little assistance in setting it up on a phone, computer or tablet, but once that is accomplished I would assume everything should be very stable and sound very good. With AirPlay, you can stream anything with that from your source. And the new AirPlay sounds very good, Apple did a good job with their newer version. The upnp streaming, once set up, is pretty good. But, if it gives you issues, then I would look at the Node. I would think you would get better streaming sound quality out of the Hagel.
Could someone tell me the point of connecting this to a tv through the HDMI port if the streamer is already connected to the internet? Is it so you can control streaming from a tv directly? I
I think it's so you can control the volume of what goes to the node by simply using the TV's remote control.
It automatically powers up the node when the HDMI arc device is powered up, so if you like to pump your TV audio through your HiFi speakers then this simplifies doing just that - and allows you to use the volume from the original device's remote controller.
@@frankdumains2325 then will it just function as a dac and not as a streamer? Since the source would be the tv?
@@chrisflanagan5823 it will redirect the signal of streaming so you just use it tv for control and passing it on and the node does all the "thinking" and conversiton
good review but could not find the guitar player david ellias
davidelias.com
@@TheAudiophileMan could not find david ellias guitar player
If you mean the guy I mentioned in the video - yes, that's him. Here's his bandcamp: davidelias.bandcamp.com/album/the-window-remastered. Or are you referring to the *music* actually played in the video itself?
Great hardware, shame about the software.
For me, the software and general usability of the Node has been a big letdown.
I mostly play music from albums stored on my NAS box, and the most irritating thing when using the UI, is that it's just way too easy to unintentionally stop the existing music from playing.
Although the Node is a WiFi product, it's not necessarily compatible with all WiFi repeaters. I bought a new repeater recently that has a good connection to the router and provides good signal improvement, but even though I tried several times, the Node refused to connect and just says "Error connecting to the network". (My phone, and Laptop have no problems connecting.) The Node and it's UI have lots of other issues that annoy me - but at least it sounds good.
I love my bluesound connected to A DAC converter I used to listen to CDs 90% of the time now I listen to the blue sound 90% of the time
Great streamer
When I connected to my AVR.....SOUNDing not really good🤔
AVR's are hit and miss with music. I don't know what you have, but I would try connecting the digital coax from the Node to the AVR. If that is not to your liking, you can use the L/R Audio output of the Node to one of your L/R Audio inputs on the AVR and let the Node internal DAC do the decoding vs the AVR.
@@michaelwright1602 Node 2021 and Marantz sr 5014
N130 usb not functional w/XMOS 2.0
Neil Young threatened to take his music off of Spotify (Joni Mitchell and maybe others) because they didn't like the fact that Spotify hosted Joe Rogan, a talk show host. Neil et al didn't like Mr Rogan's opinions. Spotify took a look at the millions of followers of Mr. Rogan vs the meager, by comparison, traffic that these paleo-rockers generate and basically told Neil and fellow aging protesters to pack it in. Maybe he started his own streaming effort in response to that. While this might be viewed as a victory for freedom of speech, it probably is a triumph of profitability. The sixties are gone and one cant reheat an old souffle'
Ahh, Fletcher is it? Thanks. Young started his service a long way before that unpleasantness. His files stream at 24bit/192khz so I believe.
@@TheAudiophileMan Much to Neil's chagrin, Spotify indeed has a heard of gold.
Neil Young is every bit as relevant now as he was in the 60's, the 70', the 80's the 90's the 2000's and the 2010's. He is opiniated but likes artists to get what is due to them.
After a whole year of thinking to buy or not to buy the Node I finally did buy it and I must say I instantly regret it.. why? Well the Node is really nice device but - 1.) There was 0 improvement in sound quality comparing it to my Audiolab 6000A dac 2.) In BluOS app you cant see in what bitrate/quality you are streaming/ playing the songs (I mostly use Tidal HiFI) 3.) BluOS app have everything you can imagine and it is really the best app out there but too much of everything in the app, for simply streaming it can be complicated but in a multiroom setup top notch 4.) After 2 years of using my Audiolab 6000A connected with optical in LG C1 (using LG Tidal app) and using Audiolab bluetooth and LG airplay it was simple as that, but now there is one device more now and it can become too much time consuming for just clicking to play a song/ album. Conclusion - really cant tell any difference in sound quality when streaming from the Node or when streaming from my LG tv via Audiolab 6000A only :/
Thanks for sharing.
Just a thought - have you tried using a (hi speed) HDMI cable going from the Bluesound node e-arc to your LG tv e-arc and the Ethernet from your router to the Node ?
Older HDMI cables can't send the faster speed that an e-arc port can transfer.
@@deadline7610 I have Node connected via ethernet cable to my router from day one and I also tried with Audioquest HDMI E-arc cable but there is no difference in sound quality compared with Audioquest optical cable going from TV to Node... but I still didnt tried Tidal MQA with a Node maybe that will have some positive sound quality upgrade tho.
@@otiv3554 I was just watching a review from Danko Audio dated 7/28. 16:25 into the video he was suggesting the combination of the Audiolab 6000A with the
"New from Argon Audio is a network streamer/bridge called Solo"
It might be of interest :)
A streamer only does one thing, streams. It does not change the sound of the recordings. This is digital, not analog. If you want to change the sound, try an outboard DAC. For vinyl sound, a R2R Ladder DAC will get you there, or close, depending on preamp and amplifier. If you like that digital sound, there are thousands of DACs out there that will change the sound. Best bet, for analog sound is an R2R Ladder DAC like the Ares II. Add a Schiit Lokius to the system to make tweaks with the sound to make it more pleasing to your ear.
Also, switching preamps to a Class A unit will make a difference in tonal quality vs a solid state or chip based preamp. Same goes for amplifiers, a Class A/B will sound quite different vs a Class D amplifier.
I could not watch this review, cause if I had and it was the millionth review to not cover the quality of the digital out (you know for using the brilliant software with a better sounding external dac) I would have to f… kill myself!!!
There is no point in mentioning Topping because they don't make a streamer.
This is true. iFi then.
I purchased this unit yesterday. Lousy performance. 25 seconds to load every song via Tidal. Also won't load Favourites half the time. Also cuts off the first 2 seconds of the song. I am returning it to get my money back. Just an awful experience.
Hi
I have a question about tidal.
Do you pay monthly fee service for tidal? Or free membership
@@aceroo G'day Jackie, I pay monthly and have had Tidal for approx 9 years. Never an issue with my HEOS streamer or any other device.
Thank you for responding. Here my problem with tidal that can't play music in bluOS app.
I can sign in tidal in bluOS app but can't play music. When i click play music then it said Remote service error: tidal subscription not activated .
My tidal membership is free. May be that the problem
@@aceroo Have you tried playing Tidal only, but accessing the Bluesound unit through Tidal Connect which is located in Tidal itself. Have a look at about 3:10
ua-cam.com/video/Ji2pjCZBbD0/v-deo.html
This might work.
@@RowanTasmanian you only get tidal connect with a paid plan i think for tidal
Won't be buying another Powernode 2i or BlueOS anything. Nothing but problems and faults. First the output stages failed after 2 months. When it was repaired the unit couldn't be programmed successfully. Fortunately all these problems happened in under 12 months back in May2020 and my retailer reimbursed in full.
Great until a software update or it completely bricks.
Updated the software the other day, no issues here. Or, are you speaking of the firmware to the actual unit itself? Which I have never done, as it has worked flawlessly since day one. I cannot say I have ever had a device that relies upon the internet work so solidly. Impresses me every time I use it.
Hi sir I am from India. Poor man sir please support. Big audiophile. Please I need sumal🎁🎁🎁🎁🙏🙏 sir
Does it beat an old record player or CD player interms of Sound Quality.....an equivulant good DAC costs $thousands.
The Technology not there yet just like transition to batteries, wind mills, solar, as replacing oil n gas.
Amazon, spotify lol after your years of subscription you own nothing and you giving record industry immense control.
An Ares II gave me the analog vinyl sound these chip DACs cannot give. The Ares II is now called the Enyo and is selling for $870 (USD) new on the Vinshine Audio website. You can also search the used market and save a hundred or more on a used Ares II. I was hesitant getting the Ares II, as I do suffer from ear fatigue. I had no idea the R2R technology was so vinyl sounding. Mine is staying, I can now sit and listen for hours without headaches or literal ear pain from whatever the chip DACs produce. And I am not talking high volumes here, even background music listening levels, I could not comfortably sit for very long with music playing on one of these chip DACs, it was that bad.