I own the 2021 Node, it is a solid and easy to use unit. Are there better streamers out there? Sure. The reason I am sticking with the Node is simple, when I get home from work, I want to turn on music or local radio without having to fight network issues, or other crap that is inherent in much of this networked gear. The Node works, and on my system, I cannot hear any real difference between tracks streamed from the Node via Qobuz to my Denafrips Iris DDC out to their Ares II DAC vs playing a CD in my transport out to the Ares II. I have tried this with multiple CDs, if there is a difference in sound, I am missing it. The Node is staying, if for nothing else, the damn thing is rock solid and has been bulletproof since purchasing. I cannot say much more than that, it is a solid piece of gear.
I bought 5 chromecast audios when they were still available, and glad i did. Much cheaper and reliable option. Not all the bells and whistles, but at $35 you couldn’t go wrong.
@@DeejayJimmy90 it blows my mind that still don't have a replacement for the chromecast audio. It's still to this day an amazing device to own. Amazon has one with no speakers but no digital out so bluetooth sounds best.
I have a one plug unit, that can stream my Spotify to a Dac, stream Netfix, prime, UA-cam, HDMI out. Play CDs. Rip CDs and store them on an internal hard drive. Also plays DVDs and Blu-ray. PS3.
Just realize we do not need bluesound node at all times. If only you do is streaming and youtube playback, have a good hifi with good dac and connect options, the value having a node is not much. Only worht it maybe if you want to combine your local music, cd etcetc with your streaming provider. If you do not have local music, it is alot of money spend for something you actually do not need/use.
I just got one but here’s a weird thing. You cannot get the streamers app to sort your albums in anything other than date saved if using it for Qobuz. There’s simply no way to do it, unlike Tidal in the streamers app. To me this makes using Qobuz totally impractical on the node unless using airplay.
I’m confused 🤦🏻♂ I have just purchased the bluesound node to add to my amp and speakers. My question is , when I play I tunes hi res lossless on iPad using airplay , am I getting 24/96-192 like it says. I’ve been informed that you can’t get hi res through airplay 🤷♂. Please help as I am new to streaming and obviously want the best sound possible for my system. Many thanks 🙏🏻
You can get the best hi res support by streaming directly from your service to the node rather than from your iPad. You'll need to incorporate your services with the BluOS Controller App and then choose them from there.
You will link the service with the app. If you haven't already, you can download the app: www.bluesound.com/downloads/ From there, you'll be guided on the setup. If you got the node here, you can call our Tech Support for help with this. Their direct number is on your invoice.
How do you wire an iPhone or iPad to stream the highest res from Apple Music? My understanding is that the highest res does not stream wirelessly. Thanks.
With a strong signal without heavy WiFi traffic, you can stream the highest resolution. The best way to get it out of an iOS device is to use a USB DAC. These are often used because of their portability: www.crutchfield.com/I-rYALc227/g_371950/Portable-USB-DACs.html
I have a powered subwoofer that I would like to connect to the Node, but it has a built in crossover dial, what value should I set that to if I want to use NODE’s app crossover slider and not lose bass quality? I have Kanto YU4 connected via a sub out to Kanto Sub8, but I’d like to try connect the sub to the node instead to see if sound quality improves as right now with NODE rca out, sounds a bit too tight or compressed, with a narrow soundstage. Thanks!
The subwoofer low pass crossover on the Node is adjustable from 40 to 200Hz. The Kanto subwoofer's low pass crossover is from 40 to 120Hz. The best idea is set the Kanto's crossover control to the highest setting, the 120Hz setting as this allows you the most Hz options (the most chances) to improve the audio while using the Node's app control to adjust the bass
@@crutchfield Thank you so much for your reply! I was afraid of setting that value to my Sub, in case if the high Hz damages the woofer, but it's just rumble frequency, so it makes sense... I did a test today connecting to the Node, setting both at 80 Hz, and I did notice that for some reason, sub connected directly to the Kanto speakers sounded punchier and tighter than through the Node. I wonder if there's an extra internal process. Will test tomorrow again with your advice. Thanks!!
@@crutchfield Hello! Yes, I tested it further, setting to 120Hz didn't damage the sub lol. However, I felt like at 120 Hz, the bass was rumbling more frequencies and less tighter beats, so in the end I had it set back to 80-70. I spent a few days with that value and connected to the NODE Sub-Out, but in the end, I noticed that if I plug it in directly to the Speaker's sub-out (and using Optical input from the streamer), the bass was definitely more alive and better quality. I wonder if it's because the sub is receiving the full signal spectrum from the speakers, instead of only the 120Hz...? I kinda wanted to use BS' internal DAC but even if I connect the sub to the speakers, with the internal DAC, the sound it's more bass heavy and compressed, like that sound of bookshelf speakers without bass, and over saturated by low frequencies, which is strange... because there is a sub-out connection. Oh well... Thanks for asking! :D
Sounds like you may want to keep tweaking it and from there maybe even try some other speakers and then even a sub to see if that gets you where you want to be. Keep us posted.
It is not possible to connect this streamer to your iFi DAC. These iFi DAC's will work with the Node streamer: www.crutchfield.com/I-rYALc227/g_371750/All-DACs.html?tp=59309&fa=1#&nvpair=FFBrand|iFi%20Audio&nvpair=AG_Audio%20Inputs|YCCoaxial_Digital
I would like to buy one but I can’t skip a mortgage payment. I hope someone, maybe even Bluesound, comes out with a lower priced alternative with gapless playback, that I don’t have to assemble and program myself.
@@jeffl915 Since my original comment the Wiim Mini and Wiim Pro have become viable alternatives in the budget streaming space. I neglected to mention I’m in Canada where everything is more expensive.
Ps: Xan someone explain to me why MQA make cleaner music, while serious engineers with prof. Gear proof dat MQA add noise to the frequency? Measuring equipment does not lie, people. So whats up?
This fully supports the MQA format which means it is even able to play those music files when they are loaded onto USB MSC device (like a thumb drive) that is plugged into its USB port
Hi Hans, sorry to hear that's not working out better for you. Have you tried sending a help request via the BluOS app so they can help you determine the cause?
And people, do not believe the hype of the industry. Mqa is not better then flac and not better then the cd format. They live to tell you rhat but as always this is disputable as they cannot proof it. No, mqa is developed to milj ua, the sheep, some more ... Flac is free, mp3 is free, mqa not.
![BLUESOUND NODE, WIRELESS MULT-ROOM HI-RES STREAMER ['BUY' LINKS IN THE DESCRIPTION]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/KOkyfJU5AeE/mqdefault.jpg)
![BLUESOUND NODE, WIRELESS MULT-ROOM HI-RES STREAMER ['BUY' LINKS IN THE DESCRIPTION]](/img/tr.png)
I own the 2021 Node, it is a solid and easy to use unit. Are there better streamers out there? Sure. The reason I am sticking with the Node is simple, when I get home from work, I want to turn on music or local radio without having to fight network issues, or other crap that is inherent in much of this networked gear. The Node works, and on my system, I cannot hear any real difference between tracks streamed from the Node via Qobuz to my Denafrips Iris DDC out to their Ares II DAC vs playing a CD in my transport out to the Ares II. I have tried this with multiple CDs, if there is a difference in sound, I am missing it. The Node is staying, if for nothing else, the damn thing is rock solid and has been bulletproof since purchasing. I cannot say much more than that, it is a solid piece of gear.
It's unrelated to the video, but you have a calming and clear voice
Agreed! Rodell does a great job here showcasing the Bluesound NODE's features and capabilities.
Nice review, I have one, excellent streamer!!
So like a chromecast
I bought 5 chromecast audios when they were still available, and glad i did. Much cheaper and reliable option. Not all the bells and whistles, but at $35 you couldn’t go wrong.
@@DeejayJimmy90 it blows my mind that still don't have a replacement for the chromecast audio. It's still to this day an amazing device to own. Amazon has one with no speakers but no digital out so bluetooth sounds best.
Aimed at a completely different market. Try hooking quality speakers up to a Chromecast. Cheap DAC, mediocre sound.
@@SewerPossum it has optical out so you can go to as expensive of DAC as you'd like.
I have a one plug unit, that can stream my Spotify to a Dac, stream Netfix, prime, UA-cam, HDMI out. Play CDs. Rip CDs and store them on an internal hard drive.
Also plays DVDs and Blu-ray.
PS3.
Just realize we do not need bluesound node at all times. If only you do is streaming and youtube playback, have a good hifi with good dac and connect options, the value having a node is not much. Only worht it maybe if you want to combine your local music, cd etcetc with your streaming provider. If you do not have local music, it is alot of money spend for something you actually do not need/use.
I just got one but here’s a weird thing. You cannot get the streamers app to sort your albums in anything other than date saved if using it for Qobuz. There’s simply no way to do it, unlike Tidal in the streamers app. To me this makes using Qobuz totally impractical on the node unless using airplay.
I’m confused 🤦🏻♂ I have just purchased the bluesound node to add to my amp and speakers. My question is , when I play I tunes hi res lossless on iPad using airplay , am I getting 24/96-192 like it says. I’ve been informed that you can’t get hi res through airplay 🤷♂. Please help as I am new to streaming and obviously want the best sound possible for my system. Many thanks 🙏🏻
You can get the best hi res support by streaming directly from your service to the node rather than from your iPad. You'll need to incorporate your services with the BluOS Controller App and then choose them from there.
@@crutchfield hi , sorry still confused. How do I do this 😬
You will link the service with the app. If you haven't already, you can download the app: www.bluesound.com/downloads/ From there, you'll be guided on the setup. If you got the node here, you can call our Tech Support for help with this. Their direct number is on your invoice.
How do you wire an iPhone or iPad to stream the highest res from Apple Music? My understanding is that the highest res does not stream wirelessly. Thanks.
With a strong signal without heavy WiFi traffic, you can stream the highest resolution. The best way to get it out of an iOS device is to use a USB DAC. These are often used because of their portability:
www.crutchfield.com/I-rYALc227/g_371950/Portable-USB-DACs.html
@@crutchfield Many thanks. I went with Bluesound Node and it seems to work well
Are you using its AirPlay 2 ability to play the audio from your iOS devices?
@@crutchfield Yes.
That is the best option for playing audio from an iOS device on the Node!
I have a powered subwoofer that I would like to connect to the Node, but it has a built in crossover dial, what value should I set that to if I want to use NODE’s app crossover slider and not lose bass quality? I have Kanto YU4 connected via a sub out to Kanto Sub8, but I’d like to try connect the sub to the node instead to see if sound quality improves as right now with NODE rca out, sounds a bit too tight or compressed, with a narrow soundstage. Thanks!
The subwoofer low pass crossover on the Node is adjustable from 40 to 200Hz. The Kanto subwoofer's low pass crossover is from 40 to 120Hz. The best idea is set the Kanto's crossover control to the highest setting, the 120Hz setting as this allows you the most Hz options (the most chances) to improve the audio while using the Node's app control to adjust the bass
@@crutchfield Thank you so much for your reply! I was afraid of setting that value to my Sub, in case if the high Hz damages the woofer, but it's just rumble frequency, so it makes sense... I did a test today connecting to the Node, setting both at 80 Hz, and I did notice that for some reason, sub connected directly to the Kanto speakers sounded punchier and tighter than through the Node. I wonder if there's an extra internal process. Will test tomorrow again with your advice. Thanks!!
You're welcome! How did that demo go? Were you able to get the bass dialed in to what you wanted?
@@crutchfield Hello! Yes, I tested it further, setting to 120Hz didn't damage the sub lol. However, I felt like at 120 Hz, the bass was rumbling more frequencies and less tighter beats, so in the end I had it set back to 80-70. I spent a few days with that value and connected to the NODE Sub-Out, but in the end, I noticed that if I plug it in directly to the Speaker's sub-out (and using Optical input from the streamer), the bass was definitely more alive and better quality. I wonder if it's because the sub is receiving the full signal spectrum from the speakers, instead of only the 120Hz...? I kinda wanted to use BS' internal DAC but even if I connect the sub to the speakers, with the internal DAC, the sound it's more bass heavy and compressed, like that sound of bookshelf speakers without bass, and over saturated by low frequencies, which is strange... because there is a sub-out connection. Oh well... Thanks for asking! :D
Sounds like you may want to keep tweaking it and from there maybe even try some other speakers and then even a sub to see if that gets you where you want to be. Keep us posted.
I have an Ifi Zen DAC V2----can this be connected to the Node? If so, how?
It is not possible to connect this streamer to your iFi DAC. These iFi DAC's will work with the Node streamer:
www.crutchfield.com/I-rYALc227/g_371750/All-DACs.html?tp=59309&fa=1#&nvpair=FFBrand|iFi%20Audio&nvpair=AG_Audio%20Inputs|YCCoaxial_Digital
I would like to buy one but I can’t skip a mortgage payment. I hope someone, maybe even Bluesound, comes out with a lower priced alternative with gapless playback, that I don’t have to assemble and program myself.
Has been priced at $499 for a while now. That is a lot of product for an inexpensive price
@@jeffl915 Since my original comment the Wiim Mini and Wiim Pro have become viable alternatives in the budget streaming space. I neglected to mention I’m in Canada where everything is more expensive.
I would buy one but it needs a display for the music art.
The BluOS Controller App which is used to control this item, can display album art.
N130 usb not functional w/XMOS 2.0
Ps: Xan someone explain to me why MQA make cleaner music, while serious engineers with prof. Gear proof dat MQA add noise to the frequency? Measuring equipment does not lie, people. So whats up?
Do you know if it has full decoding or rendering for MQA?
This fully supports the MQA format which means it is even able to play those music files when they are loaded onto USB MSC device (like a thumb drive) that is plugged into its USB port
Bluesound node continuously has drop outs with Amazon music and so far no one has fixed it
Hi Hans, sorry to hear that's not working out better for you. Have you tried sending a help request via the BluOS app so they can help you determine the cause?
The hdmi arc on node suckkksss
It lowered the volume by alot.
turn the volume up...
And people, do not believe the hype of the industry. Mqa is not better then flac and not better then the cd format. They live to tell you rhat but as always this is disputable as they cannot proof it. No, mqa is developed to milj ua, the sheep, some more ... Flac is free, mp3 is free, mqa not.