Escape the 'world of crazy' with the Bluesound Powernode 2i
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- Опубликовано: 29 сен 2024
- This video sponsored by dCS: www.dcsltd.co.uk/
Camera: Olaf von Voss | Editor: John Darko
Bluesound's Powernode 2i (€899) is a streaming amplifier for newcomers, minimalists or existing audiophiles looking to escape the crazy world of hi-fi separates. Just add loudspeakers.
10 more thoughts on the Bluesound Powernode 2i:
darko.audio/20...
More info:
www.bluesound....
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Also featured in this video…
Hi-fi Racks Podium Reference XL:
www.hifiracks....
KEF LS50 (passive):
darko.audio/20...
Atacama Nexus 6 (loudspeaker stands):
www.atacama-aud...
Bluesound Node 2i:
www.bluesound....
Meze 99 Classics:
darko.audio/20...
Bowers & Wilkins PX7:
www.bowerswilk...
darko.audio/20...
Hegel H190:
darko.audio/20...
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Playlists…
Spotify:
open.spotify.c...
Tidal:
tidal.com/brow...
Qobuz:
open.qobuz.com...
#futurefi #mininalism #audiophile
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10 x post-review thoughts on the Bluesound Powernode 2i:
darko.audio/2020/02/10-more-thoughts-on-the-bluesound-powernode-2i/
What happens next is up to you.
Just a heads up about point 7, the PM7000N is now Roon tested.
But that's NOT Roon Ready, which is what we need for proper Roon streaming.
John Darko Thanks for the review. Question (im a beginner)
Can this work totally wireless with wireless speakers? So i only plug the powenode to the power, and same with the speakers, and i can have multi room wireless music?
@@samsunga-pm4qq Bluesound has a whole eco system of powered speakers that would make a fine multi room system, not especially cheap but they are meant to be great for that purpose. Remember this version is amplified to drive a pair of passive speakers.
Can this be used to stream from RUclips Music on my phone to my speakers AND wireless Bluetooth speakers at the same time in low latency?
Well, after watching this several times, I placed my order. Another excellent video, John. Really enjoy your style and presentation. Keep it up!
Update 3/15: got my unit hooked up and playing on 3/14. Wow! I'm impressed, it gives my Paradigm floorstanders, Monitor 7 V7, all they can handle. Setup was a snap, network, AMHD, Quboz, usb hdd or flash drive and cd player. Just waiting for my adapter cable for the turntable. This is definitely an improvement over my Onkyo A9050 integrated amp. Worth the money.
My wife says that you are a bad influence on our domestic finances. We have a Powernode 2i and a pair of LS50's on order. :)
John, so glad House of Love was chosen to showcase - amazing album! Loved your points and the authenticity is infectious. Keep providing us such great content.
The world is/has changing(ed) so is the audiophile world.
This thing is the solution for people who don't want to ditch their old speakers and do not want Sonos.
I thought at first what a novelty item. Now I'm seriously looking into it - thank you.
NAD C368 with bluesound mdc module is also an all in one system, with great sound, but with more possibilitys.
Does it match with Bower and Wilkens 606 speakers?
Offcourse, why not?
Just remember Nad and Bluesound are from the same Lenbrook stable. So they cross pollinate their innovation
I have both. And I totally agree. Just thinking to upgrade my (Powernode 2i) speakers (now I'm using Klipsch RB15). Any suggestion?
@@1959ludo I have the C368 with Bluesound Module... pairing with B&W 606.
You can also use any remote you have for it; the PowerNode can learn the commands you wish to use. Alternatively there is a nice metal Bluesound remote you can buy for $50 - great for playback of presets for those not wanting to use their phone. You can set up 10 presets across referencing your music on a NAS (but not on USB), Spotify playlists, etc. It's best to set up any Preset you want as a Playlist first and then from the Preset options select the Playlist to match the remote button.
Excellent summary. I've been running the normal Node 2i for the past month and am pleasantly surprised by the feature set and musicality for the price of this modest little thing. In my view it is more than "good enough" in every way.
I have the Denon Heos AMP2 paired with KEF R100 and a AudioPro sub, all for about 1000 eur. Does exactly the same thing, integrates with Alexa and Amazon Music HD perfectly, supports streaming from my PC, fits perfectly to my small living room. Just to mention as a good alternative worth looking into for a bit less...
I have been looking at that Heos Amp but the app gets a lot of stick online. How have you found it for reliability . I would use with Amazon HD music BTW.
I very enjoy your review format John. Great work and please continue to present your music suggestion in your video and love the playlists provided in the description below your video. 🏆👍🏻
Thanks for bringing this to my attention! I have an ideal place for this on a pair of Elac Unifi speakers.
Keep the future-fi info coming. Thanks!
I may have said this previously but my wife will suffer the boxes/TT, but NOT the rats nest of cables running anywhere or behind anything . So for the last 30+ years I have made liberal use of plastic garden ties, to ensure that marital harmony is not compromised at all = result.
They also serve to keep the audio cables away from the electricity cables by at least 10cm. Reduced interference = result.
This was a sensational video! Smartly done. Honestly done. I liked how you noticed if you started to look at comparable products in terms of functionality, you start down the path to component heaven. Or hell! LOL
I am going to look and see if there is an updated version of this now and those speakers as well. I was thinking the KEF 750 but those bookshelfs are gorgeous. Again, thanks for a terrific video. Subscribed!
The only thing I wouldn't want integrated in the rest of the sound system is the streamer. Technology develops quickly and services come and go. Having the software part integrated into the system will make it obsolete far quicker than any other part. So if I could choose I would have everything integrated except the software part which in this case is the steamer.
If this system was entirely modular I would love it.
That's where firmware updates come in. As services come and go, so the streamer can be modified on the fly.
Until the hardware is no longer sophisticated enough to be able to be updated. Look at Sonos - at some point the hardware just wont have the ability to be updated.
Typically though - external DACs are better quality/sound than integrated amp internal DACs. - so we are back to the component system. This is perhaps more about a one box solution as a 'lifestyle' decision.
100% right! Totally agree!
Valid concern. If that’s important to you, you might couple a node 2i with a NAD AMP1 (see the follow up article from John on the top comment)
I like your videos a lot, well done.
Great teamwork and loads of good content, always trying to question “well established truths” (or simply just being agnostic and without preconceptions?).
But what I love the most is the possibility to dig “on the fly” into music I would have never known otherwise and that’s always good to try at least once thanks to your playlists.
You’re doing a great favor not necessarily to the “audiophile world”, but definitely to all music lovers out there.
The video ends and there I find myself streaming strange, good music without leaving my desk: something that was just impossible 10 years ago or even less.
What’s more Future-fi than this?
You need to grab the Bluesound RC1 remote control, makes Bluesound even better.
It doesn't come with a remote?
Nope.But you can also use any other remote, because BlueOS is capable of learning the remote control signals. You can configurate them in the app itself. I use the remote from my amplifier which has lots of unused buttons. Even radiostations are configurable, which is very easy and has a high WAF (wife acceptance factor).
Looks like a great unit, especially for the cost. I was wondering, as you had this running with the Kef LS50’s, would you say this is comparable to a set up of just the LS50 wireless speakers, as the packages together are similar in price and feature set to some degree? The power node has more modern connections as the older active speakers but I keep coming back to them as am loving the smaller Kef LSX I got recently. I’m aware I tend to use AirPlay a lot with the LSX as the Tidal stream through Kef’s app doesn’t seem to work that well for me. It’s looks great, thank you for the overview.
Another great sounding, affordable combo would be a Bluesound Node 2i with a Denon PMA-600NE. Don't be fooled by the specs on watts, the PMA pumps it out with a High Current design.
People often say the passive pair will never sound as good as it's active counterpart. I has the LS50W's and returned them for the dynaudio xeo 20's. Got both my sister's the LSX each and the was quite surprised by their performance for the size.
I never bought a worse gear than my bluesound. I changed for a Keff LS50 wireless and it's day and night.
Hey John, the SONOS Amp will compete with the form factor and functionality - could be a great comparison?
Andrew McGill-Brown yes please.
Why invest in something that could be bricked. But a dumb small form factor integrated with an HDMI input and use it with a Chromecast. Visually as elegant since the Chromecast is small and easily hidden. If Google bricks three Chromecast it's only $60 vs $2%
Meant to say $1,000 for the powernode or Sonos equivalent.
@@johnpereira6934 Sonos seems to have the best track record so far. (Powernode 1 already not supported) We'll see what happens in May. Heck they might upgrade the Sonos Amp to support more formats to put it in parity with bluesound at a lower price. A chromecast is great if you only ever want to stream music. But bluesound and Sonos both allow you to plug a multitude of sources for more versatility.
But John it is soo much fun being OC crazy!
John that does not qualify as a mess behind your back, no dust bunnies or cobwebs to see.
He clearly vacummed...had to, I think. *gets hand vac going in shame
I change gear out so frequently that I can keep everything clean with a handheld vacuum cleaner.
Besides, a dirty room isn't the room that high-end audio gear deserves.
Thanks this this, and for all you do. As a one-box fan, I would someday love to compare one-box solutions up the line with the same speakers, room, and tunes. Powernode, M10, Uniti, Goldnote, Expert Pro, etc.
Great one guys, cheers. Though I did miss Jana :)
Sonos Amp vs power node 2i comparison would be good, great videos btw 👍
Powernode 2i or KEF LSX for better value for the $? That's the question. Powernode looks great though!
Ben Wylie lsx is an active speaker and the powernode a streamer amplifier... so your not comparing complete systems. The lsx is a nice system for a small room or for people who normally would buy a soundbar. A powernode 2i + ls50 will fill a living room with sound to a next level compared with the lsx
Please could you Review the Marantz PM700N and compare it to the Powernode 2i.
Thanks
Andy
Other people have asked this here without an answer, so I'll repeat it as it's a real pertinent one to this video IMO: for basically the same money you can buy the LS50 wireless, which is an even more minimalist setup. I've heard many people preferring the sound of the wireless to the wired LS50. How do you compare this setup to the LS50W @johndarko?
Already answered on my website. Links in description box AND in first, pinned comment.
I get asked well over 100 questions per day on various social media platforms. Replying is a part-time job that I don't have enough time for. I wish I did but I don't. Therefore, I try to answer some of the FAQ on my website.
Elsewhere, I have to prioritise: at the bottom of the reply queue go people asking questions that have already been answered via links provided in description boxes and pinned comments; below them are people who let their sense of entitlement to a reply get the better of them.
How does the Yamaha WXA-50 stack up? I have the Yamaha WXC-50 and think it was a hell of a deal for a steamer and preamp.
Wxc 50 is indeed a crazy good deal
Futures I like it John. So can you review cambridge audio edge series aswell?
John what is that wonderful synthesized track you playWhen talking about the power node to I in the node to I this wonderful synthesized rhythmic track can you please tell me what it is and who is the artist it is fantastic it would sound so great on my system thank you and thank you for all you do Robbb from Canada
Another awesome vid John, could you or anyone else out there tell me if this Blue Node streamer or any other streamer would sound better than how I currently stream through my desktop PC, thank you.
John, what do you mean when you say an app, e.g. spotify, is "not gapless"? Do you mean 'lag'? Thanks! And, love your content!!
'Gapless' is when 2 tracks on an album run into each other without any silence between them. A player without 'gapless' will put a moment of silence between the 2 tracks, whilst a gapless player will not. Think Classical music, or Dark Side of the Moon, etc.
🎶🔥
how good is the bluesound for watching movies?
Can someone explain the term “ Entry Level “ . I’m not a hardcore audiophile so this is why I’m asking. I’m confused because it seems because it not expensive that it’s considered “ Entry Level “ . I would think that “ Entry Level “ wouldn’t be able to have both MQA and High Res Audio together. I thought those are the best of the best. Better than CD. Isn’t that want we want?
Hi couldn't decide between powernode and nad c700 , speakers Monitor audio silver 200 which would you go for please
I own the NAD C368 with BluOS moddule which offers a similar all in one solution with more input options e.g. I have a Audiolab 6000CDT and a Denon DP72 turntable hooked up to it. I love the convenience of streaming but also appreciate the other media when I'm in the mood.
Is the Power Node 2i Holy Trinity compatible?
Would the Powernode 2i + passive = the Node 2i + active speakers? (sorry if I missed this either above or below)
Can you do a review of the Sonos amp?
Hello John, I am following your awesome channel for a while, now I wonder, would you say KEF LS 50 + Bluesound Powernode 2i or KEF LS 50 Wireless?
Thank you!
I'd say the LS50 Wireless with Bluesound 2i would be the better option.
Get the wireless, they'll sound much better and a neater package.
@@domtomas1178 why would you pair those 2 when the wireless already has streaming integrated?
@@vongdong10 Because 1. the LS50W can't decode MQA (24bits/192Khz); 2. the LS50W streaming app is crap, esp. for Tidal - no gapless playback, shuts down unexpectedly, no playlist creation, etc.; and 3. the sound quality improves with Bluesound as streamer.
@@vongdong10 No MQA
How do you compare it to the Nad M10 in terms of pure audio quality?
I have experience with both and the M10 is a big upgrade. And it should be for 3 times the price! But the Powernode2i is a shockingly good sounding amp for the price.
Stuart Shuck Don’t know about pricing, but I’d bet the NAD M10 out performs it by a significant margin.
Can this be used as just a network streamer to stream 24 bit audio to my Emotiva processor?
A couple things it also does not mentioned in the review that I find really valuable - you can use any remote with it .... it learns! And it will switch inputs if it senses Audio. So it is awesome to use for your television. Ever listen to music and leave your stereo on the wrong input? and then someone comes along and puts on the TV and they get no sound…… This resolves all that.....
It's $899US on Crutch. So apparently below the 900 Euros mentioned in vid.
I'm shocked. I double checked.. Powernode 2i, thicker, yup.
The resolution of the volume slider and it's end points can be changed in app settings.. so fully left could be 20%, and fully right 60%, for example if that were the quietest/loudest you think you'd use.
Then you have good fine control between the two.
Eliminates the difficulty of getting the level just right and also prevents accidentally tapping and going max power...
Have the same setup of the Powernode 2i with the Kef LS50 for my wife's room, nice setup!
Jeffrey Zuidgeest any idea how it compares to an all in one system like Naim Mu-so? I was thinking to replace mine with a setup like this
Jeffrey how di they sound?
Sorry missed the reply. I have the Main Muso QB, this Powernode is much nicer as it is stereo sound, and more clean and louder if needed. But the Main Atom gives a more full sound, also a different pricing level. This Powernode is very nice to start with, even with inefficient Kef LS50
I use a Bluesound Powernode N150 (1st gen), it lacks some of the latest features like headphone out, analog in and dsp. But it's still supported by the app and works great. It can be had used very cheap now and so makes a really nice budget system with very high quality DDFA amplifiers built by Zetex.
It is impressive that they continue to support these older boxes so well.
I really like the way you do your reviews. It's great you've a open mind to other products besides very high-end.
Can you test the Marantz NR1200 and/or Denon DRA-800H?
The NR1200 is superior, and in my opinion the best option until the Marantz 6 series.
I don't understand the diference to Stream direktly from my phone in to my amp with a BT dongle or the heos build in my denon. Why i should send the Signal First in the bluenote and from there in a amp?!?!😅 sorry my english..greatings from Hamburg
Consider Music is in the internet or on Your NAS. Then You use your phone to tell bluesound to take the music from there andvsend it to your headphones. It is 1000 much better than using your phone to suck files from network render and Then send it to headphones. It is stupid solution. It make only sense if you keep flac files localy in phone internal memory. Or if you go outside. I hate bluetooth from phone to headphones. Any app running on my mobile just interrupt listening music. It is annoying.
On other words you are not sending music from your phone. Your phone is just a remote control. It is how all dlna apps works. Only Apple still use this buggy stupid airplay which is just a bluetorh over wifi.
question ☝🏼 why do none of these “audiophailly” apps support google music services? as a youtube premium subscriber i get them as a bundle!
kj ....Amen!!!! I absolutely love the Google Play Music / RUclips Music / RUclips Red combination. I can’t wait until Google merges them all under RUclips Music (rumored for later this year). I love the RUclips Music UI the best. Full screen artwork and big easy controls. Sharing is also a breeze. I seriously tried Spotify and Apple Music (and I love Apple devices) before I chose Google and built a huge collection of cherry picked playlists...thousands of songs in total. I’m with Google for the long haul. Plus I could never justifying Tidal after several tests. Cheers!!!
Yes, I wish many audiophile boxes offered Google connections. Maybe it will happen when all is under RUclips Music app.
kj would apple airplay not work?
Powered speakers are a real audiophile thing. Even if folks don't believe it!
Haha! I was just yesterday looking for a review of the Powernode 2i, because a friend asked me for a budget amplifier/streaming system. Thanks, great review!
Hi - loving your channel - just returned to music/hifi after 15 years of too much work - have discovered Roon (via an old iPad controlled remotely) and the dragonfly thanks to you which has modernised my old arcam amo. Is there any way you can share Your review tracks as a Roon playlist - as it is I have to use Tidal directly or I guess I could get up and control it directly but it’s less elegant...
I bought into Bluesound because it's a NAD product and OS.
I have the VAULT2 and just finished ripping my entire CD collection to it's hard drive.
I'm impressed with the user interface and the streaming options. Sound quality to my Musical Fidelity/ KEF LS50/REL system is very smooth and rich with nice depth and detail.
The result in my home has been MORE music listening that may start in my collection but ends up in discovering new music via streaming.
I'll keep the CDs Dacs and player, but I think they'll be my last.....
Let's hope NAD keeps up support for it's legacy devices unlike sonos. Time will tell
Thanks Carlitos. The vault is 1 TB, right ? Any idea how many CDs that is?
Wish this one has a CD player built in for a £200 extra.
Love youre reviews John. I'm rocking Yamaha's TT-N 503 and Edifier S3000pro active speakers. I would like to see you reviewing Edifiers as they are one of the biggest surprises I had in recent years in terms of hi-fi. Got my hands on Cambridge Audio CXN v2 recently and via xlr they sound even better. One thing tho, bass set at -6db as they tend to go boomy, not a bass head myself so it's definitely con for me. Cheers mate.
Even if you're happy with a multi-box, higher end setup, that Bluesound would make a killer second system.
What a victory for common sense and imagination . Great useful video. Thank you. Moving up the scale , but sticking with what I think is the same basic operating system, I’d love to see a review of the new Nad M33 Masters all in one .
Another great video John. Thank you! One quick question - the cabinet that the Powernode is sitting on has been featured in most of your videos, but I can’t find one where you mention it. I have noticed that you have had artwork hanging on and off it. Can you share some details about it?
I was just searching for the exact same information.
I would be also interested to know more about it too
Thanks John this is my exact setup at home! Didn’t think it would drive the LS50’s but it does a very good job in my living room! I the Beatles white album plays with grit!
Joshua Lee does the ls50 gives the famous holographic sound with this setup? If the 3d-ness and wide soundstage can be achieved, I’m all in!
Joshua Lee Can it be connected wirelessly to the LS50?
Great review - and it also matches my experience.
We have recently upgraded the living room audio and my old Dali speakers were surplus. The Powernode 2i recently got an upgraded model that added HDMI, which meant I could get the non-HDMI 2i for 600 euro. It drives the Dali floorstanders easily and it is such a fun second sound system. We even hooked up a record player with built-in phono stage and it just works great. It’s now the system in my girlfriend’s study and she loves it.
Very recommended at this budget.
Could you advise what is the problem of not having HDMI? I am thinking about to by one. Can I still use no-hdmi version with TV/netflix/android-tv box and how?
Great review! Future-Fi is what I identify with- active speakers, all digital, minimalism, etc.
I think solutions like this will become more common as they need to become more common.
This video is making me think twice about making a Rpi streamer. That Blue app looks so good with ease of access. All I want to have a small streaming unit to play my music with my speakers. This AIO is definitely food for thought. Obviously in terms of adding a box and add speakers and voilà.
Or add speakers and vodka!
I’ve been eyeing this thing to go along with the buchardt S400s in white. You have made my day. I originally wanted the NAD M10 and some Zu Soul Supremes but I just can’t afford that. I can barely afford the powernode and S400s but I can stretch for it. You have made me feel better about my decision. Thank you.
Great review. You helped me make a decision to buy the Powernode 2i as a second system.
Hey John, I use a PULSE SOUNDBAR 2i hooked up to my 65 Samsung TV through a HDMI arc. I have 2 PULSE FLEX 2i hook up through Bluetooth and the PULSE SUB wired to the back of the soundbar. It sound great. I use Netflix and spottily app on my TV. What would I get adding the Powernode 2i. I also would like to see a review on that setup. What do you think.
Yes, you do have a lot of gear lol I also had in the past, mono blocks from krell, pre amplifiers , CD player and big Martin Logan speakers. Now much simpler, Devialet pro220, metronome cd transport T5 because have a huge cd collection, dCS Bridget and Wilson Sophia 3, much simpler, smaller and great sound
Great video and a very smart idea...'J.A.S.-Just Add Sepeakers'....(that seems Future-Fi but also Kallax-Fi!). But John how this combo of B/Sound+LS50s compares to (solo)LS50W? IF this outperforms the LS50-Ws, we are talking 'bout a revolution!
the emotiva basX a-100 mates wonderfully with the node 2i. was using the amp to drive 3 sets of speakers around the house thru a remote controlled selector. added the node 2i 6 months ago partly based on your review, John, as well as the competitive price. I already had the amp/speaker set up with a lofi parts express solution ($35). The change in adding the bluesound was astounding.....so if you have an amp laying around you can go with a 2i. by the way my cable mess makes yours look positively pristine. Love your channel.
Love your reviews. Your voice is just soothing to listen with all the crazy going around right now 👌🏽
I don't understand why no one has Plex support as a streaming service. It's maybe not as sophisticated as Roon is but it is free and close enough from stopping me from investing 500€ in Roon.
2 more Streaming Amps I want to throw in the ring: Denon DRA-800H and Marantz NR1200. They are not Roon ready but compete in the 700 Euro department.
or this: www.denon.com/en-gb/shop/preamplifiers/heosamphs2
Can anyone suggest any blue sound gear for a streamer only connected to a standalone dac? My only consider is sound quality using the coaxial output. Features and options of any blue sound at its price will definitely serve its purpose as a streamers. Other streamers can be outrageously expensive these days.
Thank you
I have a NAD M10 and the Bluesound Node 2i, however, hand on heart, when asked if someone should pony up for the M10 over the Powernode I would suggest listening to the Powernode first. The M10 sounds better if you have the money, but it simply can't beat the value of the Powernode. And the M10 doesn't even have a headphone jack!
Quick question: can you do multiroom using bluos with the 2i and the M10? I'd assume so, but would like to confirm. Looking at this a solution with the M10 in my primary listening room, the Powernode in my office, and other bluesound speakers scattered around the house.
I use the NAD C388 very happy with it.
@@bryanwoody8868 Yes, the M10 is effectively a node in de Bluesound network.
@@aperson2351 No, the amp is different. The amp in the M10 uses the high-end Hypex nCore. Which I personally find to suit my tastes. However, I'd guess the Bluos steaming is structurally similar.
I returned mine because of the buggy software. A shame because it really could be a great device.
Gabriel Lundmark I had the same with the power- and the node 2i. Buffering isn’t best. Again on WiFi it Changes a lot in channels. Had to made a hard reset it a view times by switching power on and off
I often found that Spotify Connect stopped working, requiring me to sign in and out of my account. Airplay is also barely usable as the volume controls seem to be logarithmic so 0-80% of the slider is quiet and the last 20% goes from loud to OH SHIT. No Apple Music or Spotify (except Connect) integration either. I ended up getting Sonos instead.
I've been at this audiophile hobby for nearly 50 years, and have spent a lot of money on gear over that time. I've been using a Powernode 2 for a couple of years in a second system, paired with the Elac B-5's. I am constantly surprised at how musical this unit sounds. Sure, not the detail and soundstage of my main system, but still really, really good. (And the cable/dust bunny mess behind my main system is way worse than John's).
I was thinking of getting the powernode 2 and using it as an amp for my desktop pc, do you know if I could connect my pc to it by USB, would that work do you know?
@@nortagnan2135 Not sure if you found the answer for this, but you cannot use the powernode via USB as the USB port is only for servicing (it's just a service port).
And the other one is for USB sticks.
support1.bluesound.com/hc/en-us/articles/200271766
If you just want to play files from your PC then you can read the above article for windows network file sharing.
Can this be used as a network streamer for my XMC1 Emotiva processor.
Got the the Node 2i. Everything I needed in router sized box and it took my laptop out of the equation. I bought a used Vizio SmartCast Tablet Remote (XR6P10) to use as a dedicated screen/controller. It comes with a neat wireless charging dock.
Great review and video (as always) John :-). Just wanted to add another perspective: I owned the Bluesound power node 2i and tested it alongside the sonos amp (the new model) driving a pair of PMC Twenty5.21 and a pair of Dynaudio M10. The Bluesound sounded smoother but still detailed. The Sonos sounded comparatively harsh(er) to my ears and needed treble tweaking (reducing via EQ). The bluesound was warmer (good thing). I encounterd (and still dealing with) a lot of problems with Roon when using the Bluesound via WiFi. Music dropouts, stutters, streamer disappearing from available devices, etc etc. Two different routers (different homes), a multitude of Bluesound devices (Flex 2i, Node 2i, Soundbar 2i) and the Roon problems affect them all in my case (unfortunately). These problems do not affect everyone but there are quite a few who suffer and the pain is documented both in the Roon forum as well as in the Bluesound community forum. In my case, I have partly resolved the issues by using powerline ethernet adapters so avoiding WiFi entirely.
I am generally in complete agreement with the perspective of minimalism but it is worth keeping in mind that an all-in-one is dependent on a range of integrated services and functionality that depends on multiple manufacturers all working together and collaborating for bug fixing and updates (Spotify, Roon, Apple airplay, Bluesound etc.). The recent Sonos drama highlighted one thing: All in one devices or speakers will be vulnerable to obsolescence and that seems to come faster than what a lot of customers anticipated. The sonos drama is ongoing and it is worth keeping an eye as it is certainly indicative of upcoming obsolescence in many other all-in-one solutions currently in the market.
Cables don't dress themselves, its a constant work in progress, figuring out various tricks you can use. A proper rack with the right wire channeling does wonders. I used
to not care, but sooner or later you get tired of your system, and you're place, basically looking like an electronics warehouse blew up. Plenty of solutions, no need to cut corners.
..."and we're one stop closer to crazy town." I love this quote! I agree, to keep something simple, a Powernode w/ a pair a nice stand mounts is a great starting point single system or for a second system like in someone's office or den. I've recommended this setup to many of friends and co-workers looking for something simple and as an alternate to Sonos.
rdoogie71 Im exactly that person, i would like to put speakers for my 2 room office; can i use wireless speakers with this 2i system? Meaning i only need power plugs and i’m ready to go?
Going to add a third Node 2i soon for the ultimate house party sound system throughout 3 floors: 1kw of amplification, Tannoy Ardens, JBL 4430 and Quad 11L2 all pumping in unison 😬
Seems like a marriage of the Node 2i and NAD D3045. I wonder if that's actually true, or if not, how the two amps compare. Great video, John.
Is it correct to say that with the analog IN ports, I could connect my turntable (AT LP120x) to this amp and stream it over the network? My goal would be to listen to my records through out my house...
I've been waiting for almost a month for this Bluesound Powernode 2I to be delivered. Obviously this company absolutely sucks in terms of delivery and customer service. I've reached out to them several times via email which is outsourced and a total waste of time. I even tried canceling my order and cant even seem to do that..
Not sure if this covered in the 500+ comments below but is there a streaming limit on the library management? Have a library of 250k files on external drives and I'm hoping that this can be catered for. First BS incarnation topped out at 80k files...at least that's what I was told several years ago
These videos are content rich with production values without peer.
Killer feature that most reviews overlook is the IR remote learning feature. You can pair this with the old remote control from that no longer used cd/dvd/VCR player in a few minutes and have volume, play, pause, skip from a IR remote control. A programmable remote works too.
What about the new(ish) Sonos Amp (an upgrade from the connect) - would love your thoughts on that...
Peter Haydock yes please
How about Yamaha R-N803D , does everything as well with over 100 w per channel and costs 750 e. It seems off the radar of all reviewers. I use it with monitor audio silver 200 with very good results.
Did you need to use a transformer?
Well John I can think of another option with the same form factor of one box controlled via an app, and is even smaller, a RaspberryPi with an amp hat and DAC hat. I have such an item in my dining room built from product I purchased from IQaudio out of the UK, works/sounds well with my small towers and sub. I use it occasionally now since I have different main system in my listening area.
I love the iqaudio dac series. Best of all is the squeezebox/LMS software which has been community maintained and is as good as ever, having hardware and software independence.
I have bought the powernode because of this review and it is, i guess, surprisingly good. More than enough power for my heco celan 700 and sounds good. But there are two big cons, which
should have been mentioned:
no balance control
when switching off the powernode, the loudspeakers are making a "popp" sound.
And the internet-radio functionality is very limited. Right now i am missing 7 Radio stations and it is a pain to add them over the tune-in favorites.
Can't be connected through hdmi with a video-streaming device like the nvidia shield, which is what I am really missing in this device.
Does anyone know if this would be a good fit with the Magnepan LSR?
Hi John, is there a headphone only alternative to this product?. All my music listening is via headphones.
I have exact same in my living room and it is a perfect neat audiophile solution and very Wife friendly.
I Love my KEF LS50’s with the Powernode2i ... great pairing. however all powernode 2i’s leak sound when you use the 3.5mm front headphone socket. The speakers leak sound, roughly 10% of what volume you have your headphones. I have contacted Bluesound and they have acknowledged there is an issue. They hope a firmware upgrade can sort this in the future... i am keeping the Powernode2i because otherwise it is that good... 👍🏻🎧🙈
Thanks for letting me know the LS50 + Powernode2i pairing works for you. I've been attempting to downsize my bedroom setup, and have been weary about swapping out my 275watt x 2 8ohm Parasound amp for this. But I listen at such lower volume levels, and wasn't sure sure about the 60 watts. But the minimalist approach seems achievable now.
I’m loving the idea of the Powernode2i for my office. Does it play Apple Music as well as all the other streaming services.
Gary Burrows yep