Bluesound Node 2i Streamer, priced at £499 - Review
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- Опубликовано: 8 янв 2020
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Hi Paul, as a new subscriber to your channel I have been thoroughly enjoying your reviews. The Bluesound Node 2i is on my short list to replace my aging Sonos Connect. The app support and ease of use for any streamer is vital and Bluesound have this covered in spades. Keep up the good work :)
Another very insightful video! Thanks Paul👍🏼
Thanks, just got the 2i, love it, using with Cambridge amp and KEFs r3, sounds great
I know this is 3 months late but, which Cambridge amp are you using with the R3's as I'm looking to buy a pair.
Thanks for a good review. I have two 2i. One is connected to a Cyrus One amplifier and with a pair of NHT SB3 speakers. The sound is surprisingly clear and detailed. My favorite feature to play on this set is the theme music of Ghost in à Shell. Many difficult transients to handle in it and this one can handle the streamer in a very good way. My second set is completely different. 2i as the main unit. Then I have a pair of Bang Olufsen Beolab 8000 which are active speakers. Thanks to the power switch on 2i, Beolab starts without problems as soon as I turn on the music. I've also plugged in a subwoofer B&W pv1 to get some more bass. I am extremely pleased with both installations. The latter set I also use for my home theater.
Hi Paul,
The opening comments you made about giving the product time is absolutely correct. Especially a component that lives or dies by its software. I was searching for a streamer for a while. I had Limetree audio streamer and a Novafidelity for a home demo. Both units sounded good, however neither could play the Amazon HD service and most importantly the operating systems were temperamental and clunky. In fact the Limetree couldn’t even play Spotify from its app(even though it was advertised/reviewed as such). I’ve heard the Novafidelity has an improved OS now. I took the plunge and bought the Bluesound node 2i after I tried and confirmed the digital outputs passed through the hi res data. I’m using it with Topping D70 dac and I’m very happy with the results. It’s very stable and hasn’t let me down. All the best.
Just ordered one, appreciate the interesting review. Subbed.
Great review. I love my Node 2i and it plays pretty much any file type I throw at it. Only challenge is with album artwork and ensuring you have artwork either embedded or a jpg sitting in the album’s folder. Will add Roon in the next couple of months.
I have it for almost one year. Wired and connectet to the Sennheiser HDVD 800 and then balanced via XLR to my two active speakers ELAC Navis ARF51. I feed the Streamer with Hi-Res via my Qobuz Studio Account.
I love this little guy. Minimalistic style and great Sound either with the internal DAC or the one in the Sennheiser HDVD 800.
Thinking about buying the remote...
I own Linn Sneaky from 2009 and it is still supported. It still receive updates and patches. E.g. It is Roon ready yes over 11 years old device is updated to Roon.
Great info there mate. I particularly was interested in the part about the spoken word. Good job
I just got the 2i Vault and am extremely pleased so far. I have it plugged into my Schitt Rangarok 2 and it is quite pleasing. I have a small space and am running DLS XL on walls - which I think are a hidden gem for small spaces. I have only been streaming Spotify so far and just burned the first CD. As you say - it's a bit of a swiss army knife - very excited to keep exploring!
Nice review. Streamers really made a difference. Digital source matters, never believed that until adding a streamer.
Nobody seems to mention that Bluesound is a great alternative to a Sonos system. They make powered speakers which I have throughout the house for background music. My node is plugged into a Yaqin tube amp and sounds very good. I mainly stream Tidal.
i have the bluesound vault and i love it. i had the 1st generation and when it went dead and still under warranty, they offer me the next generation and i paid the price difference. i call that costumer service! i also have the bluesound pulse and the flex. Pulse is good. Flex is so so.....
Gary Numan - Dance... Good one. Thanks for putting this out, I am looking to add a streamer and Node 2i is on my radar. Keep up the good work. Folks do not realize how hard it is to put a quality RUclips video together.
That's very kind and understanding of you Sayaran and yes, I do like that Numan release :)
The Audiophile Man Wakeman -Six Wives ... also a good one ;)
I have three of them which I bought to do multi room set up. The Roon Ready feature is extremely good and often overlooked.
Nice, I'm thinking of getting this in MDC Module form to plug into my NAD 390DD amp. Same thing but on a card.
the 2i is connected to 2 systems. One is a general whole house system being driven by an Emotiva A-100 BasX amp driving 3 different sets of speakers...bedroom, bath, & living room by way of the RCA outputs. I also use the optical SPDIF connection to my main listening room system. The arrangement is fantastic. I noticed immediately upon hookup better soundstaging--both side to side and depth on all the systems, love it. I use Tidal, Spotify, Amazon Music and files on a USB stick as well as internet radio thru the 2i....a wonderful product (just picked up the remote control by the way--works great).
Thanks for your experiences, John - appreciate it.
Thanks for again another great review. Use to own one. The vault. But the DAC . I found not bad but not high end. Bluos is superb. Easy and straight forward. I bought an external DAC ( RME ADI-2) and fed it via optical. A major upgrade for dac section But was limited to 24 bit. No USB for external DAC. But it is the best DAC streamer out there in term of value. But not performance I also used an external drive of 2 to on it for my ripped cd collection that I ripped on the vault from node..easy as push the CD in....and wait...But since then I rather separate the DAC and streamer. So now I still use my RME along a pro-ject stream box ultra s2. Now I can use USB output to my DAC and get full resources to feed it. Like DSD and hires 32.... cheers
Thanks for the insight, yan.
As an alternative streamer, I’ve been using my Sony smart TV with Android Apps to stream digital music and radio into my Cambridge Integrated Amp (with its ESS DAC). By using an optical SPiDIF signal into the amp, the hi fi is there without requiring a separate streaming box. The source station determines the quality, and I can get up to 16 bit/98 kHz (CD quality) with this set-up.
Great video, I’m very keen to hear one for myself. I guess this has room for future upgrade by plugging in an external DAC. Think I’m going to fund the purchase of this by selling my old Cyrus DACX...
I think if go with Tidal Masters the internal DAC that decodes MQA is fine. Look at an external power supply from Fidelity Audio as an upgrade but understand installing that will void the warranty. For comparison, Innuos MK lll mini is about $1300 USD and their external power supply is $700 addl. It compares to the Bluesound Vault 2i at $1200 only difference is it rips and stores CDs. I assume the streamer is the same.
would an external dac improve sound quality?
Thanks for the review, choosing between powernode 2i + BW speakers OR Naim Muso2 for a "budget friendly" solution even if the second is more on the "lifestyle" side.
Just got my Bluesound Node 2i...Very nice piece, well made, small, but with some heft. Packaging was REALLY nice. I am using this as a solo source for a bedroom kit for headphone listening. I run the unit via Wifi and though I'm a bit away from my router (drops Mps quite significantly) the unit operates flawlessly over 5GHz (2.4GHz was unbearable due to dropouts and I haven't configured my router to utilize auto dual band.) This setup is still in the early stages, so while I await my Schiit Lyr 3 I ran my Focal Clear cans through the 3.5mm front jack. Great sound quality, but I think these guys need a bit more power then the 3.5mm output jack offers. I've also used the Node 2i with Sennheiser HD1 in-ears over Bluetooth -- good for what it is. Things I've experienced: (1) Spotify was odd to setup in the BluOS app, but it got done (2) Bluetooth is tricky, and it works great once you manage to pair the device. I've also tried sending Google Play over Bluetooth from my phone. Didn't realize I had to max my phone output for it to register -- just playing around as I don't really intend to use Bluetooth for either sending or receiving.
Thanks for your insight on this one, Neil - good stuff.
Very clear and informative review. I haven't pulled the Tigger yet on ordering one. I'm just not vary Tech savvy .... recently got Tidal, using a Bluetooth currently. I'm an old vinyl guy, just now jumping into the digital era. I just up graded my equipment to: IOTAXV SA3 & PA3 stack, Buchardt Audio S400 speakers, my New Old Yamaha PF-800 Turn Table, and a Yamaha CD play. So, I leaning towards the Node 2i.... and I appreciate your review, and the time it takes for you to make the review. I'm open to any comments and/or suggestions. Thanks AM
Thanks for your comment - I'll spin that around if you have any questions on the above, you're welcome to ask.
Hi, I have the 2i now for two months as a replacement for the sonos connect. I use it wired as streamer with the digital Lyngdorf tdai2200 and 2+2 setup Focal 948 with the Sub 1000F. The soundstage, depht , purity and deatil, "nuance" is mutch better. It's very nice to listen to.
I recommend the 2i as streamer.
with pleasure
I use Tidal instead of Spotify, also better!
I have the 2i and I think it's great
I have a Node 2i for the bedroom going to a NAD 316bee v2 to some Klipsch RP 600M speakers. The sound is fantastic for a budget system. I also have the Powernode 2i that powers a pair of Klipsch AW 650 speakers for the patio. I found that I mostly use TIDAL for the source on both of these.
Thanks for your insight, Bernard. Appreciate the comment.
Thank you for your excellent review of the Bluesound Node 2i. I bought one recently as part of a package when I upgraded my amplifier, and just as you found, I was unable to configure the wireless connection over wifi as described in the manual. The only way I could configure the wireless interface was to make a wired connection and once I had done this it connected to my wifi without any problems. I have a strong wireless signal in my music room so I think this is a general problem with the Bluesound rather than an issue with your wifi.
I had planned to use the Bluesound to play hi-res and standard FLAC files from a USB memory stick. Before buying the Bluesound I had been playing these files from a laptop using Microsoft Groove and a USB connection to the DAC in my CD player. Using this setup the music sounds really good, but it is cumbersome to set up and it is not ideal having a 3 metre USB cable stretching between the laptop and the CD player for people to trip over. By contrast the Bluesound works well. It is neat and tidy, it is easy to use but the sound quality is not as good as I enjoyed with the laptop with a USB connection to my DAC. It seems a shame to abandon the Bluesound, because it is so easy to use and the sound quality is not that bad. Can you think of any ways in which the sound quality might be improved, for example by connecting an external DAC to the Bluesound?
Hi Ian - yes, definitely. An external DAC is the way to go with the 2i. Use it as a specialist streamer and allow a specialist DAC to take the workload from that area.
@@TheAudiophileMan Thank you for your advice. It is something I am considering, but probably I will just stay with CDs and vinyl for most of my listening.
Enjoyed the review sir. Thanks.
I have a NAD 316BEE amp, hooked up to KEF LS50 speakers. I am considering this streamer or the audiolab 6000N, but am yet to A/B test them.
Any thoughts as to which may be better suited ?
Keep up the great work. Love your channel 👍👍
Thanks Mojo - I have yet to test the 6000N but I hear that it might not have the warmth of the 2i but does score in enhanced clarity.
I have the Node 2i with the NAD 316BEE V2 connected to Klipsch RP 600M in a bedroom and it is a great combination. I don't listen to much of the new music with the thumping base, so I don't need a sub.
Sir, thanks for your thorough and most excellent review of the Blue sound streamer. Question, you clearly have a preference for using it with a wired connection to the internet.. How well does the Node2 perform wireless lyrics? Much appreciated.
Wireless performance from the 2i is very nice. You'r right, I prefer wired in terms of a straight choice but the 2i does well in a wireless configuration.
Interesting. I have a Sonos CONNECT which I’ll be dumping soon and the 2i is a contender for what might replace it. I think it’s probably the best under £500 contender out there, but .. I might stretch the wallet and go higher. We’ll see.
I upgraded from Node2 to Node2i and improvement in the sound was dramatic. It sounds better with my Airport Express router using wifi rather than LAN cable. Maybe that’s because poor LAN cables are built inside the wall of my house.
I agree with you regarding some « Kleenex products ». I like a company that keeps supporting / providing upgrades to older products.
I recently updated the software inside my Linn Klimax DS/2 (actually a Renew version), that I had not updated for a couple of years. It transformed the streamer into the most musical digital source I ever heard (and I heard many up to $12’000). Audiophile bliss... (and at today’s prices on the second-hand market an incredible bargain).
Hi Paul,
Have you tried Cambridge Audio CVN V2? If yes, how would you compare the SQ? Thanks.
Not yet but I hope to look at a few Cambridge products in the future.
I have the Node 2i and LOVE the functionality. I have it connected via a BlackCat Silverstar digital coax to a Schiit Gungnir Multibit and then using BlackCat Coppertone RCAs to a Marantz SR7007 (running bi-amped, in pure direct mode) to a pair of Martin Logan Theos. I have tried Qobuz, Tidal, and Amazon, and settled on Amazon (largest catalogue). Great sound and love the app. I also love that there is not only Android and iOS apps, but PC and Mac as well.
Hi Paul, nice review!! Really enjoying your channel. I am trying to choose between the Bluesound Vault 2i and an Innuos ZENmini Mk3 2TB so found your comments helpful. Will be plugging the winner into my amp (Vinnie Rossi - LIO) which has a decent internal DAC so I'm not so worried about the streamer's internal DACs sonic capabilities. I'm primarily looking for the ability to stream and store music in CD and HiRes formats and control using a smartphone/tablet app and hoping for a sonic improvement from my current sonos connect and NAS drive. Any thoughts?
Hi Jason - take my words with a pinch of salt because I've yet to review the Zen, most of my thoughts have been gleaned from colleagues' experiences. In short, both appear excellent and you shouldn't be disappointed with either. From what I hear the Innuos' external power supply, a Zen upgrade, does move the sound onwards and upwards in quality. If you see future upgrades as part of the plan, you might want to bear that in mind.
@@TheAudiophileMan thanks for this. Any chance of a zen mini review?
I have owned the Node 2i for a couple of weeks now, streaming Amazon HD via wi-fi through an Arcam A18 amp and Dali Opticon 2 speakers. I think tonally the Node 2i is great: treble is crisp and detailed without any harshness or thin-ness, bass is solid and meaty and doesn't disappear in the mix. My one initial reservation is that the soundstage is a bit narrow. My Cambridge 651C CD player has a bigger, more immersive, expansive soundstage but has a more bloated, looser bass. Overall, though, I think I slightly prefer the Cambridge's presentation. That may be just because I am more familiar with it.
My main reservation is with Amazon HD. The quality of the stream seems to vary enormously from one album to another in terms of volume and tone -- this seems to be regardless of whether the stream is designated 'CD quality' or 'HR'. About 50% of what I've heard is absolutely fine, but the rest falls some way short of their equivalent on CD.
Overall, though, it's a big thumbs up for the Node!
Agreed Tony - streaming, as I see it, is a maturing technology that still has some way to go before it reaches any sort of audiophile nirvana. Vinyl has been at it since, what, 1948? So it has a good start on streaming :) As does CD for that matter. And CD is a good example because I've noticed real sonic strides from CD over the past 5-10 years, the very time when the format is supposed to be dying!
I also agree re Amazon Music HD. The quality at times is very suspect and I've noticed that tracks quoted as being ultra HD actually report as being CD quality or below. Several times I have gone to cancel Amazon Music HD but the price draws me in.
Had my blusound for just over a year and so far so good. Decent sound I play my music through a usb stick but it does take a long time to read it when its newly inserted. Great how you never have to turn it off, not a huge fan of the interface it's good but I find it just creates huge playlists and is a bit awkward to work around
Hello Paul and thanks again for a insightful and useful review. I was wondering what would be your opinion on a Bluesound Powernode 2i just add speakers solution versus a Audiolab 6000A amp + Bluesound Node 2i combo with regards to sonic performance and value?? The reason I'm asking is that there's a huge discount here in Romania for a while for the Powernode 2i i.e it sells for 440 pounds whereas if I buy the audiolab 6000A and the Node 2i I'll end up paying 920 pounds. Nevertheless I'm interested in your opinion on these 2 options regardless of price. Would the powernode 2i be a match or come close to the audiolab 6000A + node 2i in pure sonic terms and perfomance? Thank you very much
Hi Ionut - it depends how important your budget is in the decision. Ideally, you should separate the amp section to reduce masking noise. It comes down to your priorities.
@@TheAudiophileMan hi Paul
The bluesound powernode 2i got 5 stars from whathifi. Do you think its not that good because its all in one?
Were you using the Nodes internal DAC or a separate one?
Hi Rockman - the internal DAC.
Hi Paul. I see that WiFi was an issue when you reviewed the Node 2i. It sucks when a corner in our home is deprived of signal because of a router which has a poor signal. I have a similar streamer and my man cave is really a cave with very poor WiFi connectivity. I'm sure you heard of WiFi mesh? I bought a set of 3 and had one placed in my room. Guess what? The signal is full and I connected the streamer on a cable and I am very satisfied with the result. Very. This is something I would like to share to everyone.
They are great - my only complaints are you can't isolate the optical out from the RCAs, I'd like to feed another DAC and system via without having to hear the RCA out system at the same time (which in my case is always as my Quad 405-2 connected to the RCAs has no on/off button!). At least there's no need for a preamp, I control volume from my phone & laptop. You also can't run the Amazon HD music stand alone app through the Bluesound, you have to access Amazon music through it's own software which is a bit slow & clunky & can't access your playlists. As soon as Spotify has CD quality this will no longer be an issue. The subwoofer out is great as a compliment to my ESL 57s as well as the headphone socket, the DAC sounds great to my ears & it's a remarkably well featured bit of kit.
Interesting about testing with voice, Harbeth have the same philosophy. They flick back and forward between the real person and the speaker and use that to whittle down all the various designs until they have design perfected so that person speaking and speaker are indistinguishable.
I'd forgotten that Jon - yes, you're right. I remember talking to them at the Bristol HiFi Show on that very point. Must have stuck in my head I reckon :)
@@TheAudiophileMan awesome! I'm sure that was a good show!
I am using the node 2i in the following setup: node 2i [cable connection to the router] -> optical -> musical fidelity v90 dac -> analog -> nad c326bee -> KEF XQ30
Since my previous setup was a Chromecast audio connected to the v90 dac I planned on replacing those two devices with the node 2i. I tested setups and found out that the quality improves by using the v90 dac as a link between the node 2i and the amp. Surely the dac raises the volume but other listeners confirmed what I noticed as a clearer sound.
No question that the Chromecast audio cannot be compared to the node 2i...
I'm curious how long the support will last and in future I plan on testing the interaction with wireless speakers
@RicoKR hey man, I currently bought the V90 for my Chromecast Audio, but after a few days I realised that the CCA is nothing much of an input. So I am planning to return the V90, sell the CCA and buy a new cast/streamer with an integrated DAC to have just one device for streaming and DAC. And I was hoping that this could be the Node i2. But you are saying that the V90 is a better DAC then the one integrated in the i2? That is horrible news for me! That puts the price of this system almost to the Cambridge Audio CXN (v2) which I belive could me even more superior. Any suggestion for a streamer with an integrated DAC around this price (500-700 USD) that would sound great altogether?
And how would you compare the CCA+V90 to the amp versus i2 directly to the amp? I own an old analog Denon PMA-860 with Canton LE107 stero speakers. Maybe I could not tell a difference. I do not consider myself an audiophile, just maybe above average listener. And thanks for sharing your thoughts!
@@lecisko Q: "But you are saying that the V90 is a better DAC then the one integrated in the i2"
A: For my ears and my setup it sounds better. But that does not mean that the node 2i DAC sounds bad. It sounds good and the difference is not extreme. I only use the v90 when I am focussing on the music. For background music the v90 is turned off.
Q: "Any suggestion for a streamer with an integrated DAC around this price (500-700 USD) that would sound great altogether?"
A: Unfortunately I have not tested other devices. Like you I come from the chromecast audio and upgraded straight to the node 2i. I did not compare it to other devices.
Q: "And how would you compare the CCA+V90 to the amp versus i2 directly to the amp?"
A: It sounds better in my opinion but that is also a result of the used source. I used to listen via spotify, tune in radio and di(dot)fm. Now I mainly use amazon music HD and tested tidal for a month. Your decision might be easier when you become aware of how you want to use it. Using spotify on both devices will show other results than using a higher quality stream.
I can say that the node 2i works stable in comparison to the chromecast audio. The CCA stopped radio streams and sometimes i could not skip tracks on spotify. I had to restart the CCA quite often. Did not experience such with the node 2i.
How do you want to use the streamer? Does the node 2i offer enough inputs? (e.g. TV, BluRay player) Do you want to build a multi room system? If you know how you want to use it your decision will be easier.
is 40$ vs 500$ does differences worth it? thank you
@@LanciaD50 Depends on how you use it. Music Sources? Streaming quality? Other devices to connect? Quality of amp and speakers? And more.... Cannot answer that for you, sorry.
Great video, I must admit that this is something that I didn’t know existed as I stopped reading hifi magazines back in the 1990’s. I got a lot of catching up to do. I have had a look on eBay and there are similar things for much
less. Are they worth trying. I do listen to music through my iPhone and iPad with decent wireless headphones and occasional listening through a sound bar but most of my listening is either vinyl or CD. I have many hundred albums on Apple Music and Spotify but when I particularly like something I buy the CD or record. My budget is limited as I am off work with long Covid.
I'd love to hear you compare this sound with the Bluesound Powernode 2i, which is basically this Node 2i plus an integrated amp. I'd be curious to know if it sounded better as a Node with your own amp, or perhaps the Powernode is so perfectly paired that it comes out the winner?
I'll try although there was no review sample available at the time.
@@TheAudiophileMan I'll write to them urging them to send you one.
@ Bob, hello there! A little late, lol
Before purchasing the node2i, I was using a computer for streaming and after reading about the added noise that computers generate I decided to explore standalone streamers!
I first purchased the Bluesound node 2i to be used in my listening room connected and going through a Rotel RDD-1580 DAC connected to a PrimaLuma dialogue HP tube amp and Klipsch K-horn speakers.
I was amazed at the difference this made!
I then purchased the Powernode 2i for the new game room setup which I decided to use a pair of Klipsch La Scala speakers I had prior to purchasing the K-Horns. I hooked the Powernode 2i up to a big screen tv using the HDMI ARC out on the tv in to the Power node and added a subwoofer for the low frequencies, instead of purchasing a sound bar or surround-sound system and I am quite pleased with this set up.
Note: there is a world of difference in the two set-ups!!!
I believe they are the same streamers with the Powernode having it’s own amp that is ok, (good enough) for watching movies or listening to background music but definitely not for critical music listening!
I have also not experienced any of the negative issues that I read about in some of the reviews other than when I first purchased the node 2i it did occasionally lose connectivity but after changing network setting the problem has been eliminated!
Hope you find this helpful!
I have a Yamaha streamer. The radio section within the app is dreadful. I Airplay from an IPhone and the sound quality difference is massive. Glad to hear Bluesound are on top of this. Any idea what causes this quality problem?
please forgive my ignorance. i have a 30yr old nad 3225pe amp and infinty rs2000 speakers. i am looking for a streamer to use spotify.
do i need a separate dac with the bluesound 2i? also, can i access my spotify account directly from it?
edit: i have read through some comments that an external dac can be used and would improve sound quality. would the ifi zen dac be a good pair.
really enjoying your channel btw!
You don't need a separate DAC with the 2i although - yes - you'll get better sound if you do that. A future upgrade perhaps?
I really want to upgrade to this instead of using my Yamaha 303. When Musiccast works it’s great and the amp sound great and like any Yammy does.
BUT Musiccast has issues, doesn’t support Tidal Connect yet.
So might give this a go and run RCA to amp.
Being analog with a MQA signal converted in 2i, how much loss would there be? Or is it negligible?
Cheers
Hi Paul,
Thanks for the review- very helpful.
I’m a novice looking to put together a decent streaming system on a £1,000 budget.
I have Tidal HIFi and now seriously considering the Node 2i . Should I go the power speaker route ? Or amp and passive route?
Any suggestions for either route to complement the Node 2i appreciated.
Separate amp/passive if sound quality is the only priority, John. Power speakers are excellent and offer their own advantages but only if you need them. See more here: ruclips.net/video/YtkRSZDRoJ0/видео.html.
@@TheAudiophileMan
Thanks Paul- that’s very helpful
Thanks for the very insightful review. Have you heard of lindemann’s limetree network or lumin d2?
I've heard of them, yes.
The Audiophile Man any feedback as to how they compare?
Well, I've heard *of* them but haven't tested them, especially in an A-B format, I'm afraid. I have heard good things about both, though.
Hello, Please advise if I will hear anything significantly different between PS Audio DirectStream DAC streamer and this Bluesound Node2i streamers. The PS Audio is 5 times the cost of the Bluesound. Thanks in advance.
A comparison is not particularly fair, due to the price differences, the PS 'should' be miles better in quality terms and I am able to recognise elements in the 2i that could be enhanced when I listen to it. Of course, it's superb for the price.
Hi Paul,
Do you know if the Powernode 2i can be used just as a streamer like the node 2i if a better amp was purchased later down the line to replace the in built amp.?
Thank you
From memory - and if anyone else sees this and can correct me please do - no, I don't think you can. I recall lots of inputs for audio players and other mass storage but I think it's pretty much self encased. I'd recommend the basic 2i for that.
@@TheAudiophileMan Thanks Paul,
I thought that would be the case as I guess everyone would just buy the Powernode 2i for the extra convenience of an amp aswell.
Node 2i it is 👍
Hi there, I’m really considering getting one of these. Can someone tell me if Mixcloud, Souncloud, BBC Sounds will show up on the Bluesound app? Thanks.
Ever since Bluesound has supported Tidal Connect my usage and satisfaction of the Node 2i has gone up dramatically. Listening to Tidal Masters from the Tidal app is simple. I no longer need to deal with the BluOS app.
I just ordered mine. I had no idea i could just use the tidal app. Thanks for the info
I’ve been using mine and I’ve been enjoying it. Good price point. Using tidal through the bluesound app is kind of lame compared to using tidal on the regular tidal app or on your laptop though...
GuitarD30 I have the same perception using Tidal through the app, lame. I thought it was just my paranoia.
@guitard30 How would you compare the sound quality of Tidal premium through the blue sound streamer compared to running through your laptop and a dad to your amp? Trying to find an optimal way to run tidal through my existing Roksan Kandy + quad 12l2 hifi setup. Thanks?
See a comment further up in thread on how he you can play from your Tidal app. Just select Node2i from the app, as you would Chromecast.
Today's Sonos (deprecating product models) news brought me here.
I had the original node 2 sold it got the 2i as soon as it was out I got it hooked up first it was my emotiva xmc1 preamp processor now its hooked up to the xmc2 via optical and anolag i like to switch between both option i have the system set up when I choose the bluesound anolog input on the xmc2 my sub woofer turns off because I am using reference stereo and it doesn't do sub and when I hit optical input the sub turns back on I am using the node2i to stream internet radio on tune in ,Spotify, qobuz and tidal i have amazon also but not really a fan i think the node21 is very good
Nice review, thank you! For digital files, I use now a blu-ray Sony UBP-X800 reading them from an external HDD, and send them to a dedicated DAC. Do you think Bluesound would bring an improvement in sound quality? Strictly in this scenario. Thanks!
Yep, certainly.
@@TheAudiophileMan You are absolutely right. I have it already for 2 days and it keeps amazing me. The sound is definitely better, not to mention the joy of using the app and having everything at your fingertip. Thanks for the review. It really helped my decision! Have a great new year!
Like you I have my personal cd collection on a hard drive, connected via usb to my Laptop, then to my Chord dac. This gives an unstable sound quality from one day to another.
Which is the best way you found to access the data on a hard drive before connecting via usb to a separate dac?
@@NatMart9394 definitely through the streamer. The usb allows enough dta to go through so that even the largest files are played without any hickups...
@@biliescu Yep, I thought so. Thanks.
I just feel that, hundreds in some cases thousands of pounds to simply extract data from a hard drive and send it to a dac is way out of order.
I recently bought an Audiolab 6000a and now I'm considering a streamer.. at first I obviously looked up to the Audiolab 6000n but now I'm tempted on this Bluesound 2i.. Wich one should I go in your opinion?
BTW nice channel!! Subscribed
A darned good question and one I an only partially answer because I have not done an A-B comparison. Casual listening and talking to colleagues says the Bluesound is a bit on the warmer side, sound wise, but the Audiolab offers greater clarity. The latter is a larger box, though so if footprint size is important, the Bluesound is the option.
@@TheAudiophileMan I have the 6000N, CDT and A), collectively the sound is amazing...but the DTS Play Fi app which is separate to the Audiolabs is required to control the 6000N and its not a great a experience more often than not, especially with Amazon Music HD, my DLNA served files, lack of gapless playback etc... when it works it does sound out of this world but the app is just a damn mess and it's enough to make me want to consider the Node 2i
The Audiophile Man in the end I went with the Node 2i.. even if I don’t have space problems, there are some features that made me have this choice. Based on what I read everywhere the play-fi app is terrible and even if the BluOS is clearly improvable, I don’t find it that bad! The ability to use the internal DAC of the node or switch to the one inside the 6000A with a coaxial cable, also gave that extra, along with the ability to decode MQA..
Did I make the right choice? I don’t know.
Does it sound better than the 6000N? I don’t have a clue.
But one thing I know is that this thing sounds superb and I’m extremely happy with it!! Thanks for your advice!
@@Iuglus how you finding the node after few months of use? I just recently bought the 6000a and deciding weather to go for the 6000n, node 2I or onkyo ns 6170. Just reading bad reviews for the playfi app which is steering me away from the 6000n and more towards the node and onkyo, not sure which one I should go for.
Great review! How would you say the Node 2i compares to a FiiO E10K connected to a PC, both used with a pair of AKG K710? In other words, only headphone comparison? Thanks.
PCs are great in terms of convenience and useful as source multipliers. That is, you can use the hardware for music play, for gaming, etc. As a pure hifi source though, computers are poor in performance terms because they produce about 10 tons of high frequency noise. It really depends on your needs and requirements.
Thanks. In a Hi-Fi store I was told a PC with a good DAC would sound better than a Node 2i, since the DAC in the Node 2i is mediocre. What do you think about that?
If they are right then e.g. a RME's ADI-2 FS DAC connected to a PC would give better sound quality than a Node 2i. Do you agree?
I do not care about convenience, only sound quality.
@@stefanhansen5882 Hi Stefan - ultimately it's your decision but really, if you hooked a £10,000 DAC to a PC, the PC would swamp it with so much high-frequency noise, about £9,500 of that would be masked. Yes, the 2i's DAC can be improved (ask can any hifi product) although it's fine to get you underway and at least both the DAC and streamer are physically isolated. You can always upgrade the DAC later on when funds allow.
@@TheAudiophileMan Thanks. :) Of course it is my decision what I do, but it is not my decision what sounds best. Upgrading is always possible. It is also possible to buy a good DAC, and plug it into the PC, and later upgrade with a streamer.
I appreciate your replies and will ask a more specific question, in the hope my understanding this better. Let's say I use the same headphones and the same headphone amp in two different scenarios:
A) PC with the £400 Chord Mojo, or
B) No PC, but the £500 Node 2i
What will sound the best? I understand the issues with using a PC. However, as a former sound engineer, I also know that a good DAC will sound a lot better than a mediocre DAC.
Thanks! :)
@@stefanhansen5882 Hi Stefan - on the contrary, I would say that it is absolutely your decision to know what sounds best. I can only advise. You need to make the purchasing decisions and you need to use your ears. In this time we're going through, many good dealers are offering home demos. Please enquire about those. Other dealers are offering demos by appointment to maintain distancing. And no PC.
Hi, how does it perform against the vault 2i? Thank you
The Vault 2i is an excellent product and it performs well. It also serves a specific purpose, small footprint, well integrated, etc. You won't be disappointed if you choose it. That said, in raw sonic terms, if sound quality is uppermost, I would advise going for a 2i and a separate storage device to minimise vibration and high-frequency noise. Depends if you want the simplified Vault approach and I can absolutely see why you would want that.
Good review. I use a Node 2i as a transport for an external DAC. Sounds very good regardless of price in that application. Can you do better than the Node 2i as a transport? Yes you can but be prepared to spend 3-4 times as much to get some real improvement. If you are like me and like to do most of your listening through physical media like vinyl and CDs, the Node 2i is a great companion. The fact that the cost is so reasonable, that it takes up so little space, has good software, can play your music library from a thumb drive, and that is sound very good makes it a no brainer. I have bough several LPs and CDs based on my discoveries when streaming with the Node 2i. Easy to setup and I can run it from my phone, tablet, and PC.
How do you turn off the DAC from the Node2i in order to use an external DAC, please?
@@intothedragon Use coax digital out
Thanks. Which external DAC are you using? Does the internal DAC on the Node2i really sounds bad? I just got a Audiolab 6000n that sounds absolutely great but is completely ruined by the terrible Play-Fi app, so I’m considering ditching and getting the Node2i, I also have a inbuilt DAC on my Rotel amp
@@intothedragon 2i does not have a bad sounding DAC but my first gen Schiit Multibit DAC it feeds clearly sounds better to me. Less digital etch and more natural sounding in tone and presence. Bigfoot 2 would be great choice to go with it.
@@snowpuppy77 I couldn't find the bigfoot 2 on google, which brand is it, please?
I have just bought some AE1 Active - Acoustic Energy Loudspeakers and so looking for a good DAC streamer. would you recommend this streamer with these speakers? or should i look for something else. thank you
Yes indeed, Chris - and if anyone would like to see my review of these speakers, please click here: theaudiophileman.com/ae1-active-acoustic-energy-review/
@@TheAudiophileMan Thanks,I was also offered an old Auralic Aries Mini .so it's between these two
I have my personal cd collection on a hard drive, connected via usb to my Laptop, then to my Chord Qutest dac.
Anybody advise the best way to access the cd data on a hard drive, before connecting via usb to a separate dac?
Many thanks.
How far up the dac chain would you'd think one would have to go to improve the dac that's inside the bluesound node 2i?
Separating the DAC itself would be an immediate improvement. The rest depends on your budget.
@@TheAudiophileMan great news. Thank you
I'm after something which plays from attaching a USB hard drive only - this looks the part - any other options for my limited needs :-)
Cromey yes, this would do nicely. Other options? That depends on your budget.
Doesn't work so well this way. I tried it at the outset and there were issues with the way the Node indexes playlists, which you will discover pretty quickly if you go that route. Best way to go is to network the Node with a Synology Diskstation or comparable product.
That works fine, but the Node2i will index (to store all the metadata locally for quick access) all content on the USB drive; with a few songs on a thumb stick, this may take a few seconds, but a 1T portable drive took 10 to 15 minutes for indexing. After that, it's great though and as long as you don't disconnect the drive you'll be OK. Wouldn't consider if you'll be swapping drives with lots of content a lot.
Gary Numan looks very intrigued by your presentation
Hmm, I’m not sure he approves.
I got a Node2 (not i) using WLAN connection and this sometimes fails. After the gear has been fixed by the importer of the product it runs more stable. The sound quality is okay but lacks air and emotions. Therefore I connected the digital out to my T+A MP1260 and use the DAC from the T+A. This improves the sound quality.
For a quite a while I had the opportunity to listen the Node2 compared with the Linn Acurate Streamer (I know 10 times more expensive). But I was very surprised how much better the Linn performed. The loudspeaker for the test were the second biggest from B&O Beolab 50. The input in these loudspeaker is digital. This is why I was so surprised that the Linn was still much better. I thought they must sound more or less equally because of digital input.
I added a set of quality interconnects and later hooked it to a better DAC via coax and Toslink to just stream. Got better every improvement. Nice review.
I have the Audiolab 6000N Play which is a beast! I also have 6000A and 6000CDT. However I am horrified at the DTS Play-Fi app. A buggy mess and its the only thing that can control the 6000N Play. When it works it sounds sensational but I am fed up of the app and thinking of the Node 2i. Has anyone done a comparison between the 6000N and Node 2i?
Hi Winston - I haven't reviewed the 'N' as yet but chatting with colleagues it appears that the 2i offers a slightly warmer presentation but the 6000N wins out in terms of clarity and insight. Re. app bugs, I have heard about issues using the app on an iPhone. Others - using a Samsung for example - don't appear to have the same problems. Not my experience, I add, but just what I hear.
@@TheAudiophileMan thank you. I spent more time listening to the 6000N today after I messaged and I am loving the musicality and sound of it. I will stick with it for a while...thank you.
Unfortunately I bough t 2 Raspberry Pi 4s. One with a Hifiberry Digi+ (took ages to arrive) and the other a Allo Digione Signature using Roon and Volumio respectively. All I can say is my 6000N is now redundant. If only Audiolab chose not to go with DTS PlayFi then it would still be used and I'd be content! The Pi setups are simply wonderful and I cannot fault them at all
@@WW-tg5pu hey Winston, I’m in the same waters as you one year later, i just bought the 6000N and I’m so pissed about this nightmare of Play-Fi app. Its a disaster all around. But at the same time I’m mesmerized with the sound quality the 6000n brought to my system. It’s indeed a audiophile sound. So, how can you compare the sound quality between the Allo Digione and the 6000n?? Also are you enjoying the Volumio app? Any flaws? I really don’t know what to do at this time, if I should try the Node2i or to go for a RPi4 device. Damm I can’t believe Audiolab screwed such a good streamer with this useless app.
Thanks for the review.
Does the blue sound still play the BBC radio channels, specifically 6 music and 5 sports extra (I’m a big TMS listener)? The reason I’m asking is the bbc have withdrawn their stations from the tunein radio app, and are forcing people to use their own Sounds app. Sounds will stream via chrome cast, but the node 2i does not have that. Apparently the bbc are retaining their channels for a few systems with built in internet radio, I am hoping Blusesound is one of them.
If you or anyone can confirm those channels are still available to stream via this unit I would very much appreciate it. (I don’t want to do it via Bluetooth as I do not want to tie up my phone).
Many thanks
It's been a while since I did this review and I had to return the review sample after a while so can't, unfortunately, check if TuneIn still retains the BBC service, I'm afraid.
You can stream Radio 5 Sports Extra from Sounds or TalkSport (for tour games) from your laptop/tablet and the 2i will handle it that way.
As for Chromecast - this appeared the Bluesound help section - hope this helps: support1.bluesound.com/hc/en-us/community/posts/360048407094-Can-I-connect-a-Chromecast-Audio-to-the-Node-2i-
@@TheAudiophileMan thanks. I ordered one of these over the weekend and have just received it and set it up within the last hour. I can confirm that the BBC stations are available via tunein in theBluOS, but not through the regular TuneIn site/app. It looks like bbc and bluesound have come to an agreement for the time being. Thanks once again
I just bought one of this bluesound 2i on amazon, it sounds good let me tell you but the App oh me god, they have to do something with this app, sonos app is much better and the sound quality I dont hear any big diference, I have the sonos port as well just for the app
I've had no trouble with the Bluesound app directly into Tidal it's far more stable than Tidal Connect.
I have deliberately waited to see what would happen in the world of streaming and at the moment I'm listening to Spotify through my LG TV app, which is connected via a Chord DAC running into my hifi amp. I now however want more (as we audiophiles do) and would like to buy the Naim nd5 xs2 for its sound quality and features, but the price tag is too much for me. This Bluesound node 2i sounds like the real deal for reasonable money. Is it capable of gapless playback? Not sure it will be as good sound wise as the Naim but that's expected but it could be a great start for me, especially when I decide to sign up to Amazon music HD.
Yes, the 2i supports gapless, Steve. The Naim is a fine ,machine, of course but a separate streamer is also attractive because it provides isolation to help reduce the noise floor.
@@TheAudiophileMan I take it that both are separate streamers but one is a lot more expensive? thanks for the reply.
@@steverees1936 I'll wake up now, Steve - I had an amp of theirs in my head :) Yes of course, the Naim is a different league in price terms as you know but I would look at the 2i as an ideal purchase for an AV-oriented system in terms of performance but also footprint.
@@TheAudiophileMan ah I think your talking about the model with built in amp. I think the 2i is definitely worth checking out with gapless playback option. Thanks for the info and excellent videos.
Hi! Did you test the sound quality using the streamers internal DAC or an external one ?
Meaning: Did you use RCA cables out of the Node 2i? Or did you use a coaxial/optical cable?
I am thinking that the sound quality would be much better with a coaxial/optical cable.
Thank you
I tried internal and external (with a coax). Isolating the DAC with an external model offers superior sonics. The internal model is fine for now to get you up and running, though. If cash is tight.
@@TheAudiophileMan I'm lucky to have a Audiolab 6000A (thanks to your suggestion) so I was looking at the coaxial out on the Bluenode 2i. Thank you for the clarification and quick answer 😎
I'm interested in playing music that I have stored as mp3 on a Network attached Storage unit and I wanted to voice control it using Amazon Alexa. I found some software called " My Media for Amazon Alexa" which works fine, I can tell Alexa to play a song, a playlist or an artist or album, but it outputs on the echo dot or whatever amazon alexa device I am talking to at the time. This is less than perfect. I want to stream it through my HiFi using Alexa voice control. Someone mentioned this streamer, I wonder if anyone has tried this out??
Have you reviewed the Audiolab 6000N ?
Not formally but I have heard it - the 2i is on the warmer side in comparison. The 'N' offers a tad more clarity.
@@TheAudiophileMan You know in this price range three items seems well praised, this Bluesound Node 2i, the Audiolab 6000N and also the Marantz NA 6006. It would be very interesting to have a comparison of these.
You mentioned here that you are not very fond of "all in one" so to speak and in your mind this means amp/streamer. I agree with that because we deal with an amp and the obvious magnetic field it produces. But what about a Streamer and a CD player combined together ? I found this combo to be relevant in many ways, I don't think we get the the amp's inconvenience and we save shelves space, deal with less cables behind it but also cut price.
And there are very few of these on the market, I have the Onkyo C-N7050 but there is the Arcam CDS50 and I would love you could review that one !
@@chengo51 then there is Technics SL G700...
www.technics.com/us/products/grand-class/network-super-audio-cd-player-sl-g700.html
Hi Paul, new subscriber after watching this great review. I would appreciate a bit of advice from yourself or anyone reading if possible. I’m a bit of a noob so bear with me 🤷♂️. Just got rid of my Sonos playbar, beam and sub and got some kef lsx’s. I use Spotify, Amazon hd and stream Apple lossless from my iMac and also stream from my iPhone 11 Pro to the KEF’s. Would adding the Bluesound in between, improve anything? Trying to get my head round it.. many thanks...Craig
Hi Craig - yes, it would help. You should be able to connect via the optical port on the rear of your speakers (let me double check with KEF on this, though - be back ASAP)
If you have a slow internet connection, why bother with streaming?
It's called streamer, not from-the-internet-streamer.
Hi trains plains - my connection isn't that slow, it's good enough for streaming but I did wonder about the initial wireless connection during installation. Wired was fine though and wired offers better sound quality, to be honest.
£399 now....must be a version 3 imminent.
I got my 2i a week ago, using it with AE1 Actives. Wired to the network with ethernet cable and with RCAs to the active speakers. Love the ease of use and sound quality vs airport express. Not lovimg how the sell this without a proper UK mains plug. Lazy and stingy.
I'm also having 'plug problems' with some new hi-fi kit. In fact, I had a mini rant in the recently posted Soncoz review. To be honest - it's been a while now - I can't remember the plug config in the 2i. What were you given? A US plug?
The Audiophile Man they shipped a box with 2 different plugs. One a 120v US and another 230v “Euro” plug. I get the simplicity of having one SKU worldwide but supplying unnecessary plugs is not just inconvenient, it’s also wasteful. I contacted them directly about this, hopefully they’ll sort it out.
Just found you mate, are you from Staffordshire by any chance??...
Sorry, must be someone else Geoff :) Welcome to the channel, anyhow.
I think that one of those abandoned products you refer to must be the Klipsch Powergate and Powergate Max. Launched at 1000 quid, I've seen it lately at just over £100. Terrible customer reviews.
The Blueos mobile app sucks, the device is great.
Hi can you tell me what are the flaws on the app please?
Every one “ Audio Reviewers “ are Talking about the same product
Bluesound dac is not very good. Gonna return my bluesound.
Is that really bad?
@@intothedragon yes, worse than heos from a marantz avr, which is decent. Have since tried to find a tube linestage that can work with ht via bypass but it is difficult for a variety of reasons.