As a recovering lifelong Hi-Fi/audiophile addict, I'm now at a point, after spending WAY too much money on the hobby, I've changed direction. I've gone all streaming. After trying various active powered speakers, and owning a pair of B&W Formation Duo's, I have settled on a fairly weird combination, and it sounds really good. A pair of Devialet (I know, blasphemy) Phantom 1, 108 db speakers, fed by the streaming section only (bypassing the Bluesound's internal DAC,) of my old Bluesound Node, via the Toslink output. I mostly listen to rock, metal, EDM and a fairly broad selection of other kinds of music like Punk, Classical and prog rock like Pink Floyd, Genesis, etc., this combination allows me to actually hear all the bass without having a subwoofer in my system, and I also can use the Devialets as my TV sound system. I know this isn't exactly my highest-Fi system ever, and not exactly audiophile mainstream, but MAN does it sound good. Streaming means I listen to far more music than ever, because it's so damn easy.
I agree, but get occasional cannot connect on the node . Then there’s trouble it simply doesn’t reconnect until one lucky day . That’s why I had to purchase a WiiM , I go back and forth depending on who wants to work 🙄. I prefer nano . The new one is even better allowing you to chose your power source . There are some great internet radio stations out there to be found as well . Just needs an apple connect and then perfection .
“The horrifying sonic shackles of bluetooth.” With the eloquence of Shakespeare defining the audiophile ethos in the turn of a phrase and your other fine reviewing qualities you have elevated reviewing to an art form and I happily encourage you and cheer you on. You amaze and delight me.
Bluesound is really cool (high quality, good sound, easy interface, etc.). But there is a huge problem. Bluesound does not support RUclips Music. Only Bluesound knows why. But they don't disclose the reason or give any information on whether and when this problem will change. For years now.... :-(
For all of you out there who are hearing the same thing I am, please remember to practice some forgiveness. I think a mistake was made with the audio. While I've never heard Tom Martin's videos sound like a Chesky or 2L or other high-level recording, it usually is "normal." This one isn't, but that doesn't mean we all need to jump in with merciless criticisms.
Simple questions can I plug this in my ten year old jvc tv and use just one remote example my Amazon Firestick and connect a sub and have music with cover art on tv screen 🙏
I would not ever nor will I ever 'stream' anything. If I want to hear a musical piece, I reach for the CD, record or file and play it. There's no 'streaming' in my life. I don't need constant music in the background of my life. When I'm doing something, my mind is concentrated on what I am doing. Just saying. EDIT: also the audio of this video is weak and tinny sounding.
Poor you…streaming is great and not just for “background music”. In a good set-up, it is easily the equivalent of a good CD player. Comments like this are perplexing - it doesn’t have to be one over another format. My main source is a high end TT, but I also play CDs and stream.
Wait ! ... think about it , unless you have Every record or CD , it's great way to at least sample "production quality" b4 you buy , some do Suck .. cheers
This video reminds me of a.m. radio in the 70s
As a recovering lifelong Hi-Fi/audiophile addict, I'm now at a point, after spending WAY too much money on the hobby, I've changed direction. I've gone all streaming.
After trying various active powered speakers, and owning a pair of B&W Formation Duo's, I have settled on a fairly weird combination, and it sounds really good. A pair of Devialet (I know, blasphemy) Phantom 1, 108 db speakers, fed by the streaming section only (bypassing the Bluesound's internal DAC,) of my old Bluesound Node, via the Toslink output. I mostly listen to rock, metal, EDM and a fairly broad selection of other kinds of music like Punk, Classical and prog rock like Pink Floyd, Genesis, etc., this combination allows me to actually hear all the bass without having a subwoofer in my system, and I also can use the Devialets as my TV sound system.
I know this isn't exactly my highest-Fi system ever, and not exactly audiophile mainstream, but MAN does it sound good. Streaming means I listen to far more music than ever, because it's so damn easy.
I agree, but get occasional cannot connect on the node . Then there’s trouble it simply doesn’t reconnect until one lucky day . That’s why I had to purchase a WiiM , I go back and forth depending on who wants to work 🙄. I prefer nano . The new one is even better allowing you to chose your power source . There are some great internet radio stations out there to be found as well . Just needs an apple connect and then perfection .
For an audiophile channel, this video sure has horrible sound...
out of phase kind off
Just wanted to say so myself... it's kind of ironic, isn't it, especially for a channel named 'The Absolute Sound'.
Thank you for the review, Thomas!
Reverend Dr. Thomas.
“The horrifying sonic shackles of bluetooth.” With the eloquence of Shakespeare defining the audiophile ethos in the turn of a phrase and your other fine reviewing qualities you have elevated reviewing to an art form and I happily encourage you and cheer you on. You amaze and delight me.
Thanks, although I'm pretty sure Billy S had me completely covered all things involving eloquence. I will, however, mention your comment to my wife.
@@TheTASmagazine Be that as it may, it’s an artfully constructed content-rich phrase. As Shakespeare noted, brevity is the soul of wit.
Very good - review I love the Bluetooth exclamation.
At the price point ..I’d say Wiim just scared 😱 the crap out the market.
As for BT …IFI Go Blue and a nice set of IEM’s ..great music on the go .
I can't hear anything but background music.
Great review… nice to see an affordable dac/streamer…
Bluesound is really cool (high quality, good sound, easy interface, etc.). But there is a huge problem. Bluesound does not support RUclips Music. Only Bluesound knows why. But they don't disclose the reason or give any information on whether and when this problem will change. For years now.... :-(
Good review, but the I/O were not covered very well.
Basically: RJ45, USB, WiFi in; S/PDIF, optical, WiFi or analog out. There is also Bluetooth and AirPlay.
The Absolute Sound absolutely has no sound
For all of you out there who are hearing the same thing I am, please remember to practice some forgiveness. I think a mistake was made with the audio. While I've never heard Tom Martin's videos sound like a Chesky or 2L or other high-level recording, it usually is "normal." This one isn't, but that doesn't mean we all need to jump in with merciless criticisms.
The sound quality of this video is terrible. Sub par. For an Audio magazine this is ....
@@ItsMeRando2013 My fault; learning a new mic preamp.
@@thomasmartin2219 You learn it before you print a video and publish it.
@@cjay2exactly…wtf
Can I use nano connect to my integrated tube amp with a Oporto out to my input in my tube amp ?
DH Labs Toslink Glass Master 😊
You want stream because "You will own nothing and be happy "
@@akhtarizod5802 don't be a dim bulb do you buy every movie you watch on TV?
THE ABSOLUTE SOUND, amazing video dude
Simple questions can I plug this in my ten year old jvc tv and use just one remote example my Amazon Firestick and connect a sub and have music with cover art on tv screen 🙏
Nice take here Tom. Thank you.
I just love the sound of his voice...
What is wrong with the sound of this video?
Out of Phase?
New Mic preamp and I hadn’t quite learned the best settings. “Fix it in post” only gets you so far.
@@thomasmartin2219 Well then don't post it till you fix it.
@@ItsMeRando2013 Exactly.
@@thomasmartin2219- so don’t post and redo it. Tip: maybe test the new mic next time before recording an entire video…
I stream Apple Music lossless from iPhone to AirPort Express connected to my integrated amp
Do I need this?
you need nothing but air, food, water and shelter.
also medicine, eventually
If you are streaming from your iPhone to an Airport Express then you are using Bluetooth, so you aren't getting lossless.
@@chrislj2890 I am streaming using apple airplay not bluetooth
@@chrislj2890 No you are not using BT.
Good review. Too bad it’s ruined by the horrible sound.
The audio is horrible - why would you post this like this? I stopped watching 30 seconds in…
OMG...Fix your audio!!! Terrible and unacceptable from your brand!
For the ‘Absolute Sound’ the audio on this is shit!
Awful video no words heard just some background music. Terrible
I would not ever nor will I ever 'stream' anything. If I want to hear a musical piece, I reach for the CD, record or file and play it. There's no 'streaming' in my life. I don't need constant music in the background of my life. When I'm doing something, my mind is concentrated on what I am doing. Just saying. EDIT: also the audio of this video is weak and tinny sounding.
Poor you…streaming is great and not just for “background music”. In a good set-up, it is easily the equivalent of a good CD player. Comments like this are perplexing - it doesn’t have to be one over another format. My main source is a high end TT, but I also play CDs and stream.
Dude...lighten up. Do you buy every movie you watch on TV? It's not either/or.
Wait ! ... think about it , unless you have Every record or CD , it's great way to at least sample "production quality" b4 you buy , some do Suck .. cheers
if you have an integrated amp with Airplay2, there's no need to buy a streamer