Bluesound Node 2i streamer

[Zoidburg]

I've just bought a bluesound Node 2i streamer and am interested in any discussion on it.

https://www.bluesound.com/products/node/

particularly anything related to set up, getting the best out of it, upgrades etc.

Looking forward to hearing the views of current owners.

I've so far only had a few brief play with it last night but initial impressions are that it sounds better than my previous streaming set up.

cheers


Ben

[Zoidburg]

Sorry Mods can you move this to digital section pls.

cheers

Ben

[StingRay]

I have a Node 2 which I bought about 1 month ago. On another forum quite a few users are buying an interface and then using DC power either with a SMPS or LPS.

I take it you are using the Node DAC? Some recommend using the fixed volume. I'm pretty pleased with it but I use an external DAC.

What are you streaming on it?

[Zoidburg]

Hi mate,

Thanks for the reply, so far I'm v impressed with the node. I'm mainly using spotify with it but I've also got a free trial of amazon hd as well which does sound better but I'm not sure il bother keeping it when the trial is up as I like the convenience of spotify and I've been invested in it a long time now.

I use the dac in the node (with fixed vol) but I guess I should try it through my young dac to see if it improves it. However I was looking to reduce my box count in the long run.

I'd be interest to here more info on power supplies.



Sent from my SM-A715F using Tapatalk

[Alvarado]

As alluded to above, there is a huge (95+ pages) discussion/rant/argument about applying power supplies to the Bluesound Node 2i on the Wam. (Just google it comes up at the top). Some DIYers have found that by spending a couple of hundred quid on Fidelity Audio power supplies and tweaking your Node 2i you can get a big leap in sound quality (or not, depending on your view). The DIY tweak is apparently straightforward and a look at the Fidelity Audio website reveals they are already onto it, releasing a number of products themselves which incorporate the tweak in a new Node 2i. If you can find the result of the argument (ie whether it's worthwhile or not) you're more committed than I am. I read a reasonable proportion of the thread as I have the same interest as you. I need a new streamer and many seem to be pointing to Node 2i, especially with mods, as the best sub-£1000 (or more) option.

[Zoidburg]

As alluded to above, there is a huge (95+ pages) discussion/rant/argument about applying power supplies to the Bluesound Node 2i on the Wam. (Just google it comes up at the top). Some DIYers have found that by spending a couple of hundred quid on Fidelity Audio power supplies and tweaking your Node 2i you can get a big leap in sound quality (or not, depending on your view). The DIY tweak is apparently straightforward and a look at the Fidelity Audio website reveals they are already onto it, releasing a number of products themselves which incorporate the tweak in a new Node 2i. If you can find the result of the argument (ie whether it's worthwhile or not) you're more committed than I am. I read a reasonable proportion of the thread as I have the same interest as you. I need a new streamer and many seem to be pointing to Node 2i, especially with mods, as the best sub-£1000 (or more) option.

I think I've read portions of that same thread and also picked up on the fidelity audio "upgrades". Id probably want to hear a modded one first before doing anything to mine tbh as im very happy with it already. Saying that I read through the DIY board change (to allow for an uprated power supply i think) info and it looks easily enough to do.

[Manicatel]

I reckon it’s a very decent unit. The BluOS app is one of the best out there. The SQ is excellent for the money, & I think you’d have to spend double the price to get another streamer that sounds significantly better.
I’ve never heard any of the mods for it.

[StingRay]

Some people are using the interface with an iFi power supply which are around £50 new. There is an interface made in Poland, which can be bought on ebay for around £90 inc. postage. The FA one is about £135 inc. postage. I think the test on WAM will be using the polish one and will involve about 8 different power supplies.

[camtwister]

I shove the ones and zeros from my Node2i into a Rega DAC.
I use the BluOS app to listen to my Qobuz collection, internet radio and podcasts.
It has replaced a Squeezebox Touch - my first love of the streaming type.
I use the Node for several hours per day - and being teased with appreciable sonic improvement is making me giddy.
It appears that installation of the interface pcb is reversible, so that's some comfort to the unconvinced.
Before I surrender cold cash money, I'm waiting for someone whose opinion I respect to sacrifice themselves and post the outcome here.

[StingRay]

As alluded to above, there is a huge (95+ pages) discussion/rant/argument about applying power supplies to the Bluesound Node 2i on the Wam. (Just google it comes up at the top). Some DIYers have found that by spending a couple of hundred quid on Fidelity Audio power supplies and tweaking your Node 2i you can get a big leap in sound quality (or not, depending on your view). The DIY tweak is apparently straightforward and a look at the Fidelity Audio website reveals they are already onto it, releasing a number of products themselves which incorporate the tweak in a new Node 2i. If you can find the result of the argument (ie whether it's worthwhile or not) you're more committed than I am. I read a reasonable proportion of the thread as I have the same interest as you. I need a new streamer and many seem to be pointing to Node 2i, especially with mods, as the best sub-£1000 (or more) option.

The Fidelity Audio upgrade with LPS is much more than a couple of hundred quid unfortunately, I think the cheapest option is £415. There are cheaper options which I’m considering, which will be around £140.