Bluesound Node 2 Users?

Cheap is a relative term, depending who’s money it is.

Comparisons should be done at similar price points. PSA and Bluesound are both coming to the UK from across the Atlantic. They should not be comparable as the SGCD (DAC/pre-amp) is more than three times the price of the Node 2i (steamer/DAC/pre) at £1,600 vs £500. Plus the Node 2i has a great streamer and is Roon-Ready, whereas the SGCD does not. So it’s DAC really should be considerably better for that price (at Chord Hugo price).

The Stellar Strata and Powernode 2i are comparable in function, except the Strata is not Roon-Ready and uses a 3rd party app, but again the Strata is more than three times the price at £3,000 compared to £800 for the Bluesound.

Which is better value for money is another matter. I use Bluesound with very revealing speakers way above its pay grade ($7,100 new) and it is extremely competent, so that in my assessment there is no need to spend 2 or 3 times as much on electronics (whether PS Audio or anything else).

As I said earlier, the main thing about Bluesound, besides a great app, is that it performs very well for an exceptionally good price. Even Cambridge Audio, who overall are perhaps the best quality for value, don’t get close.