glad i found this topic on google.
on bluesound forum no one talk about poor dac… so i though i had hearing issue lol
i confirm that the bluesound node 2 built in dac is very mediocre… (atleast on my unit).
my 14 years old TV and my 20 years old CD player have a better dac… im not joking.
i tried to pin point why i couldn’t get a good sound out of the node 2…
the max volume on the node 2 is too low… very annoying if you have to switch sources on the receiver.
i can’t beleive the dac on my TV an old sharp Aqos (2004), has a better dac than than a bluesound node 2 (2018) …unless bluesound added a 20$ dac curtisy for those wanting to get a real external dac…that could explain why the sound is mediocre. but then might aswell just sell a non-dac streamer…
there’s the yamaha wxc-50 which does not support mqa…hmm
I tried the Bluesound Node2 for a couple of weeks. I sent mine back to Crutchfield as part of their in-home audition policy. Like you, I was very disappointed with the SQ. The user interface was acceptable, not great. I did notice that the SQ improved when using Ethernet rather than wi-fi. I did some A/B testing with CDs played on my OPPO 93. I preferred the CDs and came to really dislike the MQAs. I’ve recently bought the OPPO 205. It took me a while to get used to the new sound. So I realize that what I am used to sometimes sets an expectation of what I prefer. However, I’ve come to appreciate that the new Oppo sounds better than the older unit. I’ve tried SACDs, only a couple mind you, and so far I do not like them at all.
So, I’m still looking for a streaming solution that doesn’t cost 3+k. For now, it’s the occasional hooking up of my laptop via USB into the Oppo.
I use the Node 2 as a source and COAX it out to my NuWave DSD DAC. This offers a much improved sound while still allowing the great interface of the Node 2 and access to loads of streaming services. The upgraded Audioquest Power Plug helped further. Though the PS Audio betters the Node 2 DAC considerably…no contest.
Sorry to dredge this up, but I’m thinking of ditching my laptop with Qobuz running through Audirvana (USB) and getting a Node2 for streaming. If I connect it through coax digital out…I am bypassing the Node2 DAC and using my SGCD DAC correct?
For reference, system is SGCD, Emotiva XPA-100 monoblocks (soon to be replaced with Parasound HALO A21+) and Wharfedale EVO 4.2’s and dual ML subs.
I have a Node 2. As a streaming device it’s great. Has good blending of streaming scource’s Tidal, Qobuz. As a DAC, not bad but does not compete with Chord, Schitt, et.,
A word in favour of Bluesound, as a Powernode 2i user. Firstly, Bluesound must be doing something right as they are massively popular. I’ve considered upgrading mine and the next best would seem to be the NAD M10, from the same stable with much the same technology and the same software.
I use mine with Raidho X1 speakers and a REL S/2 subwoofer, far better speakers than might be expected. The quasi-ribbon tweeter in the X1 is used throughout the Raidho range, in speakers ranging from $8,000 to $200,000+.
Virtually every measured review I’ve ever read of a component including the gain cell component has noted the high level of noise and jitter, which I understand has something to do with A/C pollution in Gilbert Cells. Above my pay grade, but see for example the latest review here:
If the lab report makes slightly troubling reading, this DAC/amp combo is somewhat more entertaining in use. There’s not the last word in wide-open treble detail, but when it comes to power and pace the slimline Stellars will raise few complaints.
This lack of treble detail has been noted elsewhere.
There’s quite a bit about the Bluesound here:
It has extremely good treble, if anything it is slightly lacking in the bass.
If the Bluesound had any major weaknesses above 100hz I would hear them through my speakers, and I don’t.
I think the Bluesound units have been hugely popular as they are perfectly good, if not with the last bit of refinement, with amazingly good proprietary software (carrying Amazon HD) and a fantastic price. In the UK the Powernode 2i costs £800, the Node 2i £500, the SGCD £1,550 and the Stellar Strata £3,000. The M10 is £2,200 and the Naim Units Atom £2,000, both of which are more powerful. As I have powered bass, that’s not an issue. Here the Sprout costs £800 and has no streamer, the same as the Powernode 2i, which has possibly the best streamer in this market.
So I think the Bluesound wins hands-down on price, nothing comes close. The DAC is perfectly OK with very resolving speakers, I think you would have to pay a lot more to get much better.
I used to have a Node 2 - was using with SGCD coax in - as a source it has a lot of services and features - when used with its internal DAC it was warm sounding but veiled and opaque. I think the control software is decent. I sold it and got an Aurender N100H - quite an upgrade. I liked it enough tho that I got a PowerNode 2i for the kitchen budget system. In summary, its OK but you will likely outgrow it’s sonic limitations.
Just tried a 2i for a couple weeks in order to compare to my PC. Actually the PC sounds as good if not better and while the BlueOS app is pretty cool, the HDMI interface to my TV is more intuitive and easier for me. Also while a PC has its quirks, so does the 2i. Many times in the morning the device is lost and I had to reboot 2i to force it to appear in the app. etc etc. I returned it. My other “streamer” issue is I like Amazon HD and many better devices do not support it. It is a great device for the dollar but you really need a separate DAC for anything but a office or bedroom type system IMHO anyway. It was a try… Since I am now back in the PC realm, I’m reading the thread on Matrix X-SPDIF 2 and if that may be a welcome addition.
The dac built in bluesound are totally ok. There are many dac at completely different high prices that sound worse. It is also another customer group for the models as the hifi we deal with. My “wife” calls them the best in the world lol
Feel free to come up with some alternatives so I have something I can test.
This is correct, as this is what I’m doing with my node 2 and GCD. However, I too am running Audirvana with my windows laptop, into an SOtM SMS 200, into a Matrix, and into my GCD (with IS2 & liner power supply) and the result is noticbly better than my node 2. But it should be since it’s over two times the cumulative price of the node 2.
I totally agree. I must be two customer groups rolled into one as I have Bluesound into Raidho and Devialet Expert into Wilson, and I have no complaints whatsoever. I don’t know what @Elk has about Bluesound, of course there are better systems, but you will be paying at least twice as much and have at least 2 boxes and probably an inferior streamer. The Chord Mojo and 2Qute FPGA DACs are better standalone DACs for well under $1,000.
The Node 2 as both a DAC and streamer. I do not know how it does as a steamer alone, but expect it would sound at least pretty good fed to a better DAC.
The Node 2i is however a very good buy at $550.00.
