DSD ?

Great to hear!

For not understanding english well you do write pretty well though...

I think it is a solid choice for entry level streamers. Just hard to setup as I mentioned.

Thanks for sharing!

Thanks for sharing

What are the benefits of adding a Bluesound Node 2i to the Kef LS50Wireless (2)? I thought the Kef already had lots of options for streaming Tidal/Spotify Connect/etc.. A combo of a Bluesound Powernode 2i with a pair of passive Kef LS50 (Meta)s could also be attractive I guess.

@@Wuppie62 couple things in my opinion: blusound works under wifi and wifi has broader band than BT. And Blusound DAC is way better than builtin DAC on KEF. I have another system contains: Focal Diablo, McIntosh MC601, C2600 and LUMIN DAC, and two Rel TI9 Subs, With KEF LS50W + Bluesound + focal Sub, I got 80% of sound stage of my premium set

@@hamidnia7242 Hi, may I ask you how do you connect the bluesound to the kef's? Do you use the rca input or another way?. I'm looking for a quality tidal/hi-res files streaming solution for my klipsch the fives. Currently my main source is a fiio m11 pro that it supposed to have a quite good dac set, but it doesn't seems to make a real difference. I've connected it through phono input (line) and USB, but it sound laking power and resolution. A big difference compared when I use HDMI (streaming tidal/spotify to a chromecast on my tv) or the optical input (to connect a cd player) it sound way more lively, strong and detailed that way. I'm thinking to get a bluesound but I'm afraid I could get just the same result if I plug it to the fives via rca, or couldn't be able to bypass the fives dac plugging it to the optical input. Any info could be very useful, thanks in advance!

Does it support MQA

@@Andersljungberg yes

Four! Wow you are really maximizing it's potential.

How do you connect it to your Chord, Coax? If so, what cable do you use? I consider buying this streamer and test it by connecting to my Roksan DAC.

Congrats and thanks for commenting.

what coax cable do you use for the node2i?

Yeah, convenience is definitely one should consider when it comes to buying gear. Sometimes because it is so easy to access our library, we end up using it more.

I should note, presets don't work with playlists of music on USB drives in back, only on nas shares and Spotify. Had to ask support about that one.

If you use the volume control in digital domain, absolutely, sound quality will suffer. through the analogue output it's fine. What i found is that when switching tone controls on/off, the overall volume level changes, volume drops if tone controls are switched on. I guess this has to do with keeping headroom when turning up bass and/or treble. Used sensibly, it's fine though. Some poor recordings can do with a bit of manual manipulation in that area!

Yeah, setup was a pain but once done it is fine. Yup, you can upgrade the DAC and many people in the comment section has shared their positive experience.

Thanks!

Thanks! I was looking at the Aurender N100H for myself actually. Waiting on a Lumin streamer currently and will see how it performs.

Thanks for the suggestion, hopefully I will.

Thanks Nick, I am curious what other streamers are there out there that can compete.

@@ThomasAndStereo I don't have an answer for that. I have a what I'll call a modest audiophile system that works great for me, so as you said it doesn't make much sense to drop in a 2 to 3 thousand dollar unit.

Thanks and glad it is working well in your setup. Appreciate the feedback.

Ah nice! So the project S2 dac is better.

@David Israel, I switched from a Node 2i to the 6000N and I prefer the Audiolab. I use Amazon UHD so I don’t need the MQA unfolding. An interesting thought however, mine runs through a Denon X4700 I use as a processor and I use Audyssey. As a result, even analog inputs are digitized so it doesn’t matter what DAC the streamer has, its handed off to the Denon DAC once its digitized. So it should be a moot point, they should both sound the same......

Thanks, yeah the ARES2 can do something in terms of sound quality the Node 2i cannot do.

I've Just put out an email to Topping asking if they could send you a d90. Comparing that to the ares2 (and MP dac) on the node would help me decide which way to go next. Sean asked viewers in a video to reach out to audio makers to ask for review gear. Ok, if It helps you (and Sean, and Jay), sure. By the way, did you see the ares2 and the cheap tube amp you reviewd several months ago are both in backorder? 😂

Yeah, I almost bought a Moon Mind2 streamer myself.

I don't remember as I don't have the unit anymore, but looking at the photo, there is a USB port at the back. Perhaps plug the harddrive directly to that port? I remember it worked with a USB stick, it has been a while for me.

I appreciate that!

No problem, you are welcome.

Robert Cowart Hi, is using the gungnir as a Dac for the node 2i significantly better?

@@delvalle9256 yes it is better. It digs deeper into the recording with more detail without being analytical. Schiit makes great products.

Robert Cowart Thanks.

Theres no way anybody who spends $600 on a power cord would even look twice at the Node, it's a whole different level.

@@drewpknutz1410 Why not? I am using it strictly as a streamer COAX into my DAC. I admit the Red Dawn power cord was a bit overkill. But that’s just an old cable I have lying around. I have since bought a $5 adapter and now using an old Nordost Blue Heaven…about $100 on the used market. Still a huge improvement over the stock power cord.

Ares2 will definitely do something the Node 2i cannot. Just a question if it is worth it or not for you. Will cover in my video.

You better research because I think for MQA you have to use RCA, you can't use coax or optical. Double check.

Thanks very much

You would use RCA going from Node 2i to the preamp. If you use digital cable, it means the preamp will become the DAC and the preamp will need a built in DAC.

I think the Node 2i might be slightly better but they are around the same level of performance if I remember. Maybe one will be sharper but I don't remember either one standing out from the other significantly. It is very very easy to AB test it. From the Node 2i, use RCA going to the IOTAVX and then also use optical going from Node 2i to IOTAVX, you can AB test just by swapping inputs on the IOTAVX.

Maybe check out creek destiny, not dual mono but I find it excellent too. It is a bit warmer sounding though and have more authority the Creek.

how is your quest going? im considering buying a node 2i and thought I would also have to buy a quality dac to get the most of it. d90 was one i had been looking at but now im not so sure I even need it...?

Unless I AB test it, I would not know. Sorry!

I had the older Sonos streamer and this sounded better. Nice amp and speaker you have.

I think it will depend upon whether you use its internal DAC or an external DAC. If you are using an external DAC, it would be a wash for non hi-res audio. The sonos app/eco system, though, is far better.

Glad you liked it

Nice, I am curious what you think about the IFI DAC. I had the IFI iTube 2 and it was nice. Take it easy man!

@@ThomasAndStereo work won't allow me to take it easy , but I will let you know about the new Portable Dac, i'm not allowed to say anything about the dac unitll the 15th of feb confidential 😆 serously HIP-DAC 😆

@@ThomasAndStereo it sounds awesome for its super budget price point of 150.00US. How did the musical fidelity pair with the Yota SA3? (Stock tubes)

@@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120 You mean the musical paradise dac? It sounds smoother than the built in DAC. The build in DAC is a bit too digital sounding for me so I don't usually use it. If you are talking about another dac that is $150, I have no idea.

@@ThomasAndStereo sorry about that Thomas, I was on my 10 min break, i had to hurry with comment ,but yes the Musical paradise , I would love tube rolling ! And the DAC with iFi Audio is sounds great for a headphone DAC , everything I get from iFi has been just wonderful for its price point ! Ohh Yeah i sent Sean some pics of my Sansui G-8000 I have it torn down and deep deep cleaning and servicing everything on the RECIEVER ! The build quality is top notch and very easy to take apart and work on ,This beast is so full sounding ! I was blown away adjusting the mid-range tone control because turning it up or down had not much effect at all on the bass and treble very very shocked !! Sansui sound is very addictive And i couldn't turn the volume knob passed 3 on the JBL 530s ! The JBLs a very inefficient and give my pre 1k amps a workout ,, But the Sansui was hitting Piano notes with a sharpness and pression like I haven't heard before for me thats a huge plus espically with budget speakers ! I would love to hook up to your FS Older KEFS ohh I bet that would be on point , and with your Moon SACD player geez weez ! That would be interesting! 😆 The Sansui sounds beautiful , yeah good punch but when the music gets very complex it trys to keep up 😆

Maybe take a look at Innuos product? I tried their super high end one but I heard their affordable $1k ish one is not bad.

Nice, Lumin is supposed to send me a streamer to review too so soon I will have one up.

Thomas & Stereo Fantastic. Look forward to hear what you think. Audio Excellence are big fans and also Innuos.

Thought you would have covered 2 way bluetooth (ability to send aptxhd qualcomm to suitable headphones) discuss pairing, quality etc. ) This being one of only a few units built in that does it.

and how the hell the same input can work as digital and analog? im kinda lost there

Nice, I always wanted to try with the raspberry pi myself.

Probably but you would want to move up higher level if you want a true upgrade.

I don't think so because the DAC inside the LS50w is very good, probably on par with this. Will MQA give you way higher quality, debatable.

Hi, I am in the same dilemma . Have the Kefs’as well and listen to vinyl and tidal/Spotify. Read on some forums that MQA with Node is an upgrade vs Hi-Fi streaming. Living currently in Romania and can get a new one for 375 Euros. Not sure ... will check if Incan return after trying ;)

support1.bluesound.com/hc/en-us/articles/115006191908-Why-Isn-t-My-External-DAC-Playing-MQA-

Good question, I don't know but I'd you are connecting by digital, it should not. Email them to confirm, I no longer have the unit.

@@ThomasAndStereo Thanks, i emailed them and will post answer here.

You will get more return if you upgrade the AVR or speaker I think. Sure the Dac will help but what do you find missing in your system? Perhaps adding a sub will have the biggest return assuming your room is somewhat treated.

@@ThomasAndStereo Thanks for the reply. I forgot to mention that I have an Era Designs Sub10 in the system...and I JUST got the speakers a few months ago, then added the Node 2i, the DAC and upgraded the cables. My initial inclination was to upgrade to a proper pre-amp and amp combo next, but was worried my source might be more limiting than the AVR I am currently using. Overall, I am pretty thrilled with what I am hearing now...but I was pretty thrilled before I upgraded the DAC and before I upgraded the cables too!

I think for Node 2i and IOTAVX, you should not invest a lot into RCA cables. Spend the money elsewhere. If you want to get something decent, sure but not at $100.

Yeah, like the Musical Paradise DAC you have at your place now.

No, because sound quality is more than the bit rate. Think about it, many old expensive dac can still outperform today's DAC because they sound more analog.

@@ThomasAndStereo Makes sense. Thanks.

I never heard the MF M2si so I would not know. I did have some great experience with musical Fidelity. If you get the iotavx, make sure to get the matching PA3

Thomas & Stereo Thanks Thomas I sure will get both. Do you think the Elacs Debut reference would be a good match for this

Sorry, I never tried it so I would not know.

Yup, I don't use streamer too myself but I can see how convenient it is.

Yes, should be easy, actually. Adding subwoofer too. I use with subwoofer on my DALI speakers with NAD amp; the Node2i has adjustable cross-over built-in. Easy peasy!

@@WhatEver-dx3eu Thank you :-)

I would use the coax. It's likely the dac in your integrated amp is superior to the dac in the node.

Connect both at the same time and try out which one you prefer, you only need to switch inputs.

Hello?

As genesis said ..... NO REPLY AT ALL

Unfortunately, I have not tried the powernode so I would not know. AresII, I will be making a video on it.

Sorry, I don't have a PI3

I did not as I don't have the MP here at my place. Someone borrowed it and Bluesound has asked me to ship it back already. Let me see if I can just buy it so I can do somemore future testing with it.

@@ThomasAndStereo I would like to hear your opinion on using your MP dac with the node 2i.

@@marksimpson1286 if I have a chance to test, I will update u.

Only if they send me.

I have to AB test but if you are using a mcintosh preamp, you might benefit more with a higher end streamer.