Amplifiers: NAD and Bluesound NODES

These are the main amps we will be offering for the garage. I show all of them up close to get a sense of what would be best for your application in your home or garage setup. You really can't go wrong with any of these!
NAD M10 V2
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NAD C700
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NAD C368 BluOS
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NAD 388
www.obsessedgarage.com/produc...
Bluesound Powernode
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Bluesound Node
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[@catherinelugg4321]

One minor observation: All of NAD/Bluesound equipment is "Roon Ready." So, if you have the hearing, you can also make filters to adjust the sound through Roon. And THANKS! This has been a super helpful video as I sort out "what's next." For those of us who are aging boomers with "weight restrictions" the M10, Powernode, and C700 are all within my "permitted weight class." The others are not.

[@stevenbullock9276]

Great, informative video- very well done. Thank you. I'm 62, and have been into audio since my teens. It's hard to break the mindset that amps have to be huge to sound good and handle difficult loads. I purchased a Bluesound Node recently and love the app with Tidal. Want to try the PowerNode next. As far as remotes, everyone's application will vary. If I need to pause the music quickly for whatever reason, it's a little cumbersome to wake up the phone/ iPad, passcode or fingerprint, open the app, in order to pause- or get up and run across the room to tap the unit. For that reason I'm considering the optional remote.

[@stereo8893]

You are correct on ALL of your points here. Excellent overview.

[@TonmoyGhosh]

I picked up the Blusound Node from the OG audio gear sale. Man…this thing is so much nicer than what I was using before. Which was a Roku stick plugged into an HDMI port of an Marantz Nr1403 I had laying around. I wish I had gotten the powernode so I could retire the Marantz. But maybe I’ll upgrade in the near future.

[@izumispa2993]

Class C is reserved for radio transmitters. They aren’t “garbage”.

[@stevethetoolman2435]

Thank you! Excellent information!

[@video-carl]

Thank you for the video. I wish that one didn't need to plump for the big metal box to get support for two pairs of speakers. The PowerNode and C 700 really are great value because they are more rounded audio products.

[@GivThmHal]

So I was at my local hifi store and ordered: M10 v2 2x Linton 85th Anniversary Bookshelf Speakers Lg g1 77inch Tv Bdi entertainment tv unit I think the nad m10v2 are the best option if you have the money, I’ve saved for a year to purchase everything altogether as I’m buying my first property in London Uk. The lg g1 has Apple TV integrated as well as your Amazon and Netflix etc.. so no need to worry about plugging in more networks/devices into the amplifier or tv. Having the 2 further Wi-Fi speakers as a bonus is a touch if id like to go into Dolby atmosphere lol but with my living room being 6x4metres I don’t think there will be a need for it. But having the option is lovely. Also have the option for 2 subs. But like I said no need to go overboard for a medium sized living room. I bet my neighbours will love me as I love to listen to music loud! Any feedback on my purchases please drop me a message. Happy Christmas and New Year brothers and sisters 🙏🏻

[@Diego2thebay]

To confirm. Yes, Bluesound uses NAD amplifiers. Their speakers use PSB drivers.

[@thomascovenant6671]

Great review

[@johndaddabbo9383]

The NAD M33 does in fact have discrete subwoofer outputs, as well as the Dirac Live 'Bass Control' feature.

[@mden2490]

Thanks so much for a great video! Sorry about being late to viewing this video. Does NAD in the C700 or M10, or any other models show you the resolution (bit rate/ Sampling frequency) as the the track is playing? This may seem a bit picky, but I do like to know what resolution the music is being streamed at? Thank you.

[@DRICKismyNAME]

Has been using Bluesound and NAD products and has been impressive with the value preposition of their products, it's often very value for money as compared to the competitors for the amount of features and performance they provide.

[@vlax543]

Hello there. I have old version M10. There have been a lot updates in meantime and for me it sounds great with focal aria 936 (92 db sensitivity). So even with all this updates you are saying that M10 v2 sound better?

[@JR-ho5qm]

Great seeing the audio stuff! Are you going to offer a separates, pre-amp, power amp combo, or do you feel that’s not necessary? 🔈👍🏻 also you say not to use the remote control, just use the app on your phone. I always thought that the volume should be controlled by the amp and not the app. The volume on the app should stay at max.

[@howardfairbanks6965]

Thanks for having actual opinions, very informative and I appreciate it. Keep it coming!

[@ObsessedGarage]

Yes, but mostly special order. This stuff is a killer to inventory. It's not like old school pre-amp/amp combo where you want the amp gain as low as possible. Your phone/app is not a preamp providing voltage to the amp.

[@marcelwarbout3350]

Which bookshelf speakers will go really well with a NAD C700 amplifier? At the moment i have "old" Dali Ikon 1 mk1 speakers and i like the sound and presentation they provide, especially the clear and detailled highs (think its because of the hybrid (ribbon)tweeter . I even like them better then KEF LS50 (1 st gen) for instance. I have heard good things about speakers like Sonus Faber Lumina I or II. Would they be a better match with the NAD C700 and sound (much) better than the Dali Ikon 1 mk1's?

[@Herofmine]

This is what exactly I’ve been looking for! Wanted to get sonos but hate the fact that when they come up with new product old one starts crapping out! No thanks! I need something that will last me many years in the end it’s for my garage! I’ll order two bluesound power node, is there a deal for buying 2? :) one for garage and other one for backyard.

[@DRICKismyNAME]

Bluesound has one of the most impressive support in terms of supporting their devices, their first Bluesound player/powernode are still supported under the new BlueOS update though it is a 10 years old product. Impressive

[@2scottj]

Just picked up a great deal on some Kef R3s and have been looking at the powernode, c368 and c700 these to power them. The guys in the shop are adamant that the powernode won’t have enough power and I’d be better off with the c368 with bluos. Apparently the c700 is in the same boat as the powernode as well despite all three amps having the same 2x80w into 8 ohms and bluos capabilities. It sounds like they all have very similar power and were able to manage your floorstanders that have similar efficiency to the R3s. What am I missing?!

[@ObsessedGarage]

I tend to agree. The architecture of the C368 is different from the Powernode and C700. I'd really, really want to pair those KEFs with a C388 if you can swing it. They are 87db sensitivity meaning they are pretty inefficient and will likely do will by having more power.

[@steveb4012]

Thank you, a great detailed presentation, I've learned a lot. I'm struggling to decide between the M10 v2 and the Naim Uniti Atomm. They're similarly priced here in the UK, any opinions? Thank you.

[@ObsessedGarage]

I haven't spent much time with the Naim stuff, but it does look pretty legit. They are represented by the Focal people here in the US, and they aren't the sharpest. I've avoided them due to their poor representation.

[@steveb4012]

@@ObsessedGarage appreciate the reply, I live about an hour away from Naim HQ. I'll audition a Uniti Atom soon to see if it's worth it to replace my brilliant little Onkyo RN855 streaming amp.

[@hugodm101]

Hello!! I recently bought a pair of KEF R3 Meta and a powernode (80 watts). I saw your review in this video and now I have many doubts about whether I made the right decision with the powernode for my speakers. I think they sound good, but I think maybe they should sound fantastic, right? Is it possible with another type of amplifier, do my speakers sound better? Or are they just expectations that I only created, with the reviews I saw of the KEFs before buying them, and the amplification provided by the powernode is sufficient and correct?

[@andorandor5310]

i love this videos !! so c700 or m10v2 wich one sound better ?

[@ObsessedGarage]

The M10 has a different amplifier. It is better sounding than the C700.

[@miles267]

@@ObsessedGaragebut the C399 sounds better than the M10 v2. It’s more powerful.

[@auralxtc]

Matt - do they make a front end device like the M33/M10 that works with powered speakers rather than an internal amp? Love something I could connect XLRs to my powered monitors but have all those sweet features and the touchscreen! Great video BTW!

[@Diego2thebay]

You can get the Node from Bluesound. What he's been showing and reviewing here is actually called the Powernode. With the Node you'll be able to stream the exact same way just without an amp built in. Just use RCA to XLR cables.

[@ObsessedGarage]

They don't...yet.

[@harryatkinson9757]

@@Diego2thebay exactly, Matt was wrong in calling the “Powernode” the “Node”, the Node provides you with everything the Powernode has minus the amplifier,.

[@harryatkinson9757]

@@ObsessedGarage Not correct, the Node is the answer here. Or, the Vault 2i if you want to rip and stir your CDs as well.

[@josephisaguy]

I have a 3500 psi Simpson pressure washer at 2.5 GPM. I want less pressure but more gpm. Is it as simple as just getting a larger orifice nozzle?

[@ObsessedGarage]

Yes, you can dial back the pressure by opening up the orifice. Probably something in the 5.5-6.5 range.

[@aphibarnsaecheo6507]

Matt, What kind of iphone do you have?

[@michaelswitzer3186]

Would either of the C 700 or the Powernode have a warmer mid range than the other? I purchased a pair of Graham LS6 (BBC type) speakers (8 ohms; 87 dB’s; recommended amplifier power 50-150 watts) for their rich, lush, mid range, and I want to choose an amplifier that would preserve that mid range. Thank you for the good review.

[@ObsessedGarage]

I don't think so. Neither have Dirac capability either, so they are going to perform similarly.

[@michaelswitzer3186]

@@ObsessedGarage thank you.

[@stevesentanoe6730]

If I have powernode 2021 and want to upgrade the system, would you suggest the m10 v2? Is the difference worth the money?

[@ObsessedGarage]

Oh man...that's a massive difference between those two. Yes, that would be a massive upgrade.

[@EvgenyLebedevMusic]

@@ObsessedGarage Hey! And what about 330 vs C700?

[@WheeledandWellArmed]

#Obsessed Garage, wow I just found your channel. I have the M10 and Bluesound vault in my TV room. A Bluesound node with my Parasound in my listening room. But I was thinking I can put the Vault on the Parasound rj45 hardwire it there. And put the Node in my garage with an SMLS D Amp and speakers. Would the Vault 2i connect the Parasound? I assume this should work? I haven't had much positive support with Bluesound or NAD. Except to learn my Vault isn't wifi enabled. Great minds think alike. I'm looking today to see more of this channel on NAD M10 and Nodes for whole house music.

[@ObsessedGarage]

Hmmm... I haven't played with the Vault. My guess is that even with the software updates, that it's a bit dated tech.

[@WheeledandWellArmed]

@@ObsessedGarage I had over a 1000 CDs and most were crappy mp3 files. Now the Vault ripped everything to Flac files and BluOS can play my music in all rooms.

[@miles267]

Does the BluOS app turn the NAD units on and off remotely? Or do you need to use the included remote to turn them on?

[@ObsessedGarage]

When you turn on AutoStandBy option, it turns it on automatically when you start playing something in the app. It times out and turns off on it's own.

[@stevenbond6576]

What’s your opinion of using NAD m10 driving B&W towers 704-s3 or even 703 floor stands.

[@ObsessedGarage]

It will do it, but I think I'd want some more power. 704 are 88 db sensitivity, so they need some decent power. I think I'd rather have a C399 for those.

[@federicovalmassoni3827]

Just an information, is it possible to use Bluetooth headphones in the same time with speakers? And... Spotify Connect is gapless?

[@ObsessedGarage]

Hmmm... That's a good question. I haven't tested headphones with it. My hunch is that you can't do both.

[@federicovalmassoni3827]

@@ObsessedGarage Thanks 👍🏻🙂

[@meyouandsubaru9006]

One can dream…

[@1995trento]

My biggest issue with Tidal is the apps - both iPhone and Mac - and how terrible they are. I’ll still use it to get high quality audio through my LYDs and MQA capable DAC, but it’s frustrating that it’s expensive compared to Spotify, with such bad app functionality and the only redeeming feature being the Hifi/HiFi plus/MQA quality.

[@ObsessedGarage]

Hmmm... I don't find the app difficult at all. I use the native app on my iMac all the time. It works well.

[@1995trento]

@@ObsessedGarage I’ve had occasional issues on my Mac but much more often on the iPhone app and using it with CarPlay. I’ll be interested to see what bit depth and sample rate Spotify offer with their hi fidelity option that’s meant to be released soon.

[@iSAAConrad]

I kinda agree. I don’t think the tidal app is bad, it’s just no where comparable to how great the Spotify app is. I’m still anxiously awaiting Spotify hifi

[@stevewright1539]

Why can’t you run Apple TV to the POWERNODE? Just connect the Apple TV to your TV and use the eARC HDMI input to route all devices running through your TV. Airplay 2 works great from phone, iPad or other App,e devices just not higher than CD quality.

[@Diego2thebay]

You can absolutely do that. I think he was expecting a little too much out of that little guy. Yes, there can sometimes be some HDMI handshake issues but I find that to be more of an AppleTV problem rather than a Bluesound or Television problem.

[@ObsessedGarage]

If I didn't clarify, I meant that there is no HDMI switching. You'd need to mount the Apple TV to the back of you TV, then run through ARC. I've found that rarely to be ideal due to handshake issues.

[@K20BeeOtch]

Hi everyone, has the Powernode enough power for a pair of Klipsch RP8000f?

[@stevenbullock9276]

I would think more than enough. Your speakers are 98db efficient- that's measured at 1 meter with 1 watt. That's crazy loud with just a watt.

[@K20BeeOtch]

@@stevenbullock9276 now i can say its enough power for the Klipsch. I have bought a NAD C700 and its sound great, with lots of power.

[@stevenbullock9276]

Nice. I’m new to the Bluesound world with just a Node. Want to try a PowerNode when funds allow

[@kabes-us]

Matt I already have a killer pre amp and amp but want a great streamer. Do you have something that has the display like the M10 but without an amplifier?

[@ObsessedGarage]

No, you just want to get the Bluesound Node. It doesn't have the screen, but it does all the rest.

[@WheeledandWellArmed]

Actually the M10 has a pass through so you can use it like a Preamplifier and use use your tube amp or whatever. They are beautiful.

[@HazeyAuto]

Is there an option to get an Australian power cord for any of these?

[@JR-ho5qm]

The Bluesound stuff comes with about 4 power cords. I’m pretty sure one of them is Australian.

[@HazeyAuto]

@@JR-ho5qm good to know. Thanks.

[@KRBY555]

Just buy it locally

[@ObsessedGarage]

Yep, NAD stuff has 110-240v capability, and I think it comes with the proper cord.

[@HazeyAuto]

@@KRBY555 local markups are ridiculous, even when you factor in shipping and exchange rates.

[@OldDolio312]

My powernode just died on me and don’t even use my node because it’s volume sucks. So fckn disappointed, going to have to buy new equipment

[@ObsessedGarage]

Speaking like this tells me you don't know what you are doing. Node and Powernode are pretty amazing.