Bluesound Node 2i Unboxing & Setup | Best Tidal MQA Streaming Device?

Today I unbox and set up the Bluesound Node 2i Hi-Res Music Streamer. Could it be the best way to stream Tidal MQA throughout your home? Check out the video and take a look at the Node 2i - amzn.to/2VfZIcJ
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[@johnnemesh5459]

I own the Bluesound Node 2i, and used it originally by itself, with Tidal, analog out to my Marantz SR7007 running in Stereo "Pure Direct" to bi-amped Martin Logan Theos speakers and an Era Design 10 Sub. I then added an MQA compatible DAC, the ifi Nano iOne, with a linear power supply (that PS made a HUGE difference!). Then I decided to upgrade to a Schiit Gungnir multibit DAC, which does not support MQA. (I also upgraded my power cables and interconnects) I decided at that time to try Qobuz...and shortly after, Amazon launched their "HD" music service, so I tried that as well. Over the course of these upgrades, I have literally spent hundreds of hours listening and comparing. Now, my hearing is far from perfect, and I don't have the absolutely best gear to test on, but it's a fairly solid system, and spending countless hours listening to each upgrade as I went and comparing to what I had previously gave me a pretty good ear for differences. I have concluded that MQA is a bad joke. It's, as they say, a "niche of a niche" that it appeals to. The number of people buying DACs at all is incredibly small, and the number of people invested in MQA is even smaller. Worse, Tidal is the ONLY streaming service to support the format, and other services can stream audio in full LOSSLESS high resolution audio, WITHOUT requiring proprietary technology, in native PCM. I found several albums, such as anything in the Rolling Stones catalogs, that were available on all of the three services, and listened, and honestly, I couldn't hear any real differences...even though I was limited to CD quality on Tidal with my DAC. The real nail in the coffin for Tidal though, was the library. Qobuz had significantly more albums available in high resolution, and Amazon had even more than Qobuz! Add into the fact that Amazon "HD" (yeah, I hate the name too...) is $7/month cheaper than either Tidal or Qobuz for the high-resolution tier, and you can guess which subscriptions got cancelled. I know my opinion is probably unpopular with some who have bought into MQA...but I really feel that MQA is the HDCD of the current generation. Time will tell.

[@gsogymrat]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm researching options for streaming Amazon Ultra HD songs at full resolution through my AV system. I looked at the Amazon Echo Link but it won't output at full resolution, which I think is ridiculous for a device whose sole purpose is to stream hi-fi audio.

[@williammay8413]

Been using node 2 for 2 years and it does the job well , I don’t need a external dac works great

[@chriswelljack4910]

I went from the node2 to 2i as soon as it came out i have mine hooked up 2 ways just to go between the dac in the node and the dac in my preamp proccessor

[@TechnoDad]

Nice! Thank's fr sharing your experience William!

[@kendalltull9854]

Hey Channa. Your positive review plus the one from Darko convinced me to jump on this for setting up my patio setup. I'm pairing this with a pair of RP600s and will use my old Onkyo AVR and subwoofer to bring music to my open air patio fed from my QNAP Roon Server. Will let you know how it goes.

[@emmgeevideo]

I was surprised that you used the analog connection. I just bought a Denon AVR-X4700 and used the optical cable for my old Node (first generation) that I had connected to my (now) old Pioneer receiver. That seemed to work just fine. You mentioned optical in conjunction with using a DAC. Can you comment further? I decided to buy the Node 2i since I’m already going into hock with all my other upgrades. I’d like to connect it the best way.

[@emmgeevideo]

Well, you live and learn. Maybe I’m the only person in the world who didn’t know this, but I now know that the Node 2i has a DAC inside, just as CD players, DVD players, and music streamers all have. The RCA outputs are for the analog (the “A” in “DAC”) signal that goes to the amplifier or AV receiver. The digital outputs (coax and optical) send the digital signal to an external DAC (the “D” to be sent to that “DAC”). So unbeknownst to me, back in 2013 or 2014 when I bought the Bluesound Node, I sent its digital signal to the Pioneer AV receiver for its DAC to do the work. I’m guessing that the Node’s DAC was better and I missed out on better sound. I don’t see that the Denon I bought has an internal DAC of distinction for this purpose (although of course it has one), so I purchased a Shiit Modius DAC to complement the Node 2i. I’ll get it this week and will find out if a purpose-built DAC is worth the extra money.

[@TechnoDad]

Yeah, it's one of those things. If you think about it, there's a DAC in almost every device. Cell phones, tablets, and laptops have DACs. When you plug in headphones or even wireless BT headphones, they are all still using a DAC. The quality of said DAC is where you will have differences. Good call on getting some "new Schiit!!"

[@kendalltull9854]

Great video. Am actually considering getting one of these for my patio system. They have a version with a built in amplifier that would be perfect for that purpose. In regards to your NAS plans, I highly recommend going with a QNAP unit. I have one with terabytes of storage that acts as the hub for my music, photos and videos. I use Plex to serve content throughout the house and most devices have a client (TVs, bluray players, tablets etc). I use Alexa to play music off of the NAS in my main system at present. I do plan to move to Roon permanently for my music. It can also run natively on the QNAP to serve all your music to your endpoints like the Node 2i. Looking forward to seeing you venture into setting up your NAS. Hope you found this long comment useful. 👍🏾

[@TechnoDad]

What's up Kendall?!?! Yeah, they have a few. Actually Bluesound reached out to me and are going to be sending me the Vault 2i as it's an NAS built into the Node 2i. There's also a CD ripper in there. I will use that for music streaming and storage of all music files on the network. As for NAS, Synology will be sending me their newest two bay NAS when it releases in the summer. I will be strictly using it for 4K HDR rips and I'm hoping PLEX can play all that correctly. I guess I'll find out, LOL!

[@kendalltull9854]

@@TechnoDad Man you get to play with all the toys. Lol Plex will handle your movies just fine. I'd go with at least a 4 bay NAS though to allow more capacity and the ability to use a wider variety of file redundancy options.

[@abrahamvillegas3752]

Your the perfect person to ask man. I'm planning to buy a Powernode 2i right now I'm using HEOS app on my Denon DRA 800H,, does it make a big of a difference on sound quality.

[@Keith1979007]

Hi, nice review. I'm a neophyte at this so I have a few questions. 1.Correct me if I'm wrong but you can plug this in your amp directly (although you could go through a DAC first) right ? 2.Can I play and control my music from outside the house with my android phone through my WIFI extender outside the house ? 3.If I have a Nuvo tuner(NV-T2SIR) can I plug the node 2i in there first then from the tuner to the amp so I can still control volume in the house with the Nuvo control pad I have here and there in the house ? That's a lot of questions so thanks a lot for the answers.

[@stevenorcio307]

Great video, great explanation on how to hook up. I use a NODE in two different locations, @ the 3:10 minute mark of this video you get into explaining how to the set up on the AV side; does one also have to use the "direct mode" set up on the AV. I have been told that that is required to bypass the AV's DAC and to use the Node's DAC. Help please. Thank you.

[@nonametofame]

Great review! I was surprised this isn't a more popular item. I grabbed a mint open box for $350 and was floored on how great it sounded and convenient it was. It plugs directly into a Parasound 2250V2 (using the node as a DAC and pre-amp) and it sounds awesome powering KEF LS50s. I definitely want to get another one for the living room. And its form factor is motivating me to downsize to a smaller amp for a compact look for the bedroom. And I definitely need one in white!

[@TechnoDad]

What's up Dat?! $350 is a pretty sweet deal! They have the PowerNode 2i which can power two speakers and has HDMI ARC for TV audio. Seems like a good way to get audio in a bedroom.

[@nonametofame]

@@TechnoDad It's definitely a nice entry point for those with little knowledge/experience with DACS and preamps. I'm coming from the HT arena. The comments on this page have been quite helpful. Now I'm an eyeing much pricier gear, i.e. NAD C 658 (Dirac...drool). But I have the SMSL M500 in my cart as you mentioned it in another discussion. It uses the same ES9038PRO chip in the NAD. Do you think that will make a big difference?

[@TechnoDad]

Yeah, that NAD looks pretty sweet!! As for the SMSL, it’s a good DAC, but to unfold MQA you need to connect a computer to its USB port. So it’s not the most convenient. I was going to get it in for review but now have changed my mind.

[@nonametofame]

@@TechnoDad Thanks Channa. I was hoping to simply use the USB out from the Node to the SMSL port. Ah, I think I'll stick to what I have. I think it was wiser to allocate most of my budget upgrading my speakers than worrying too much about the source gear. I appreciate you taking the time to reply to all your comments. Awesome job, man!

[@enigmacarpc55]

Hey Channa another great video, does adding the Node 2i to your Dennon receiver lower the sound quality vs let's say adding the Node 2i to an amp directly? Thanks

[@jubeijackson6602]

More Bluesound please! Very few reviews on this brand. I’m a Sonos guy but I like HiFi which they don’t support. Can you please review the Pulse or Flex next? Thanks!

[@TechnoDad]

Jubei! Looks like Bluesound is definitely going for that Sonos style and visuals, especially with their white color offerings. They are sending me three more products. The Soundbar 2i, a Flex 2i and The Vault 2i. I asked for all of them in white.

[@jubeijackson6602]

Techno Dad I look forward to the reviews. I appreciate the sound quality tradition speaker and wires provide but I don’t like looking at wires and having to hide them or tuck them away. Thanks in advance!

[@jimmiferfreddette8583]

Wow, great video! What a great resource! Thank you sir

[@TechnoDad]

You’re welcome, Jimmifer!

[@spl4028]

This was an excellent review!, thanks!

[@TechnoDad]

You are very welcome!

[@PeeWee680]

Great video! Why using the analog connections and not the coaxial? (On a SR6010)

[@trevorparmer5231]

Hey Patrick see my new comment above. You should use coax.

[@PeeWee680]

@@trevorparmer5231 Thank you for your clear answer

[@mikestrieber]

Good review. To the point. I like your style. Subscribed.

[@TechnoDad]

Thank you so much! Welcome to the channel.

[@smarter_solutions]

Hi, nice review. I have a question from sound quality airplay through apple tv and with node 2i: is the difference huge? Thanks in advance

[@bhar420]

I have same question?

[@deathheed]

I would love to know as well

[@chrisluckey2606]

I have the Yamaha 2080 AVR, which I heard has a decent DAC. In your opinion, would the Yamaha or the 2i offer a substantiallly better sounding DAC when streaming ultrahd from Tidal? Thanks for all you do. Love the channel.

[@blackdawg7778]

Interesting. Got my Marantz 6006 CD and Amp with my B&Ws 603s speakers. I assume this streamer would just plug into the Marantz amp and away you go? I use TIDAL on my Naim Mu-So in another room so I’m paying their music subscription too.

[@trevorparmer5231]

Using the analog output actually creates a redundant D to A conversion and shouldn’t be used. Since you are running Audyssey the analog signal is digitized (and capped at 48mHz) in the Denon meaning you are using the Denon DAC. You can (and it’s recommended) use the digital output which unfolds the MQA file first and then passes signal to the AVR.

[@JonyGowild]

Whos best in terms of CD sound quality Deezer HiFi or Tidal HiFi?

[@TechnoDad]

I think they both do CD quality. Deezer says FLAC, and that should be the same as Tidal HiFi but not Tidal Master.

[@chuckblackwelder6597]

Just made the change to Amazon HD and also bought a Microsoft tablet with windows 10. The tech moved my apps on to the new tablet. The problem is I can't open BluOS.....it just buffers! Also what are the arrows for on top of the Node 2i?

[@philippeghost4902]

Super quality via Bluetooth? How is possible ?

[@Kiloptero]

In your opinion.. will be a real difference using this with tidal master and the DTS-FI for an example.. a Anthem MRX720/1120 ?

[@dhomolka]

Thanks for the video. Question: you are connecting analog and use the built in DAC of the Bluesound but why? Shouldn't be the DAC of your 6500 perform equal or better? I'm using a x4300 and want to find out if a Node 2I would give ne better stereo performance. Thanks and keep up the good work 👍🏻

[@adriananonym8258]

I have the same question i have a Denon 3600 :D how do i use the node 2i as a streamer and my denon as a dac/amp for my Stereo system?

[@dhomolka]

@@adriananonym8258 choose the digital out of the Node and go into the Denon from there. That way the Denon will convert into analog using its DAC. Please share the difference in sound testing Denon and Bluesound DAC

[@johannesgiernickel1377]

If you don’t use the Node 2i‘s built in DAC then it won’t unfold MQA completely. Completely unfolded MQA is only available via the analog outputs.

[@dhomolka]

@@johannesgiernickel1377 thanks Johannes

[@TexSupport]

I have Tidal app installed on my TV connected to my avr via hdmi. Is the audio that much improved with the node 2I going to my avr? Or is the Node better suited for all the extra functions as noted in your video? And not needed for basic Tidal streaming from my TV via hdmi?

[@bin2721]

i can tell you are very happy customer , mine will arrive monday, lol

[@davidthomson8164]

Hi, love your channel! Quick question, for music would you recommend a music streamer like the Bluesound, or would I be better off upgrading my AVR from a Yamaha rx-v581 to something like a Denon 3600H?

[@johnnemesh5459]

Hi Dave, I have worked in distribution for the past 12 years, and in hifi and electronics shops before then (since 1996). I sold Denon and Marantz and would say that for MUSIC, go with a Marantz instead of a Denon. It sounds NOTICEABLY better! They are sister companies, so they use the same electronics for most of the video switching, network functions, etc...but the Marantz will have better amplifier technology. You will generally find more FEATURES at a given price point on the Denon, but especially on the "SR" series AVRs, the amps and overall sound quality will be better on the Marantz. Now, THAT said, both Denon and Marantz use their "HEOS" platform for streaming. It's pretty good, and DOES support high resolution, but the app is a bit on the clunky side and it doesn't support all of the services that the BluOS platform does. Both DO support Tidal, however. I prefer the interface for BluOS, and I also think it wins points for having a PC app (and Mac too!), HEOS doesnt offer either. Another option would be to look at getting an AVR from NAD. They offer superior sound quality as well, compared to most other "mainstream" brands and they offer BluOS integrated. That's probably what I would buy now if upgrading an AVR and I needed surround sound.

[@davidthomson8164]

@@johnnemesh5459 Thanks John!!! I really appreciate you taking the time to share your knowledge and experience. I recently discovered a WhatHiFi article on how to combine stereo and surround sound in one AV system and they recommend using a stereo amp as a power amp as they say even the best AV amps don't compare to the most stereo amps. I imagine that would take me way past my budget of approx. £800 (UK). Thanks again!!!

[@johnnemesh5459]

@@davidthomson8164 That depends. Are you running surround sound?

[@pjwillsr]

Hard to endorse the "new" Node I just tried to install...spent over an hour trouble shooting my high end wireless system and still it will not connect. The support just links you to the setup manual...some support KZbin videos are over 8 years old....may be sending this back.

[@jamesturner9858]

How do you know which dac to use? I have the Anthem MRX 720, so should I use the dac in Node2i connected via the analog connectors or do I use the dac in my receiver connected via Toslink from Node2i? Which will give me the best sound?

[@Blah-blah-sure]

Hey Techno dad how does the WiFi sound compared to the Bluetooth aptx hd I only ask b/c Bluetooth is my only option now b/c the cable company has to install the lines 3 weeks from now. And I'm curious if this device is that much better using Wi-Fi

[@chestonp1441]

What’s your recommendation: B&W 702 S2 OR Klipsch Rf 7 III OR KEF R11 and what’s the best amp you suggest for your recommendation?

[@TechnoDad]

That's a tough one. Are you going for two channel or multi channel?

[@rickderico356]

So in summary: Use only a Denon AVR with HEOS to stream Tidal in HiFi CD quality and if you want to go higher and be able to play MQA Music from Tidal then hook up a bluesound Node 2i to your denon AVR?

[@TechnoDad]

Yes! Exactly!

[@rickderico356]

@@TechnoDad Awesome! I think that' ll be my setup then.

[@rickderico356]

By the way, are there any AVR's that have all that built-in already or is Denon + Blousound Node 2i the best way to do this?

[@dthecrane1886]

Does it only play master audio if connected via analog? Will I not get master audio via optical, to my Devialet phantoms?

[@alfredhead2546]

Good morning Channa, why use a music streamer if your AV receiver has that capability? Does the streamer sound better? Would I need to add an external DAC? Just wanted to know. CURIOUS

[@TechnoDad]

Hi! This device will do the first unfold or “decode” TIDAL MQA files which my AVR will not.

[@alfredhead2546]

@@TechnoDad I'm beginning to investigate steamers. How much of an upgrade is it over cd's. What dac would you recommend with this? Or doed it even need one?

[@richarddegannes2928]

Hello, Would I hear anything different with one of these Bluesound Node 2i streamers vs a PS Audio DirectStream DAC? Thanks.

[@snazzysailor]

what kind of USB connector on the back of the unit is it? Looks prehistoric, something our grandparents had been using

[@TechnoDad]

Lol! There’s a USB A port as well as a micro USB port.

[@nacarp2000]

USB is for USB thumbdrive or disc only (input), it is not an output. Likewise the micro is for service only I think, no output.

[@TexSupport]

Maybe I'm too new to this hobby. If I have an avr with a usb port to play flac files and a SmartTV with Tidal going to my avr. Do I need a node 2I? Or is this for something else? As a newbie, it's a bit overwhelming and dont want to throw away money on something I dont really need for my home theater

[@TechnoDad]

Yes, you can use the built in TIDAL functionality of your AVR. This will work for TIDAL Hi-Fi but not for TIDAL MQA (Master Quality). The Node 2i will decode TIDAL MQA. That is the difference.

[@moustacheboy2350]

Dumb question so please excuse me. If i where to buy for instance the Onkyo TX-NR676 (or something similar), and Use a 5.1.2 setup. or using klipsch setup. If i connect my TV to the Receiver using HDMI ARC (tv supports it to) If i then connect my PC, Playstion and Xbox ONLY to my TV using HDMI, will i then still get the sound via the Reciever?? Or do i still need to connect the individually to the receiver and tv?

[@TechnoDad]

Hi! Connect everything to the AVR. It’s the brains/hub of your system. Here’s a video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJKQpHSFe5t-bJI

[@jamesturner9858]

I love my Node 2i.... I use it with my Anthem MRX 720 receiver and M&K 750 set up. But can someone explain the DAC. I’m under the assumption if a dac can decode MQA and Hi-Res Audio that it would consider a good dac. Am I wrong. What do you mean about a higher end dac?

[@TechnoDad]

Hi James, great question! A lot of people like certain DACs so if your like an ESS Sabre as opposed to the Burr Brown that's in the Node 2i, you can use that DAC. The issue is where can the MQA fold occur? Most of the time those DACs need a computer with Asynchronous USB to unfold the MQA and send the audio out analog.

[@huddyrj]

Can you play Apple Music on the Node?

[@petkokaratonev9233]

Hi, can you play music from hard drive with this device? thank you

[@peterd1589]

Yes, fat32 or ntfs formatted hdd support1.bluesound.com/hc/en-us/articles/201158077 You may even notice a difference in sound quality by playing back the same file vs, streaming over wifi from your Nas/pc etc

[@lonelycake4114]

I still dont get it... Does the blusound play tidal from the blusound or does it have to be connected to a computer? Thx

[@TechnoDad]

Hi! It plays TIDAL from the unit itself. You use your tablet or phone to control it.

[@lonelycake4114]

Techno Dad Thanks 🤠

[@lonelycake4114]

Techno Dad That solves the problem of not having a remote for tidal then 👏

[@MichaelGreco]

I've been wanting to switch from playfi to blue os products but it doesn't support pandora which is all my wife listens too. Sucks, I can't make the switch if she can't get her main music service.

[@TechnoDad]

Yeah, my wife does too. I just Airplay Pandora from her phone to the Node 2i.

[@tuneyouup]

Can you connect it to a sonos amp

[@williammorales8204]

I've been reading reviews but I"m not sure I will hear the difference between my audioengine b1 and the node2i. Anyone upgrade from the b1 and is the difference more than just a bit? Yes I have tidal upgraded etc. Running 60xt and mono amps.

[@user-lp7gz3gf2n]

Hi how about use chep weak av receiver connect to powerful amp. save money on reciver to get better powerful amp. is this sound right to you?

[@johnnemesh5459]

It's not an ideal solution, because the amplifier is not the only expensive part in an AVR. As you go up the line from cheapest to most expensive, you have improvements across the board...power supplies get beefier, shielding gets better, DAC chips are higher quality, capacitors are larger, video is isolated from the audio better, etc. Also keep in mind that on MOST AVRs (even the big $2000 ones), you will still have an issue with the pre-outs clipping at high volume even though you aren't using the amplifier section! That being said...if the AVR is a stopgap solution before you can afford a proper AV preamp, sure, go for it...almost no one starts out with an ideal system.

[@TheFrugalAudiophile]

My Denon X3400 struggles with airplay as well. It is usually in my list oDedevices, but half of the time it does not play audio when I select it and send something to it. It must be an issue with Denon and airplay

[@chriswelljack4910]

The node2i struggled with airplay also when they first sent the firmware that add it to the player but it was fixed with other firmware I gotta say bluesound always sends updates

[@TechnoDad]

@frugal Yeah, it's happened on the X4400H and the X6500H. Not sure what's up with that. Maybe need to reset the wifi every time I turn it on? Not sure.

[@TechnoDad]

@chriswell I love it when companies keep their products updated and fix issues when they arise. There's more bluesound coming!

[@chriswelljack4910]

@@TechnoDad yep emotiva just sent out the 1.8 firmware for the new line of pre pro now my xmc2 is working like a charm ARC working flawlessly no more cable tv audio drop out .am a very happy man now but would be even more happy when Dirac live drop lol

[@chriswelljack4910]

@@TechnoDad that little machine is awesome you gonna love it its loaded and versatile

[@carlcameron3524]

Why not use the toslink output? Wouldn’t the optical digital output have better sound quality?

[@chriswelljack4910]

That depends on the dac that's in the other device that you hooking up the note to to converting the digital signal you are sending over the toslink .the dac in the node2i is very very good they are using burr-brown dac burr brown is known for very good dacs used in a lot of high end stuff if you have a decent reciever chances are it might have some burr brown dacs.you get to hear the dac in the node 2I if you hook it up using its anolog left and right rca outside not over toslinks

[@TechnoDad]

That would still have to go through a Digital to Analog Converter (DAC). When going optical from the Node 2i to the Denon AVR, it would be reduced to CD quality because the DAC in the Denon AVR cannot decode the Tidal MQA signal.

[@nacarp2000]

@@TechnoDad It may do the first unfold up to 24/96 but not the full rendering in this case.

[@DamionG1987]

I have this unit. When I try to link three of them together and play housewide, the system crashes every time. The NAD software is not the best. Buggy it seems for how much you pay. It sounds great when running one at a time though.

[@TechnoDad]

Hi Damion! Do you need three of the Node 2is? I thought you would just need one Node 2i and a few of their little Flex 2i speakers?

[@DamionG1987]

@@TechnoDadYou can have as many as you want. I have three because I have three different amplifiers and speaker setups in different rooms. I don't want Flex speakers. I already have sonos across the house.

[@1wired4sound]

Bluesound Node+MQA=great sounding music. Listen to Beck in MQA, mind blowing

[@TechnoDad]

Word up Greg, thanks for the tip!!

[@keepingupwiththejones2933]

I don't do any streaming music but if techno dad says I should watch a video who am I to argue

[@TechnoDad]

Lol! Thanks for watching Tristan. And this is streaming on a different level!!

[@chriswelljack4910]

@@TechnoDad what were you waiting for lol I had the 2 and sold it got the 2I as soon as it was available it's a nice piece got it hooked up to my emotiva xmx2 got it hooked up where I can switch between dacs and I must say the node dac is right there with a lot of more expensive dacs

[@lonelycake4114]

Hello ive got a question, Is it better to have a higher watt amp than speakers or a higher watt speaker than amp? Thx

[@TechnoDad]

Higher watt amp. It’s better to overpower speakers than underpower they.

[@lonelycake4114]

Techno Dad Techno dad my man! So a 130w/ch. amp with 100w speakers is fine?

[@MrMichaelfalk]

You will actually get "MQA quality" with the digital output - but limited to 24bit/96khz

[@jamesturner9858]

michael falk so do you get the full range from the built in dac?

[@donnysabel23]

If i connect a cd player to this device, can i play mqa cd, s in its full potential??! And do you know lf any dacs that i can hook up to my cd player that's affordable that supports mqa cd playback???

[@TechnoDad]

CD Quality is 16-bit 44.1kHz, MQA is better than that. So you can connect a CD player to this via optical to use the internal DAC in the Node 2i, but I’m not sure it would sound any better than your CD player plugged into your avr or amp.

[@donnysabel23]

@@TechnoDad thank you

[@aussie8114]

I would suggest throw those supplied analogue cables in the bin and get yourself some better ones.

[@benny3822]

I use the denon heos app love it for music and podcasts

[@MrVanuvanu]

Best buy as a streamer, nice app, DAC not so good. Using this via external DAC.

[@scottyo64]

I use mine through my old Cambridge DAC Magic. I feel it sounds better than the DAC in the Node 2i. Love it as a streamer though.

[@thomasmead4642]

I run the Node through the DAC of my Marantz player and get great results. I suggest get a high end power cable(I use Audioquest) for the Node as well.

[@chemyguy7283]

This is too hightech for myself but don't mean im not jealous. Im on a different project settings my home/entertainment going. If im not burnt out after ill review and get sound going glad im subscribed to your channel👍

[@TechnoDad]

Thanks for watching Chemy!

[@77nacke]

Is that something great to hook up my Marantz Sr 6011 awr with?

[@TechnoDad]

Yes! You have to also have a Tidal Hi-FI account, which is $20/month.

[@77nacke]

Techno Dad i have a Tidal Hifi account and listen through apple tv 4k right now.

[@TechnoDad]

Yeah, that will give you CD quality. This will give you MQA whenever it’s available.

[@77nacke]

Techno Dad And i want MQA quality going to order that little box i trust you👍

[@paulmardis1512]

Hello TechnoDad, Here is my thoughts that I have not figured out yet. When streaming music via plex app stored on local hard drive of computer the music quality is unmatched. full bandwidth including low-end rumble as well. But when same music is streamed thru an external streaming player "apple, nvidia shield, roku" etc. The quality is just not there and you have to crank the volume 10db or so. WHY, no one has been able to explain this to me yet. Will this thing do it, I don't know. If this would give me the same bandwidth or better than using my computer I would consider it in a heartbeat. I am a hard core Home Theater enthusiast like yourself and subscribed to your channel years ago and is a fan of your content. I also which I could find a all-in-one SADC/Network streamer so I can replace my old Sony CD-222ES SACD player from 2003 because I have not found anything that would replace it. I have both OPPO 103/203 but when playing analog multi-channel SACD music thru it the Sony just sounds better. I know that is a lot. Your Thoughts PM

[@kaelmedia8693]

Used to have the Powernode 2 loved it, hard to match in that price range.

[@TechnoDad]

Yes, I would agree! Great price and great product!

[@aktejas_2095]

Can you simply just use the tidal app without the BluOS app....using bluOS with just tidal as a music service sounds redundant and efficient if that's your only music source...like to get 50% of the service experience and lose the app UI on another app to explore Tidals music... Doesn't really justify the Tidal service you pay for (app+music quality)

[@RP-mm9ie]

How do you win it.

[@TechnoDad]

I was at the Consumer Electronics Show and entered a drawing.

[@directlinkrexx4409]

I don't get it Video too short and not detailed enough

[@and1424]

Is MQA lossless? Thanks!

[@TechnoDad]

Yes! Master Quality

[@and1424]

@@TechnoDad thanks!

[@1jhnpennington]

and1424 It isn’t lossless. However the information lost is above 20kHz. However, there is apparently time correction applied that stops the smearing inherent to digital decoding and playback. It’s complicated!

[@carthage7757]

Why m’I listning to MQA on an Avr😂😂😂?

[@ebarbie5016]

It's a good streamer, but avoid using its internal DAC! Its just terrible! Use external DAC, even one found in an AV receiver will do much better. Check out how terribly it measures: www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/review-and-measurements-of-bluesound-node-2i-streamer.6631/ Dynamic range way below CD quality... I have my node 2i connected to Denon X4400H. Sounds very good. Any external DAC, even the cheapest like SMSL M100, which you can get for 100$ will be a better choice...

[@TechnoDad]

Thanks for the tip! How about this? S.M.S.L M500 DAC Headphone Amp Supports MQA decoding ES9038PRO D/A chip USB Uses XMOS XU-216 with Remote Control (Black) www.amazon.com/dp/B07X287BXC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Q0yvEb5C06WH1

[@nacarp2000]

@@TechnoDad M500 only supports MQA on it's usb input according to it's spec sheet. Node 2i doesn't have usb out, but first unfolded data is available from optical output.

[@dingbat19]

E Barbie they possibly got a faulty node because most reviewers are quite positive about its DAC - even that reviewer admits this in comments

[@shuckylad]

Can you connect this directly to a power amp as a pre amp?

[@chriswelljack4910]

You sure can it have eq it have trigger and it have a subwoofer output you can set the volume control as fixed or variable

[@audiorick841]

And if your amp does not have max gain controls, you can set maximum volume in the Node 2i settings. That way if you don’t have a preamp you can’t blow up your speakers by mistake.

[@shuckylad]

Eric Leport thanks for info

[@TechnoDad]

Yes Stuart you can! Thanks to Chriswell and Eric for responding!

[@chriswelljack4910]

@@TechnoDad no problem we all love our audio and learn from each other .I have some good gears but I dont really mention them

[@Gregturner1970]

Can't you use HEOS on your Denon?

[@Gregturner1970]

I have the x4500h and it works fine for me

[@TechnoDad]

Hi Greg! The Denon won’t decode Tidal MQA, otherwise I would.

[@Gregturner1970]

@@TechnoDad I think it dose

[@Gregturner1970]

@@TechnoDad I will let you know when I get home

[@TechnoDad]

Cool! Until then check out this post from 2019 - www.avforums.com/threads/tidal-master-denon-amp.2221408/

[@humbertoazevedo850]

after one year of use the node is sticking....

[@TechnoDad]

Nice!

[@vincentwong7141]

through the Node 2i, my Tidal streaming output is mostly down sampled to 44Kwz ... does anyone else has this experience?

[@dingbat19]

Vincent Wong access tidal using the BluOS app and not the tidal app - if you use the tidal app on a phone to play through the node you won’t get the full potential of the node

[@davidparsons6517]

Does that change the cost of Tidal. I know using Tital app 9.99/19.99. Opening it with iPhone app it upped it 13.99/25.99. Please correct me if I’m wrong.

[@sandma1n098]

they do not support plex, so big no

[@NiklasMalmqvist]

I got the Node 2i, and Tidal with MQA, and I couldn't hear any difference when comparing it with regular mp3 files, run directly to my amp. "They" say it should be a HUGE difference. I also got some FLAC files, and couldn’t hear any differences there either. And what I have found out is that most people can't hear any difference, so it's just a waste of money. At least for 99.999% of human beings.

[@cablebrain9691]

I hear a difference between 320 mp3 files and CD quality files. That's why I chose Tidal. Though I can't speak about MQA, because I have no way of rendering that yet. It may be that you need to have a higher end system......or new ears. :P

[@NiklasMalmqvist]

@@cablebrain9691 I have a Denon Avr-x4500h with Dali Oberon 7 speakers. I also tried comparing with my headphones; Beyerdynamic - DT 1990 PRO, and didn’t hear any differences. I know there are way better systems out there.....and you can spend thousands and thousands of dollars on pre amps, tube amps etc......but If that what it takes just to hear a subtle difference.....it's not worth it. There are blind tests online that you can take.....and most people report that they can't hear any difference in audio quality. And for those who say they can hear a difference......good for them.....but In most cases it's just a raise in volume, or the fact that they just want it to sound better.....but in reality it doesn’t.

[@Iuglus]

Niklas Malmqvist try with a dedicated proper HiFi amp instead of an AVR.. trust me you're wasting your Oberon potential!! I used to hear music through my marantz AVR and when I realized it had a front pre out I bought an Audiolab 6000a, and trust me, the difference is stunning. Now I can clearly hear the difference between Spotify and tidal MQA through my node 2i (not that the first sounds bad, but MQA clearly sounds better)

[@cablebrain9691]

@@NiklasMalmqvist I only use an Onkyo TX-SR805 A/V receiver, but my speakers (JSE Infinite Slope Model 2) are fairly revealing and go deep. I wish that I didn't hear a difference, I'd prefer to pay less for my streaming service. I'm quite certain that it's not confirmation bias. I will admit that the differences are "relatively" small, but definitely noticeable. I A/B'd using Tidal (CD quality) versus Deezer, Spotify, Google Play Music, and Qobuz (320k only). On the other hand, I heard no difference between the CD quality files from Tidal as compared to the CD quality files from Amazon Music HD. On ultra Hi-Res files, I have no opinion, as I have not heard them yet. Just last night I compared a Tidal stream to an actual CD and found the CD to be even better sounding, but that may very well be due to having a better DAC in my CD player compared to the one in my A/V receiver, or that I am using a Chromecast Audio with an iFi iPurifier on its output for digitally streaming into the receiver. I had actually auditioned some Dali speakers many years back, and as I remember, they had an up-front, energetic, and fairly revealing presentation. I seem to think of them as having a slightly pronounced treble, giving brass and cymbals a slight emphasis (something that my dad may have really liked, as he played in a local big band in the 1940s). But as I said, that was a long time ago, and I'm not sure exactly what the model was, but I believe it was from the Helicon series, which used a different type of tweeter. Anyway, if you don't notice a difference, you're probably better off. This audio stuff can get out-of-hand-expensive. I would recommend trying a hearing test app to eliminate the possibility of that being a factor. My high-frequency hearing is certainly not what it used to be. And it is worse in my left ear than in my right.

[@chriswelljack4910]

I have bin doin this I had the node2 now 2I there are some great mqa files and some dont worth the time

[@D1Calderon]

Do you think my Denon X4400H has a better Dac than the Bluesound? If so, will optical allow me to play MQA via Tidal? I noticed the Denon only allows CD quality streaming. My Apple 4KTV only allows CD Quality deciding as well

[@TechnoDad]

No, the Denon won’t unfold the MQA.

[@D1Calderon]

Techno Dad ah so I’d have to use analog as well from the bluesound. Did it sound significantly better? Thanks TD!