Bluesound Node + DENAFRIPS Ares II

[@Benvos]

I really enjoy your videos, always informative and interesting. I’m also always so impressed with how well you speak English, anyone that can learn a new language so in depth is amazing.

[@VinshineAudio]

Thanks for the kind words sir!

[@trevekneebone369]

Agreed. I think your English is excellent.

[@leeandrew4964]

Thank you so much. I am the bluesound node user with Pontus 2.

[@VinshineAudio]

Most welcome sir. I hope you like the video :)

[@nickbdy]

Great video, thanks! I have this combo (2021 Node) with USB interconnect and I love it!

[@VinshineAudio]

Enjoy the music Nick!

[@MisterChibs]

Hi Alvin, I’ve been using the 2021 node since it came out and somehow missed the “Audio clock trim” toggle. Now it’s turned off. Thanks for making this video!!! You are awesome!!👍🏻🍻

[@michaelwright1602]

I turned mine on, just now, and discovered everything quit working! I turned it back off, and everything worked? I do not even remember this setting. It has been off the entire time I have owned my Node as far as I know.

[@sweetsilage]

@@michaelwright1602 when you turn it on it lower the output by about 20db. Just need to turn up the volume. To turn up the volume you would have to do it thru your amp. When turned on it also disables volume control thru the app.

[@VinshineAudio]

Thank you sir!

[@mikemajors2385]

I verified this through tech support If you enable MQA External DAC it bypasses the internal DAC in the Node. Enable this even with the Ares2, or other non MQA DACs, which is the opposite as I thought. Also a nice sonic improvement is the PD Creative PSU interface mod 74.00 usd. I`m now using the Node with a much better power cable and the Allo Shanti linear PWS. The bottom right screw looking from the back on the node can be grounded to the Shanti along with your other devices for Star Grounding. After the PWS and grounding mods there is a very noticeable improvement.

[@VinshineAudio]

Enjoy the music sir!

[@trubadyr99]

I am confused: I went to the PD Creative site about the PS upgrade they have written: "fully compatible with Node 2 and Node 2i design and operation" My device is called NODE, and it is not a NODE 2 or NODE 2i, so will this PS mode work with my streamer?

[@urbantone]

Wow i just did the pd creative mod with power-supply. Now I got to star ground my equipment. Thanks for the info mike

[@brianc2839]

Trying to do the same thing. Where did you find a power cable between the Node and the Shanti? Thanks

[@baronofgreymatter14]

I have the node 2i and the Pontus II I connect via Coax . I stream qobuz using the bluOs app and connected to network via RJ45 ...The sound is HORRIBLE. No bottom end whatsoever. I am connecting to my amp via XLR . Other forms of music produces music and bottom end fine. I have Cornwall IV speakers. But the digital side sounds terrible. Need help

[@4thWardTechnology]

Thank you for this video. I was just thinking about pairing my Denafrips DAC with the blusound node, but wanted to know how it worked before purchasing.

[@andrewaldridge4260]

Cheers Alvin I'm using the Node with the Venus II and had given up on the USB output with Roon. I had assumed that it was something to do with my network so relived to find others have issues with this implementation. Another issue I had was with the limited space between the usb socket and network socket so can't use fancy cables. Fortunately coax sounds brilliant anyway. The Node also has HDMI so I know others have requested Bluesound upgrade this so it can be used as I2S which would really make it a top class streamer but I doubt that will happen. Keep up the good work.

[@VinshineAudio]

Thanks for the feedback Andrew!

[@myu4039]

Still problems with the NODE and ROON! I am looking to upgrade because of that. Been waiting too long for them to get their act together. Not sure what would be suitable to upgrade to under 2K to be able to use ROON. But you're right, coax does sound great though...

[@bigbigben]

I can confirm upgrading the power supply does take it’s (Node) sound quality to the next level. I also prefer usb over other digital outputs. Only complaint is ethernet port being too close to usb. It’s definitely a design flaw. Anyone know a solution?

[@VinshineAudio]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@andrew5200]

Have done the same with mine. But then it’s only a match for the iFi Zen streamer (we did the AB testing) and multiples of the price. That said the interface is leagues ahead of the iFi.

[@trevekneebone369]

What is the advantage of USB vs. Coax for sending digital output to the DAC?

[@wouterkolkman]

Good that you could confirm the Roon - BlueSound USB issue:-)

[@VinshineAudio]

Hi Wouter, I found the information online. But I didn't have a chance to reach out to Bluesound or Roon to verify this though

[@myu4039]

It's true for me. I'm thinking of upgrading to be able to use a USB output and ROON

[@davidbishop1570]

Very helpful as I have just picked up a used Ares ii to use with a Node 2i. If I am using the coax there is obviously no need to connect the USB cable. Dose the Ares ii make noises? Mine clicks constantly when no music is being played, sounds like I am playing a dirty vinyl record. Also the resolution lights on the bottom stay on 44.1k/1X even when I am feeding it Hi Res files. I'm thinking that I have a bad unit.

[@davidbishop1570]

Okay, I now understand the need for the USB cable, it is to allow the Node to communicate with the DAC.

[@TheWatchPanda]

@vinshineaudio thank you - Your videos are very clear and easy to understand - have you tired the DAC direct into a power amp (one with a built in buffer) - the V output from the DAC should be enough to remove the pre amp - thanks

[@michaelwright1602]

I own this combo, along with the Iris DDC, it matches my SACD/CD performance to a T. I can hear no difference in regards to streaming from Qobuz on the Node vs my Oppo BDP-83 with the GeerFab digital breakout box where I rip the audio signal out in all of its digital glory directly to the Ares II. The Node is a solid performer in my book. And I have yet to have an issue with it, I hit play, and it works. I cannot ask much more than that. I have the Node hooked to the Iris DDC via USB, then coaxial cable out to the Ares II. The Oppo is HDMI to GeerFab, coaxial out to the Ares II. From there, to Denafrips Hades preamp, to their Thallo amplifier out to my KLH Model 5's, with two SVS SB3000 subs bringing up the rear... 1970's analog audio bliss! Very Happy!

[@andreacountry8471]

Do you hear any differences with or without IRIS in the chain?

[@michaelwright1602]

@@andreacountry8471 Honestly, I do not think so, but I don't know. The Node is incredibly solid and delivers the 1's and 0's very cleanly to the Iris, so I am sure there is something going on, is it audible? Not to my ear. As I mentioned in my initial post, I can hear no audible difference in a CD vs the Node with the Iris in the chain. The Iris also gives me an extra USB input, and I have thought of using a USB switch with the Iris, now in that case, I could see the iris doing something positive in regards to jitter and what not, so it will stay in my system. Then, I look at this new gear, these manufacturers have done the work to tamp down any jitter or electrical interference in these USB connections. A few years ago, that was a very real issue, but I would say pretty rare now a days, at least with quality stuff like the Node. I am not saying the Iris is snake oil, but there sure is a lot of it out here.

[@VinshineAudio]

Thanks for the feedback Michael!

[@Jayboulders]

@@andreacountry8471 old comment, but I have an Iris with an Ares 2, and I think it sounds slightly better, but not enough to justify the cost. Streaming from an iPhone via USB.

[@Milos_Hornik]

Hello, thank you for great content overall. I would like to ask about your suggestion about best way how to connect my TV with the rest of the stereo system. Would it be the best to plug in my LG OLED TV into the Bluesound via eARC HDMI and then connect it via TOSLINK with Denafrips ENYO which will be connected via RCA to YAMAHA A-S integrated amplifier? Or should I do it differently? Thank you very much for your opinion 🙂

[@VinshineAudio]

Hi sir, i would connect TV->Opt->Enyo DAC. Is this something can be done ?

[@Milos_Hornik]

@@VinshineAudio Thank you! Yes, that's the way I did it. So if I understand that correctly once I would buy the Bluesound Node streamer, it should be plugged into the DAC as well as a stand alone device (source). Basically every digital source should be plugged into the Denafrips DAC as a source?

[@joemcsweeney3923]

I'm not understanding why we're connecting both coax AND usb

[@anhvovan2835]

I don't connect bluesound node 2i usb port to north star design intenso Dac ,please help me

[@balooo2863]

Does anyone have any insight using the ares2 with Sonos connect and or Port streamer?

[@NemoPropaganda]

Good to know! I just turned off my clock setting, thank you!

[@VinshineAudio]

Most welcome sir. You deserve a new streamer!

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@VinshineAudio The only other one I tried was the Silent Angel Munich M1 with its matching power supply and switch. It was better than the node 2i for sure but I love the BluOS software because its the most responsive one I've used :)

[@Steveh817]

Amazon HD music is supported via the Node

[@VinshineAudio]

Thanks for the correction, I appreciate it!

[@qi8893]

When using the Bluesound Node with the Denafrips Pontus II, should the Node's audio clock trim option be turned on or off for best results? Does it matter at all? Connected via coaxial.

[@VinshineAudio]

Hi Thom, we recommend to disable the Audio Clock Trim

[@ptg01]

So well done Alvin !

[@VinshineAudio]

Thank you sir. Hope you like it!

[@aussie8114]

Helpful however it would of been useful to know if the nodes clock needs to be disabled regardless of which output you are using. Someone has suggested turn it off for usb connection but leave it on for coaxial and optical. I have no idea. And whether you found usb, coaxial or optical to be the preferred connection for streaming.

[@VinshineAudio]

I will leave it to NODE on this suggestion. They know best whether the Audio Clock Trim should be enabled/disabled for various scenarios. But experience from the customers tell us that - by disabling it (off), it works better

[@thehawk05]

By default there are no audio adjustments when using the USB output on the current firmware. MQA External DAC, Output level and Audio Clock are all disabled when USB is used (they’re removed from the settings menu). As a matter of fact the NODE will automatically select USB as the output whenever a USB capable DAC is connected. When one of the other digital outputs are selected those options return to the menu.

[@erics.4113]

Haven't tried roon, but coax and USB both work without issue (for me) streaming tidal and Spotify from node to ares!

[@VinshineAudio]

Yep, we tried Tidal and NAS streaming, works well for both Coax and USB :)

[@ethr95awd]

i have the node 2 with an ares 2 and a kte holo may - they both have trouble with the usb output of the node 2 - i just bought an ifi zen stream instead

[@VinshineAudio]

I just hit the 'BUY' button to purchase the Zen :)

[@chrishsu5115]

I have both Ares 12th and NODE and I use coax output to connect it. I don't use roon but I hear noise somtimes. Does anyone knows the reason? XLR interference?

[@VinshineAudio]

For Node, please turn off the ‘Audio Clock Trim’. It may help!

[@1xtra299]

Hey Alvin, I use an OLED TV for my setup and have all my devices connected to it to process sound (Computer, AppleTV and etc). I then connect my TV to my Ares-II via TOSLINK to to process the sound to my speakers. Considering this, do you think getting a Bluesound Node X and passing audio from the HDMI eARC port, then connecting the Node X to the Ares via USB would give me better results/quality?

[@mollermads]

Thank you so much for this video - I got the node X and would like to buy a Denafrips pontus dac for better sound. I got a question, do I need to use both cables Coax and USB?

[@mollermads]

The reason I am asking, I got a very good Tellurium Q USB cable, and no Coax. Thanks :-)

[@VinshineAudio]

Hi sir, you do not need to use Coax. You may connect the USB output from NodeX to the DAC. We are no longer the distributor of DENAFRIPS, though.

[@Millz-1273]

I have my Node N130 connected to my dac via the coax cable but had a question. I am then using the rca audio outputs from my dac to my preamp which works fine. I noticed that I can also use the rca audio outputs from the Node to my preamp, my question is is there a proper way if both work? I figured the more "correct" way would be from my dac. Would I be correct on this?

[@VinshineAudio]

Hi sir, if you like to use the Node as a 'transport' with an external DAC, connecting the DAC output to the preamp will be the correct way.

[@Millz-1273]

@@VinshineAudio TY so much, just wasn’t sure what was optimal in my application. I appreciate your prompt response.

[@Alex-si1bi]

Newbie here... Can someone please tell me if the difference is that noticable? I have tube amp, polk reserves 700 and the 2021 bluestream node streamer.. I subscribed for tidal master for ultra hq audio input ... will i actually notice a big difference by using the an auxillary dac like the DENAFRIPS areas ii?? Please advise .. thank you :)

[@VinshineAudio]

Hey Alex, perhaps the following owners’ feedback might be helpful for you: www.denafrips.com/news/categories/ares

[@GeorgePagoo]

Kαλησπερα Δασκαλε με κεφαλαιο Δ!!!!

[@giordylan]

hi Alvin a question why do you connect the node both in usb and in coax? from the node2 specifications the usb are one to connect a hd and the other to update

[@mikemajors2385]

Correct on the Node 2i but the Node 2021 has USB out to DAC thanks to new firmware.

[@giordylan]

@@mikemajors2385 i didn't know about this firmware Thanks for the report

[@VinshineAudio]

The latest NODE comes with USB Audio Output. We connect the Coax and USB for demonstration purposes :)

[@kobush18]

Good explanation, On the denafrips ares 2 which filter should I use which is closest to original sound to your opinion of course, I can't really decide which one to use. Can you help? Thanks

[@VinshineAudio]

Hi Kobi, I personally prefer OS Slow filter. Simply amazing in my opinion.

[@thibaultsiezien3355]

I need help, i want to use it WIRED with LAN cable but i don’t know how, is always The wifi, someone to help please thanks

[@VinshineAudio]

Hi sir, I can think of disabling the Wifi and/or 'Forget' the Wifi connection. That would allow the NODE to use the Wired LAN connection as default.

[@Ricardo-fs1xe]

Oh, I forgot to say, I do use Roon.

[@VinshineAudio]

Roon + NODE is a fine setup :)

[@Ricardo-fs1xe]

@@VinshineAudio Agree!

[@olaf9938]

Hi Alvin, thank you for sharing. It would be very welcome if you could also say more about the sound quality of all the inputs. So USB, Coaxial and optical. I use the Node via optical to the Ares II. But if SQ via Coaxial or USB brings more then that would be good to know. Again thank you and all the best to your team. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to your reaction. Kind regards, Olaf

[@loudiber]

Hi Olaf, I have tried all three outputs from the Node to my Ares II and the sound quality is noticeably different. Coax is better than optical, and USB is better still. I'm running these through a Singxer SA-1 headphone amp driving a pair of Hifiman Ananda headphones. Hope this helps!

[@olaf9938]

@@loudiber that’s very helpful indeed. Let’s see if others have experience they would like to share.

[@mikemajors2385]

@@loudiber Very helpful. I haven't tried the USB but I will give it a try now. UPDATE: Well for me the SPDIF is the clear winner. More of everything. I used the same cable for both, Nordost Frey. Node to Aries2 with 3.12 firmware, Flux Labs FA-22 amp with HD800s headphones.

[@michaelwright1602]

I think the USB is the best route.

[@michaelwright1602]

@@mikemajors2385 I can see that using headphones.

[@georgelin6472]

So can I run the usb from node to ddc and to dac? I guess that will also be improvement or… since ddc I can use i2s to dac connection

[@michaelwright1602]

Yep, if you have the correct DDC and DAC... I run USB to my Iris DDC and coax to my Ares II, sounds identical to my SACD/CD transport. I can hear no difference in SQ.

[@VinshineAudio]

Hi George, yes, you may connect a DDC to the NODE via USB cable. We tried that as well :)

[@carlitomelon4610]

Hmm 🤔 My Musical Fidelity X-DAC/X-10/X-PSU v3 hated the auto clock trim on the Node2i....lots of skips and gaps. My Denafrips Ares2 seems to work just fine with it. Isn't there a buffer built into the Ares2? That's what I assumed. Glad you're helping us with this channel. Thanks Alvin! 🎵🎶😎🎶🎵

[@VinshineAudio]

Thanks for the feedback, Carlito! I am happy tha Bluesound brought back the Clock Trim setting on the latest NODE :)

[@carlitomelon4610]

@@VinshineAudio Hey! You getting back to that guitar yet, Alvin? 🎶😎🎶

[@xstensl8823]

hi Alvin, i have the Node 2i which only outputs coax no usb. should i upgrade to the newer Node with the USB and run USB directly to the Ares2? or buy the Hermes and run USB to the Ares2 from the hermes and coax from the Node 2i to the Hermes/

[@VinshineAudio]

Hi sir, you may consider the latest NODE / other streamer with USB output. USB input of Ares II DAC might give you a good new exploration :)

[@Ricardo-fs1xe]

Hi Alvin, I did not get the point of this video... I've been using the Node with the Ares II (via optical connection) and it sounds great! I mean, realy great. And have experienced no problem at all. The Ares II send the analogic signal to my Luxman 590AX2 and them to my Focal Sopra no.1. And, as I said, it sounds great, Am I missing anything? Why did you said "I will not use the optical connection to keep it simple"? Besides, do you think if I use the coaxial (or usb) instead of the optical connection, the soun would improove?

[@VinshineAudio]

Hi Ricardo, I mean to say for demonstration purpose, I will use Coax cable instead of Opt. If you're happy with the Opt connection, I would say don't fix it if it's not broken :)

[@Ricardo-fs1xe]

@@VinshineAudio 👍

[@kimplumacher2342]

Alvin, please comment on the the quality and or differences in sound between USB and digital coaxial. I realize it is system dependent and somewhat subjective but just looking for your opinion. I have the older Node 2i and was considering an upgrade if the new Node USB connection is worth it. Also, Amazon HD is available as a service with the Node but the current BluOS interface is very weak. They blame it on Amazon not providing good hooks into there service, not sure who’s at fault.

[@michaelwright1602]

I'm not Alvin, but I have spoke with him about this... I own the Iris DDC, Ares II DAC and 2021 Node. The USB direct to the Ares II sounds better in my system compared to Coaxial, but not by much, but there is a difference to the better, and it is noticeable. The Iris DDC is a slight improvement, or it could all be in my head. I spoke with Alvin, he told me the same, slight improvement, may not make a difference until I upgrade DAC, and even then... Just did a major edit to this post. The Node 2i has no USB output? If you like the 2i, I would upgrade to the Node 2021 just for the USB output. Amazon, no clue if we will ever see native, but it still streams as good as Qobuz on my Node.

[@kimplumacher2342]

@@michaelwright1602 Thank you

[@VinshineAudio]

I'd say USB is a nice addition to the NODE, it was one of the reasons why we hit the buy button :)

[@BillyKueekSG]

Hello Alvin! I’m eyeing the Ares II, where can I test this unit out please?

[@VinshineAudio]

Hi Billy, I am afraid it’s not possible. We are operating a direct sales business with no distributor/dealer network. I hope for your kind understanding sir.

[@BillyKueekSG]

@@VinshineAudio thank you for replying Alvin. I couldn’t find anywhere hence I asked. Your products have great sales and marketing potentials. I am getting an R2R for sure, now it’s a question of which to get

[@mr.wibble]

So is the USB or digital coax the best transport to use?

[@ridu1111]

Quick question, can't I use toslink optical to connect BS to Denafrips instead USB or coaxial?

[@VinshineAudio]

Certainly, you may use TosLink to connect the Node2i/Node to the DENAFRIPS DAC :)

[@giordylan]

hi Alvin a question about ares 2 ..... does the dac need a galvanic isolator + reclock on the usb? or is the usb of ares 2 okay as it was designed and the galvanic isolator is irrelevant? thank you

[@VinshineAudio]

Hi Giordy, it's a difficult question to answer. If the USB host is noisy, you might like to add an USB isolator. If you use a streamer with dedicated USB Audio Output, I do not think that will be necessary though.

[@giordylan]

@@VinshineAudio thanks for the reply Alvin ..... precise as always

[@dizzy6745]

Hi! Why do you need coaxial and USB? Could you just use the coaxial cable?

[@davidbishop1570]

I asked the same question. I think the USB cable is only to have the Node communicate with the Ares during set up and configuration. I stream from the Node to the Ares with coax. Do you get clicks from the Ares when nothing is being played?

[@henrychan6982]

Hey Alvin, the latest bluesound node has Amazon Music as an option now. BTW why do you install both coaxial and USB into both the Aries ll and bluesound node?

[@VinshineAudio]

Hi Henry, I am not sure as Amazon Music is not available in Singapore *yet. The USB & Coax connection is for demo purpose for illustrations only. You may use either one :)

[@johnbrooks1058]

Hi Alvin,I ordered the ares 2 and was wondering what usb would you recommend for this combination that is price/quality appropriate? Thanks,JB.

[@VinshineAudio]

Hi John, you may consider Audioquest USB cable, it’s inexpensive and good quality :)

[@NorthDeep]

Good video, is it better to control the Node from an Ipad or some Android device?

[@VinshineAudio]

Smartphone app control is better :)

[@fuqingshen]

Hi Alvin. I have the Bluesound Node without the Denafrips Ares II. Can you tell me with the Denafrips DAC, would it make a difference? And if it will, how much better?

[@drewpknutz1410]

I had the Ares 2 and I sold it because the onboard Node DAC is very good and the difference was very small. I actually preferred the Node DAC with some music because the midrange seemed stronger than the Ares..But I did buy the Pontus2 and it should be here in a couple days so hopefully it'll make a bigger difference.

[@fuqingshen]

@@drewpknutz1410 Thank you Drew. It is good to hear from someone who has experienced both. I appreciate your input very much.

[@VinshineAudio]

Hi Fuqing, as you can see, it really depends on your taste, system matching etc :)

[@riccardogiusti2865]

a big big difference for me. suggested.

[@erics.4113]

Alvin, when you connect the ares DAC with USB, does it bypass the clock in the node and use the ares for clocking?

[@VinshineAudio]

Hi Eric, DENAFRIPS DAC reclock all inputs. In short, yes, the data will be reclocked by Ares II DAC

[@shaunprice3219]

Very interesting

[@wolfmanjacksaid]

Would the Node benefit from a DDC or does it depend on the DAC?

[@VinshineAudio]

Hi, it depends very much on how attentive you listen to the music and how revealing your system it 😀

[@photoipster]

Why do u need coax and usb. Isn’t coax all you need?

[@VinshineAudio]

Hi Jim, it's for demonstration purpose. You may use Coax or USB :)

[@sweetsilage]

What am I missing? The coax bypasses the node dac so what is the purpose of the usb?

[@michaelwright1602]

You can send the audio signal out of the Node to the Ares II using optical, coaxial or USB. I would try all three to hear which one sounds better in your system and stick with that. I use the USB output on the Node. The Node 2i does not have a functioning USB output, so you must use either coaxial or optical out to an external DAC.

[@sweetsilage]

@@michaelwright1602 thank you for clarifying. In the vid you used both so that confused me.

[@VinshineAudio]

We use both Coax/USB for demonstration purposes :)

[@tghtube]

By using ares dac we will not get mqa?

[@michaelwright1602]

No MQA with the Ares II, or any Denafrips DAC for that matter.

[@VinshineAudio]

DENAFRIPS DAC is not MQA compatible. Node will need to unfold the MQA layers and transmit the digital signal to the DAC

[@robertduenes9285]

Why the USB connection?

[@VinshineAudio]

Hi Rob, the latest NODE supports USB Audio output. It's for demo purpose. you may use either OPT/Coax/USB :)

[@barneyrubble9309]

I intend to piar my Node2i with a Pontus ii to feed my Stax.

[@VinshineAudio]

Nice! I miss my Stax :)

[@johnbrooks1058]

Usb cable

[@dugdugi2296]

Wait what? Node does usb output? Since when?

[@jimx1169]

The older Node 2i does not do USB output while the newer NODE does.

[@dugdugi2296]

@@jimx1169 i can't believe they did this. Thanks for the info. Even though they know for years users been asking them to give this option. Sigh..

[@michaelwright1602]

@@jimx1169 WOW! No USB output on the 2i?

[@WendellSexson]

@@michaelwright1602 There was no USB output on the current model Node when it first came out. It was added by firmware update later.

[@VinshineAudio]

Yep, NODE with USB audio output is a nice feature

[@hsinkai1557]

It‘s very challenging to understand your English

[@aussie8114]

I’m sure he will work on that just for you.

[@VinshineAudio]

Sorry for my strong accent and imperfection!

[@aussie8114]

@@VinshineAudio You don’t need to apologise to people Alvin, your English language is excellent.

[@pierrerobert4672]

Is this a joke ?

[@bernieramone]

No. Just clean your 👂