Bluesound Node Review 2021 Version

[@joeygsaudiochannel3972]

Excellent video and thank you for the shout out. Another fellow Canuck. You’re channels gonna kick ass with more videos like this. May you hit 1000 Subscribers before I do. All the best, Joe Goswami

[@MisterChibs]

Thanks so much Joe! Took me quite a long time but I thoroughly enjoyed making this! Learnt so much about editing, but still have a ways to go. Wouldn't have even purchased the Node if it wasn't for you and that vid on the 2i!! Couldn't imagine not having the node in my audio chain now. Awesome bit of kit!

[@joeygsaudiochannel3972]

@@MisterChibs Your Video quality and editing is way better than mine. I shoot mine on an iPhone 12XPro. I know that some of the KZbinr's use the very expensive SOny or Canon Camera's Just curious how you get that excellent film like quality in your Video's. Also, thank you for proving that Vilep at Audio Excellence Canada is completely wrong about his B.S. that AmazonHD is not BitPerfect. Yes, it clearly does make an audible difference as you proved in your Video. I'm working on a follow up Video on AmazonHD which includes a shout out to you (Good) and Vilep (Bad). With Axpona & RMAF cancelled, I have to resort to cold calls, emails, and general Ass Kissing the local Dealers here in Phoenix, AZ here to see if anyone will lend me equipment to review and pass around to Members of our Arizona Audio Video Club. Again, keep up the good work !

[@MisterChibs]

​@@joeygsaudiochannel3972 I'm a photographer by trade so already have some nice glass to shoot with on the Sony mirrorless platform. Having said that, nothing wrong shooting vid on your iPhone. My basketball scene was done on 11 pro max for example. Lighting is important and you can have a nice a7III rig without spending an arm and leg. Clients started asking for video walkthroughs and such. Filming was no problem but when it came to editing, I would always have to outsource or turndown business. This vid was a means to fix that shortcoming. I actually enjoy editing now so thats a plus! Had no idea Audio excellence claims Amazon HD isn't bit perfect. Perhaps this was due to the awful computer and ios implementation from amazon's software. I saw their review of the "ifi Stream" in comparison to the node but they were using Tidal so felt it didn't apply to me. I have trust issues with Tidal :P. Definitely looking forward to your video!

[@giannislarch]

Hey! It's my first day watching your channel, and I'm very satisfied by your sincerity, honest and direct words down to HiFi and relative topics. CONGRATULATIONS for your approach! I'll watching carefully any news /updates. Please, keep walking this way! Greetings from Greece Yannis

[@MisterChibs]

Thanks Yannis! So cool my videos are being watched across the world. That blows my mind actually!! Glad you like my channel! Next video should be dropping soon. 👍🍻

[@michaelfern945]

Thanks for the review. I like that you AB'd the internal dac with your Denafrips, proving that the Amazon HD sample and bitrate by track is now functional. Also value your opinion on the sound of the internal dac and that it's livable for the near term. This review helped push me over the edge to go ahead and order a new Node to replace my Allo Digione Signature Pi solution which cannot stream Amazon HD music. Thanks!

[@MisterChibs]

My pleasure Michael! Glad it helped and thank you for your kind words!

[@MrMangel888]

Great review! I just got the Powernode 330, the model that has the integrated amp, and paired to a set of Q Acoustics 330i; I couldn't be happier. As you said, the Bluesound, with or without the built-in amp, is a great buy for those looking for a high-quality streamer that does not break the bank. Best of luck with your channel.

[@MisterChibs]

Thanks for watching! I picked up the Powernode too 👍🏻

[@howardbowen8541]

I have and like the node 2i but bluesounds model # system to me is built with confusion. If you spend enough time online you'd swear the guy is talking about different model. The latest can sometimes be called node or powernode, or is it 310 or 330. This is all very weird, bluesound is causing confusion as my kid could have come up with a better # system

[@MisterChibs]

@@howardbowen8541 It can be confusing. They call the latest 2021 version "Bluesound Node" and "Power Node".

[@davidnelson696]

This is a sound that I've been chasing for a few years. I am buying one today. Thanks for the great review.

[@MisterChibs]

Glad you enjoyed it David, thanks for watching! 🍻

[@nickt2159]

Nice job Mr Chips. I just ordered one today. I pick it up Saturday. Also bought a Hegel H390. I listened to both on Bowers & Wilkins towers. I was blown away.

[@MisterChibs]

Nice!! Thank you Nick & congrats on your purchase. Stay tuned, you’ll find I’m a big fan of Hegel. 😉

[@billsstudio2528]

Best review on Bluesound Node 2021 so far. What I would like to see is more in depth connection options of Node 21 and comparing. i.e. Using Node Sub Woofer out compared to say Klipsch Sub out. Using all outputs and comparing. Also, saw a comment just a few minutes ago regarding this sub out thing! Hah... I tend to like the Sub Out with variable crossover, even when still using subout 'connection' from my Klipsch 5's. ?? Weird....I'll have to just keep trying the different combinations.

[@MisterChibs]

Thanks for your kind words! When I made this review I was only using headphone amps. I now use the sub out and crossover control is outstanding. I use it with my SVS sub on my Power node with Kef speakers. It's a great setup.

[@BruTay5454]

Great review, I also heard about your channel from Joey G. I got a Node a couple of months ago for some of the same reasons you did - mainly to be able to stream AmazonHD bit perfect without connecting to a PC. I love it. Good luck with your channel!.

[@MisterChibs]

Thanks so much!

[@mickyflynn635]

This was so helpful! You've finally put an end to my searching and confusion. Thanks. Hilarious ending too!

[@MisterChibs]

Thank you!👍

[@obi1cannoli777]

First off thanks for talking me into the Node instead of the Power Node. If I purchase a Node and its connected to my av receiver which I'm using as a preamp. Would I be able to use Roon Ready from the Node even, if my av receiver doesn't support it?

[@MisterChibs]

My pleasure and Yes, the Node is Roon ready so it can be used as an end point that connects to your Roon server. The Node is streaming to your receiver so no worries there.

[@enricolallana7576]

I've always worried my Mac was not sending bit-perfect data to my DAC (it does not have any info like your Denafrips). I suspected it wasn't because the Midi settings ask you to choose a bit rate and frequency. I mistakenly assumed that that was a maximum but now I realize that the Mac was resampling it and sending out out at the chosen setting. I ordered the Bluesound Node a few days ago and am happy to know that I made the right choice. Thanks for the review! BTW, you are good at this, you should review your DAC next. If you have plans to get a DDC Denafrips Isis (when the Bluesound rolls out the USB output), I am sure you are it is going to be an awesome review as well!

[@MisterChibs]

Thank you Enrico! I just read that Apple is redesigning their Mac OS music app. Hopefully this means they'll fix bit perfect output to work like it does on their IOS devices. I do have plans to review my Pontus so stay tuned!

[@MonkeyBoy-ow5jy]

Thank you for the review. Have you tries the node with Tital? What did you mean by Tital is snake oil. Thank you.

[@MisterChibs]

Thanks, I have not tried the Node with Tidal because I’m no longer a subscriber. Here’s a link to answer your other question. kzbin.info/www/bejne/poPNpKhvYrutpMU And part 2 kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHnOooqQbs-td5I

[@daveschuler4442]

You hit the nail on the head. Get the remote. Way better. And, this Node really takes the word STREAMER to an all- encompassing DREAM come true. Just great articulating sound. Period

[@MisterChibs]

Thanks for watching! Haven’t even considered the remote but now you’ve peaked my interest. I wonder how it would work with both my node and power node in the same room. Guess I’ll have to look into it. 👍🏻

[@deepvillage]

thanks for the good review Mr C , I just bought this unit , I like the sound quality running through my DAC , but the frustrating thing for me is as you have noted too , I miss the audio new music suggestions available through the native Amazon / Spotify etc apps as well the inability to save liked music on the Blue OS BTW I have a list of music that I have collected on Shazam that I have been going through and disappointedly many are not even listed on Amazon , had to get Tidal again where many are available ! far from perfect solutions for those of us that are not into mainstream music

[@MisterChibs]

Thanks for your comment! Definitely not a perfect solution. Hopefully Amazon integration will get better with Bluesound. What I can tell you that if you use Tidal or Quobuz, Roon offers a much better interface. No Amazon music support but The BS Node acts as a Roon endpoint.

[@DRICKismyNAME]

Great review, Bluesound Node is a game changer

[@MisterChibs]

Thank you!

[@michaelswitzer3186]

Thanks for the thorough review. I have a fundamental question: I am planning my first system using the Graham LS6 speakers and pairing them with either the Naim Uniti Atom or the Lyngdorf TAIS 1120, so it will definitely be a high-end system. But I am older and not competent when it comes to technology and so I am tempted by the node just for its simplicity of use. But would I be not getting the most out of my speakers and amplifier if I use the node rather than a higher quality version of a streamer and dac? I know this is a difficult question as it is so subjective, but I would appreciate any thoughts you might have.😅

[@MisterChibs]

My pleasure Michael. The Node is an incredibly versatile and reasonable machine from a value proposition, and would be a great starting point for you. I have a Lumin U2 Mini that I'm testing for an eventual review. I haven't come to anything conclusive yet but It'll be interesting to put them up head to head. If you're using it with a separate DAC, also take a look at Wiim Pro. Not quite as versatile as the Node but easy to use and less than half the cost. Hope this helps! 🍻

[@gymp2]

Peachtree Audio is testing a Beta version of their new GAN amplifier (200 watts per channel) and offering the Blue Sound Node combination as a package. I was wondering if you will review this combination in the near future. If so, I can't wait. Thanks for your nice review. I just purchased the Bluesound Node.

[@MisterChibs]

Thanks for the suggestion. I'm totally going to reach out. That could potentially be an awesome combo!!

[@Mrdavidr23]

Nice video. To be clear then, if using the Apple play connectivity there is no handoff from phone to bluesound unless you stream in blue OS? Also Any change on saving tracks now in Apple or amazon? Without having to go native route. Do non of them have anything like Spotify connect so you can control it all natively?

[@MisterChibs]

Thanks David, You can handoff from phone to Bluesound device. It just won't be high resolution and bit perfect. Works as it should though. No change in saving tracks on Amazon unfortunately.

[@cwkim78]

Nice review! Packed with information and yet straight to the relevant points for buyers!

[@MisterChibs]

Much appreciated!!

[@WhatEver-dx3eu]

Stumbled on your channel by accident. Great review, hope to see more. I own a now decidedly old Node 2 (not even the "i"), going back 6 years I think. Interesting your comment on MQA. I've watched GoldenSound take on it. Since there's been lots of angry discussions on the validity of arguments used, only thing I can say is that I actually like MQA as do many that have some authority, such as Hans Beekhuyzen you referenced. I trust my ears. Cables, now there's snake-oil. No AQ or other outrageously expensive stuff in my system ;-)

[@MisterChibs]

Thank you and welcome! I'm going to be honest, It's not easy to discern differences in sound quality from one streaming service to the next. For many it's a personal choice based on what they believe and enjoy (cables too). I liked Tidal's platform and found their app provided an overall great experience. I also loved seeing that purple light when an MQA master track played 🤩. Tidal pulled some shadiness with Neil Young's tracks, and after finding that out I simply dipped. With unlimited bandwidth, I don't see marit in MQA over lossless tracks but that's just me. Tons of people are invested in Tidal with extensive playlists. That alone might have made me not want to switch services and start over from scratch. Nothing wrong with liking what you like, that's what this is all about! 👍🏻

[@WhatEver-dx3eu]

@@MisterChibs Thanks for thoughtful insight and apologies for late reply. I've got to admit, I like MQA on some tracks, on many others it doesn't do much for me; this is compared to the actual CDs I ripped many years back onto my NAS using Exact Audio Copy. I tried comparing Radio Paradise MQA vs normal but that's difficult, as changing from one to the other gets you a different track, ah, well. Curious about your views on the USB output, from what I understand the software update finally happened. Should sound better still with less jitter. It may be the last nudge to sell my old trusted Node 2 and switch to the 2021 Node.

[@MisterChibs]

@@WhatEver-dx3eu Haven't done much more than verifying that usb works on my Node. I do plan on giving it a long listen to see if anything stands out though. It's definitely nice to have USB as an option but not sure if that alone warrants upgrading from the 2i. Especially if you're using a separate stand alone dac to begin with. Having said all that, I love my setup as is with coax so icing on the cake as they say. Cheers! 🍻

[@misty671]

Nice review, I like your calm matter of fact approach. 🍻 🇨🇦

[@MisterChibs]

Thanks for watching!

[@mothershiphip]

Great review....i appreciate your straight forward style.

[@MisterChibs]

Thank you!

[@xstensl8823]

i have the Bluesound 2i. i use it as a transport. so doubt that the Node 2021 would sound better in that regard? have you compared the USB output over the coax output to your DAC?

[@MisterChibs]

I did test both. You’re good sticking with coax. It begins to sound better when you use usb out to a DDC and then to your DAC. If you don’t have a DDC laying around, stick with the 2i imo. 🍻

[@kenwoody26]

Someone might have corrected you already. But the current Node is supposed to have a TI DAC? The 2i has the Burr Brown no?

[@MisterChibs]

It has an upgraded DAC over the previous 2i. I believe it's still a Burr Brown chip, yes.

[@jeromemeyers7079]

How did you connect your Node to your Denafrips to get the bit perfect stream if not via USB?

[@MisterChibs]

Through Coax. I go through how in the video. All other ports give you bit perfect. USB is the only one that won’t work until Bluesound pushes out that update. From what I understand, this will now happen before the end of 2021. Hopefully it doesn’t get delayed even more.

[@Temmple]

Just picked one up and debating on picking up a 500-700 DAC. Not sure it would be worth it with the internal DAC being pretty good already.

[@MisterChibs]

Do you primarily listen to headphones or speakers?

[@Temmple]

@@MisterChibs Speakers 100% of the time.

[@MisterChibs]

​@@Temmple with Speakers especially, a good DAC makes a difference. Going to be discussing this in a video coming up. Here's what i would do: Use the Bluesound Node's DAC for now. 5-700$ won't get you much better imo, thats more of a sidegrade than an upgrade. Once you save a bit more, look into R2R or FPGA DAC's. That's where you'll get a noticeable return for your money. $850 USD gets you an Ares II and they just keep getting better from there.

[@michaelwright1602]

@@Temmple Ares II or the Cayin RU6 dongle DAC, you can hook that little DAC up via RCA or XLR, I own both. If you have never experienced an R2R DAC, you may really be missing something. The RU6 is roughly $250 and worth every penny, plenty of reviews on it. The Ares II, game changing DAC, love it, can now sit for hours and enjoy the music. Chip DACs kill my enjoyment, too digital and clinical, like visiting the dentist. Ares and Cayin, like visiting that hot chick that likes to you know, with no strings. ;-)

[@bigbigben]

Your channel is both informative and entertaining, good job! I’m looking forward to more reviews from you. BTW would you consider adding power supply upgrade for node at some point?

[@MisterChibs]

Thanks Ben! I mainly use an external DAC with the Node so I’m not sure how much difference a linear power supply would make. I am testing it with a DDC though so expect a video on that at some point. 👍🏻🍻

[@domingobermudez6780]

If I added the blue sound node to my Yamaha advantage 2050 a/v receiver,would I get better sound when I stream music?

[@MisterChibs]

I don’t have any experience with that receiver, Domingo. My advice is buy from a place with a good return policy and demo to see if you notice a difference.🍻

[@domingobermudez6780]

@@MisterChibs thank you very much! See my receiver has a 24 bit chip DAC built in,so I don’t know if the blue node would be better.

[@MisterChibs]

@@domingobermudez6780 yea, I looked it up and saw that. The Node may still sound better anyways. What will definitely be improved is the user interface. Blue OS is one of the best and it’s Roon ready if you ever want to upgrade further. Always best to demo first, so a good 30 day return policy goes a long way!

[@domingobermudez6780]

@@MisterChibs thanks for all your help!

[@70grade37]

Do you use a Preamp or just the DAC? I need some good but not too expensive Preamp options. Thanks

[@MisterChibs]

Just a DAC for both my headphone setup and Loudspeaker setup although that’s an integrated amp.

[@michaelwright1602]

Go check out Randy The Cheapaudioman... He has a channel here on KZbin and covers quite a bit of quality inexpensive gear, like the preamp you are looking for.

[@jokris89]

Nice, but can you use it as a pre-amp? And why connect i to another dac?

[@MisterChibs]

You can technically use the Node as a preamp and control volume on your Blue OS app. Connecting the node to an other DAC improves sound quality. This varies depending on the DAC though. Having said that, the DAC in the Node is decent if you’re just starting out. Hope that helps! 🍻

[@jokris89]

@@MisterChibs got a older rotel prosessor rsp 1066 if i remember right and a rotel rb 993 today. Power amp is fine but the prosessor is outdated. Just want something more compact

[@MisterChibs]

@@jokris89 best thing to do is listen to both configurations once you get the Node. You may still end up preferring your older preamp.

[@brianlewis5042]

Great video. I am looking at the blue node. Quick question, which Denafips DAC are you are using? A lot of great information and a great presentation

[@MisterChibs]

Thank you Brian! I have the Denafrips Pontus II.

[@Josh-os2px]

I own a Pontus 2 but I really need to invest in a dedicated streamer are u using coax still or usb? Btw love the video very informative. You should do a review of the Pontus 2 next video

[@MisterChibs]

Thanks Josh, Still using coax and it sounds great. listening now actually. Pontus is awesome (as you know). A review will have to wait until I find a way to A/B DACs and switch between them quickly enough. Working on my next vid and actually the vid after that too. Stay tuned :-)

[@5e88e]

Wow, this was fun to watch! And informative

[@MisterChibs]

Thanks for watching! 👍🏻🍻

[@marekk842]

Have you tried to connect your hard drive directly with Karpets of artists and can de bluesound software read everything well, without mixing tracks and album covers? Of course, I am talking about well-inscribed metadatos

[@MisterChibs]

Hi, I only use the node as a streamer so I have not connected an external hard drive. I hear it works very well but can't personally verify unfortunately.

[@sebastianpokojowy7578]

This mega man lamp is soooo cool !!!!!

[@MisterChibs]

thank you 🍻

[@DomRivers67]

Wish Bluesound would release a streamer on its own in the same way Yamaha does the WXAD-10, I've got the 2021 Node but I was never going to use the DAC (it's actually pretty good but the ESS 9038 in my Arcam amp is just that bit better) Here's a couple of features you haven't covered, the Node works just fine as a pre amp, and secondly, the high pass subwoofer filter and output will IMPROVE your existing speakers....and (and this is weird) you can still USE the high pass filter....even when using an offboard DAC....with no timing issues....though supplementary so doesn't bring quite the same advantages...the Node also plays "gaplessly"....like Roon

[@MisterChibs]

Thats awesome, thanks for letting me know! I've since bought the Powernode & hooked it up to speakers and a sub in in the same room as my Node that's hooked up to my headphone amp and dac. Perhaps I should have just bought a speaker amp 🙃. If I do, it would be fun to compare setups in any case.

[@DomRivers67]

@@MisterChibs Because my Arcam SA20 can be used as a power amp, a pre amp, and an integrated, and also has a sub out (without high pass) and the Node can be used as a preamp, and has the sub out with high pass.......I've got about eight different ways I can connect this bloody thing....gets quite baffling (I've got Wharfedale Evo2's and a cheap SW150 sub, you'd like the speakers) Here's another weird feature (related to the sub out always working) If you attach your Node via digital out to two different DACs by Toslink and Coaxial....then by RCA into your main amp Then attach your two other DACs to amps/speakers All bloody three will play At. The Same Time..... You only have control as such of the one you've got selected in app....but all three will play the selected track Not sure what this will do, in the long run for its power supply stage mind

[@MisterChibs]

@@DomRivers67 Looks like a great amp. I was looking at Hegel and Cambridge but will check out Arcam now too.

[@DomRivers67]

@@MisterChibs I was lucky enough to have an Audiolab 6000a, the Hegel H95 and the Arcam in my house for a month...it was supposed to be a weekend but....lockdown The Arcam was the stellar performer...the Hegel wasn't far behind and I fancied the brand....but the Arcam's DAC...and effortless power tipped it...despite it being pug ugly..the 6000a wasn't in the running (as it oughtn't be it's a lot cheaper), the Arcam has been independently tested at 106w into 8ohm and 284 into 4 ohm and throws my Evo 4.2's around like a tissue in the wind. The pure class A for the first quarter of the volume dial helps a lot with detail at late night listening levels too...whereas my previous Pioneer Elite SX N30 used to only get out of bed at about 30w Bit of a stupid price in Canada mind....as are my speakers Lots of unboxings out there, zero English language KZbin reviews....so you'd corner the market

[@MisterChibs]

@@DomRivers67 Everything but maple syrup is expensive here 😂

[@herosandwich7940]

This was great thanks. Maybe do a vid on the denafrips dac too?

[@MisterChibs]

Thank you! Pontus II review would be great but I have no way to quickly A/B with a different DAC. It's an awesome DAC though. I feel it's a step above my RME ADI 2 Dac and much better than my Gustard X16. Just can't verify without some sort of DAC switcher. Something to look into for sure. 🍻

[@VintageStereoCollectorChannel]

🍪🍪 Excellent review and well done. I was able too hook up my Node to my Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ via USB. Hope you did too. I just watched the Goldensound vid you referenced. Yesterday I signed up for a 1-month trial of Qobuz. Tomorrow I will recreate playlists in Qobuz from Tidal and the quit Tidal.

[@MisterChibs]

Thanks for watching and commenting Virgil! I love Qobuz and ROON! Best combo imo. Unfortunately the USB from Bluesound Node and Roon has problems that need to be addressed with a firmware update. If you watch my Roon Review, you'll see I found this out the hard way. If you have a Coax cable laying around, that's the best way for now. Good luck and let me know what you think of that combo! 🍻

[@VintageStereoCollectorChannel]

@@MisterChibs - I connected Qobuz to my Roon account just now. Using the Ethernet cable to my Roon Core. Nora Jones at 24/192 sounds great. Glad to hear you migrated to Qobuz from Amazon Music!

[@milosdunjic8718]

Qobuz just came to Canada ! Subscribed! I am also subscribed to Amazom Music HD

[@MisterChibs]

Qobuz is my favourite! Especially used in conjunction with Roon. Check out my Roon video and thanks for watching! 😉🍻

[@roadeyerob]

I subscribed because of the Rush shirt. I love my Node - I use Tidal and was not aware of the limitations compared to Amazon. Not sure I can part with a piece of my soul should I start giving more money to Amazon though.

[@MisterChibs]

I effin love Rush. 👍🏻

[@christoperivan]

Any chance of you doing a review on the Pontus II? I'd love to hear what your thoughts are.

[@MisterChibs]

So many have asked about the Pontus. I'm going to have to do a review at some point. 👍🏻

[@christoperivan]

@@MisterChibs looking forward to it!

[@denisbarry9436]

Your video was helpful. I am about 2 weeks into Bluesound node and really enjoying it with my Amazon HD subscription. Where I believe I went wrong was organizing my music (separate from my wife's) by using playlists. First issue is if you add more than 100 songs to a playlist, the BluOS app slows down significantly. Secondly, you lose some of the track details when you view your songs through the playlist feature. The icons in the playlist are very small and impossible to see the album name if you are not familiar with the cover. My workaround is to view the playlist in the Amazon app. The other thing I have not figured out is Lyrics display within BluOS. Sound quality is great and the search and playback (not in large playlists) are responsive.

[@MisterChibs]

Glad it helped and thanks for watching!! Interesting find on playlists, I haven’t noticed any slowdowns so far. Maybe I’ll check how long my liked songs playlist is. Are you connected through Ethernet or wifi?

[@denisbarry9436]

@@MisterChibs I am on Wifi with a 200-300mbs connection and will be adding a mesh so I can get ethernet over to the BluOS. I did an internet search on "bluos amazon playlist response" and it appears to be a well documented issue. So your point about wifi certainly contributes as it must download a larger than "normal" search result and perhaps having to do more paging in bluos memory. I'll try a different device with more memory to see if that helps too

[@michaelwright1602]

I have the Node, and I like it, the darn thing works and sounds good on my setup. I walk in from work, hit the app on my phone, iPad or iMac and am listening to music or local radio in seconds. I have an SVS SoundBase that uses Play-fi, love the unit, Play-fi is shit, it can take up to an hour to hook to my network, so what good is it? The BlueOs software is very refined and stable. Even if there is something out there that may sound a tad bit better, like the iFi Zen, which gets terrible reviews in regards to usability and stability, just like Play-fi, who cares how good it sounds if you cannot get it to work? I'll stick with my Node and Ares II DAC.

[@MisterChibs]

Yea, the Node is pretty great!

[@Jacksonabean]

Great headphone selection! Can you tell me how you can get music off of a website through the Node? That's where I struggle.

[@MisterChibs]

Thanks Mr Bean, Not sure what equipment you're using besides the node. Have you tried going through the Node's ARC port with an HDMI cable?

[@Jacksonabean]

@@MisterChibs Thanks for the help. I believe my Dell Inspiron has an HDMI output but my Node 2i doesn't seem to have an HDMI input. Should I attempt to set up a network and use the Cat5 or Cat6 plug in the back of the node over to the ethernet of my PC? I'd love to go straight from my PC to the Node if possible.

[@MisterChibs]

@@Jacksonabean ahhh I thought you had the updated Node. Looks like the only input on that model is through the optical / analog port. That Cat 5 socket is for getting internet to your Node 2i so u can stream from there. I don’t believe it can be set it up with your computer that way. I have a Powernode that can stream music directly to my speakers and also act as an amp for my computer / Xbox. I’m using HDMI and optical ports for this. It may be worth contacting Bluesound tech support. Not sure how much that helped but if you get it working let me know.

[@Jacksonabean]

@@MisterChibs Thanks for taking the time to help!

[@garethevans4125]

Great review! Convinced me to buy!

[@MisterChibs]

Thank you, enjoy! 👍🏻

[@brianatherton301]

Great Review Mr Chibs. !!!!!!!

[@MisterChibs]

Thank you sir!

[@davidwald2938]

Subscribed and would love to know in a month whether usb to your Denefrips makes a difference in sq. Absolutly agree on the Node being a must buy. I have Doge 7 tube dac with NOS Telefunken tube upgrade and have A, B tested CDs playing with my node 2i through this dac and they sound identical to a 44.1 stream given the same mix. If Amazon has Heart's Dog&Butterfly in 192 listen to it to hear the difference from 44.1. I do this with Qobuz to show people the difference cause they have both resolutions. The crispness in acoustic guitar and Nancy Wilsons voice is apparent especially when she pronounces "Satan trees" it is so much clearer and easier to make out in 192. That Denefrips is really nice...you will definitly hear what I mean.

[@MisterChibs]

Hey David, As soon as I shake this headache I've got Dog&Butterfly on Amazon waiting for me in 192! love Heart btw. Thanks for the sub!

[@MisterChibs]

Quick update. Played Dog & Butterfly both on Amazon (high res 192khz) and Spotify (44.1khz) fed to Bluesound node - Pontus II Dac - GSX Mini - Meze Empyrean HP's. This was my first time listening to this particular song. Liked it, pretty chill track. On Spotify it was enjoyable. When I switched to Amazon HD I understood how everything sounded while they were recording @ the studio. Holy music balls! It's a fricken night and day difference. Thanks for sharing your experience and track! May end up using this example in my next video. 🍻

[@davidwald2938]

@@MisterChibs Glad you enjoyed it and looking forward to your next video!

[@johnwoods7891]

Can you elaborate on you experience with Tidal?

[@MisterChibs]

Sure, Tidal had a great user interface and good music suggestion algorithms. In the end I would rather stream actual high res flac, so I switched out. Made a video on that actually. I don’t feel that there’s a perfect streaming service yet but we’ll get there.. Eventually. 👍

[@seethruhead7119]

I think i'm going to use my iphone + camera adapter and apple lossless. (Bit perfect apparently works fine with other apps) The amazon music app kind of sucks anyway.

[@MisterChibs]

The Amazon app does indeed suck and the blueOS implementation is actually worse than Amazon's app, despite have better quality audio. hopefully this will change! Going iphone to Camera adapter is a great alternative and a good starting point. I did a video on this if you're interested. Anyhow, thanks for the sub and enjoy the music! 🍻

[@vitenp]

hey which action figures do you have on the desk and specially the LED one?

[@MisterChibs]

Megaman Pixel pal 👍

[@Rod007man]

Great review. I also have the BlueSound Node and previously owned the BlueSound Node 2i. The Texas Instrument MQA DAC in the new 2021 BlueSound Node is very a good improvement . My rig: 2021 BlueSound Node - Rotel 1592 Intergrated Amplifier - KEF R3 Book shelf speakers - two 10” Martin Logan Dynamo 800x subwoofers. Strictly speaker listening via digital streaming sources, no headphone listening. I found the AKM premium 32-bit/768kHz DAC in my Rotel 1592 Intergrated amp to be better sounding than MQA DACs found in both BlueSound Node units. As I’m sure you can understand I got the upgrade itch and wanted to improve on my digital music experience and decided on purchasing a stand alone R2R DAC. I had my mind set on Denafrips Pontus II DAC, but wound up purchasing Denafrips Ares II DAC due to no return policy from Vinshine Audio and really no experience with R2R DACs. The Denafrips Ares II R2R DAC is up to par with the DAC in the Rotel 1592 AKM chip DAC, and the Ares II sounds better than both MQA DACs in BlueSound units, However I did not get the sonic improvement or upgrade I was looking for. I got a tie I can’t really pick a winer both DACs are equally good. My new dilemma is now wanting to purchase the Denafrips Pontus II DAC, expecting to get the Sonic upgrade I was initially looking for. You seem very passionate about this hobby and I see you have the Pontus II DAC. What are thoughts should I double down or stay put?

[@MisterChibs]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I was in your shoes (sort of) while researching DACs. I had an RME ADI 2 DAC and a Gustard X-16. So I was considering a Matrix X Saber pro because I didn't feel like I was where I wanted to be yet. The truth is Chip DAC’s are all very similar and I doubt buying that Matrix would have given me much of an improvement in sound quality. R2R DACs work differently and if you’re spending Pontus money, I think you’ll actually appreciate more of a difference. Never demo’d the Ares II DAC myself, but people on forums who did that specific upgrade reported large difference (jump) in SQ. You can also look into Holo Audio DACs. Having said all that, if you’re unable to sell your Ares II, upgrading speakers or amp, may be a good way forward. I’m also learning Room acoustics is a huge factor with speakers. I need to fix mine somehow.😅 Going to end up doing a review on the Pontus eventually so stay tuned!

[@sweetsilage]

The bluesound node has a HDMI Arc in to connect to a TV. Is this a pass thru or does it get processed thru the dac ?

[@MisterChibs]

All Bluesound Players with HDMI are pass through ports that provide no additional signal processing. Hope that helps.

[@steventsimtsos4029]

@@MisterChibs Hi, is the HDMI arc or Earc on the Node? And how does that affect sound quality passed to your speakers ftom your TV? Thank you

[@MisterChibs]

@@steventsimtsos4029 hey, it just passes through so it won't colour the sound in any way. It works really well if your TV supports it. One of my TV's does not, the other ones do. Hope this helps! 👍

[@steventsimtsos4029]

@@MisterChibs Thank you it does. I am seeking to add the node to a sub $800 2 channel amp. Do you have any recommendations? I am seeking a 2.0 or maybe a 2.1 set up for primarily tv and streaming purposes. Or do you suggest getting the powernode and be done ? Thank you

[@MisterChibs]

@@steventsimtsos4029 Did you see my Powernode review?

[@angelluisguzmandeleon4903]

I'm an audio enthusiast on my way to becoming an audiophile. I have a Marantz AV7706 connection XLR + monolith 11x powerful amp for streaming Tidal and amazon music HD. I have HEOS..app. and I hear a lot about bluesound node new .. for streaming .. what would be the difference? the DAC of the Marantz is very good. Wouldn't I be repeating the same thing? or would it have better quality? Thank you does it make a big of a difference on sound quality?

[@MisterChibs]

I can't comment on sound quality because I have never tried your specific setup. Have you confirmed that you're successfully getting bit perfect from Amazon Music?

[@DomRivers67]

Your Marantz has an AK4453 DAC.....the Nodes Texas Instruments/Burr Brown setup is significantly better, I've got a Sanskrit DAC with the better AK4493 and a Denon AVR with the AK4453 and the Node easily outperforms them...the only DAC I have that's better is based on the ESS 9038K2V chip.....and that's still pretty close....Bluesound is also a better interface than HEOS. Whether it's worth the money when you already have a streaming solution you're happy with is another question though

[@angelluisguzmandeleon4903]

@@DomRivers67 ok , thanks for replying… I believed that heos app and bluesound app did the same, however I believed that marantz would have more quality in its DAC. how would be your best connection, rca cables, or toslink? I must need tested…

[@DomRivers67]

@@angelluisguzmandeleon4903 They DO do the same thing, as does Yamaha with Musiccast, and a few of the other brands, but the Bluesound has been better thought through, I've got a little Yamaha WXAD-10....which is a great budget streamer/DAC....but it's a bit let down by its software/app, HEOS is OK...if you're happy with it then stick with it. I would try both Toslink and RCA and flick back and forth between sources (the Node outputs both to its own DAC/RCA output and it's digital outputs simultaneously) And this is where advising people is a minefield, your amplifier and speakers may not be sufficiently resolving to tell much of a difference...though it might be like night and day for somebody with a €3k stereo amp and a €3k pair of speakers. I added the little WXAD-10 to my Denon...and even that was a marked uplift in sound quality over the AK DAC through the speakers I had at the time (Q Acoustics 3020) so I think you'd definitely hear a difference using the Node. If we hadn't just voted for tax sanctions against ourselves here in the UK I'd send you my WXAD-10 to try out...it does much of what a Node does for a fraction of the price.

[@gvs550]

Hi...thanks for the review. Really helpful and detailed. Question: I have Sonos Connect right now that I am using with Apple Music and using a high end integrated amp and speakers. Do you have a recommendation for a streaming DAC that is markedly different in SQ than Sonos Connect? Thanks.

[@MisterChibs]

Hey, glad it helped. I don’t own the Sonos connect but am familiar with the Sonos ecosystem. The problem with Apple Music (and I made a video on this) is it won’t play nice with other manufacturer’s hardware. If you want bit perfect - high resolution with Apple Music, the best way right now is to connect an iOS device to your dac and stream from there. If you’re open to try different music services, Bluesound node is what I would recommend without hesitation. Hope this helps!

[@heyguyslolGAMING]

I'm currently using my PC for music play back. Is it possible to hook windows media controls into the BluOS app to control volume, next, & prev track?

[@MisterChibs]

Don’t believe so, no. You can hook up the Node to powered speakers or an amp and control from your PC if you like though. You’ll get better sound too.

[@heyguyslolGAMING]

@@MisterChibs I guess what I meant was using the BluOS windows app to control the Node is it possible to control the streamer functions of volume, next & prev track w/ hotkeys? As far as the audio I don't plan to run it thru my pc just use it to control it.

[@MisterChibs]

@@heyguyslolGAMING Yes, but if you want to use hotkeys, the app has to be in the foreground. Audio is also locked at 100% if you use the Node’s USB out but you’ll be able to adjust volume if you use coax or optical. Hope that helps!

[@heyguyslolGAMING]

@@MisterChibs Yes it helps, tyvm for the reply. I'm curious as I've heard mixed feedback w/ streamers. Some say its a huge audio improvement over playing direct from the pc and some say its an improvement but its rather small. Tbh my audio experience playing direct from my pc sounds very good as I have no complaints and the flexibility and functionality that I would probably loose by going w/ a streamer makes me question whether its worth it or not. I'm currently using a RME ADI-2 Pro w/ a Burson Soloist GT, Empyreans, Focal Clear MG, Z1R, and soon to be ZMF Atrium's.

[@MisterChibs]

@@heyguyslolGAMING With that gear, your computer is the definitely the bottleneck. No question in my mind. You didn’t mention which streaming service you use. (Just curious)

[@Michael-xz1nk]

Real nice review. I have no interest in hi rez audio or bit perfect audio..... but would be interested in a Node if and when the KZbin Music subscription service is included as an option. There are no plans at the mo that I know of. I have built a huge cherry picked playlist library in YTM and I'm not switching at this point. I also get ad You Tube video as part of the deal. Impossible to beat for my needs.

[@MisterChibs]

Thanks for your thoughts, Michael! An alternative you can look into is getting a DDC. This would clean up audio coming from your computer and give you better sound. I’m experimenting with one for a future video so stay tuned! 👍🏻

[@Hi-Fi369]

Great review and great video 💥👍🏼😁

[@MisterChibs]

Thank you!! 😃

[@Hi-Fi369]

@@MisterChibs 🙋🏻‍♂️ you're welcome 😊

[@davidmcginnis2998]

Excellent

[@MisterChibs]

Thank you!

[@CarAudioHorizons]

Here is a tip, don’t read off of script 😂 and Apple Music is bit perfect through the lightning to usb3 camera kit to a DAC. Amazon music barely works with anything and Tidal is good except MQA lol

[@MisterChibs]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and watching! I use Apple music through my camera adapter quite often actually. Made a video on this if you'd like to check it out it's called "Which streaming service?"👍. Amazon music works really well with Bluesound node and sounds best to my ears. Try it out and see for your self. I've got no horse in this race and simply use what works best for me. We can agree to disagree on Tidal. If you dislike / don't use MQA, I could argue that you aren't getting the benefits of music in high resolution. Either buy into Tidal's MQA shpeel or you're better off using Apple in that case. As for the script reading, that's how I'm doing things for now. Much easier to organize my thoughts that way and not "ummm, uhhh, long pause, annnnd" my way through these vids. You're welcome for that!! 🤣

[@avvidme]

Thanks for the review! I'm still trying to decide between this and the Cambridge CXN v2. Thanks from another Canadian! (Central Ontario)

[@MisterChibs]

Nice! Thanks for watching! Let me know what you end up with and how you like it. Does the CXN v2 work bit perfect with Amazon?

[@avvidme]

@@MisterChibs I'm not sure on that. The few things I like on CXN over BlueSound so far are: 2 x Mono DAC's, Upsampling for things like Internet Radio, and cosmetics with the front display of Album art. But it's about 2x price, so.....

[@avvidme]

@@MisterChibs I bought the BlueSound and love it. Although the CXN had a few more features, it's dated (over 2yrs old now), with no sign or commitment of an update or new version. BlueSound released a new version late last year with an updated DAC and improved preamp outputs.

[@MisterChibs]

@@avvidme Glad the Node worked out for you! 👍🏻

[@jblesser]

Well done

[@MisterChibs]

Thanks! 👍

[@CarlVanDoren61]

N130 usb not functional w/XMOS 2.0

[@MisterChibs]

I just had a whole bunch of trouble using the Node’s usb out with my DAC and Roon. Had to revert back to coax. 😔

[@CarlVanDoren61]

@@MisterChibs works great xmos 1.75. BS plenty of time to upgrade packets to xmos 2.0 chipset. Fix is coaxial or optical.

[@CarlVanDoren61]

@@MisterChibs Small Green Computer sells usb to i2s converter. Andrew says it will work for Node. HDMI cable to i2s dac.

[@jeffkalina7727]

Hello Mr. Chips! No Tidal or Qobuz in Canada? Wow. Didn't I read that Spotify was coming out with a HiRez format? As my KZbin Subscriptions are capped at a max of 10, I added you but I had to dump one. Sorry JoeyG. Whenever I see someone wearing a cap I have to assume that they either A. Support a team or product. or B Have less than a full head of hair. Material for the next video.

[@MisterChibs]

Jeff, that was fun 🍄 We have Tidal here and yes Spotify should come out with high resolution at some point. Thanks for watching and the vid and the idea 😆.

[@DomRivers67]

It's crazy that Qobuz aren't in Canada given its a French company and a significant proportion of Canadians think they are French

[@WhatEver-dx3eu]

From what I gather, Spotify Hi-Res will not be Hi-Res, just CD quality which already is a major improvement over the 32kkb/s Ogg stream which one gets now. It has been announced quite some time ago, but not released, nor a new release date. Having said that, Spotify is great when it comes to recommendations, discovered so much new music through it, Using Soundiiz I get the spotify playlist "translated" into a Tidal playlist in my account. I'm a happy chappie.

[@MisterChibs]

@@WhatEver-dx3eu I still pay for Spotify premium and my personal playlist is HUGE. Will look up Soundiiz. Would be cool if it allows me to port said playlist over to Amazon or Apple. Looking forward to Spotify High rez service as it will be an other solid option. Extra competition will be good for us in the end. Next vid will brush on this 😉

[@j.b.5230]

Dude, do you have 3000$ Focals as your PC listening headphones?!?!!?!?!?!?!!??!

[@MisterChibs]

Nope.

[@davejones538]

bluesound node 2021 is rubbish hope you checked the hdmi mine was dead support told me i needed to input pcm lol what a joke its earc its a very expensive motherboard in a sandwich box

[@MisterChibs]

Thanks for your the heads up. I don't use my node with a TV but I do use a Powernode with one. This is assuming it should be the same hardware. Right now I have it running off of Optical but I'm curious to test out the HDMI. TBH I wouldn't be surprised if I have the same result as you. HDMI is all over the place with various configurations and standards. I had to get a 300$ aftermarket converter to get my Sonos ARC to properly work on a fairly recent Sony TV. Such a PITA. In any case, I'll update you if you like.

[@davejones538]

@@MisterChibs I’ve been really lucky and shop are sending a replacement as it was only 7 months old done under warranty here uk but I’ve splashed out and got arcam st60 now so replacement will go eBay on trust pilot they don’t get a good name tbf 👍 hope yours works also my unit wouldn’t factory reset

[@MisterChibs]

@@davejones538 Mine won't work with my 2018 Samsung tv.. Good thing I rely on optical in that setup. Thanks for pointing that out, hopefully this can help someone down the road.👍

[@davejones538]

@@MisterChibs I was confused over this should it not be backwards compatible but earc plays dd 7.1 atmos ? You got anything else to try it with ? Hope it’s not broken like mine was 👍 cheers for reply

[@MisterChibs]

@@davejones538 So for science, I hooked it up with the same hdmi cable to my LG CX and the LG automatically switched audio out to HDMI Arc. It works perfectly. Listening now to my Keff LS50 Metas. HDMI can be such a $hit show with audio equipment.