His First Time...Streaming With the Bluesound Node

[@FluxCondenser]

This is my kinda reality TV. A wild domestic dispute (ha!) and an older person being valued for his talent, insight and experience. Well done.

[@MODAC]

I'm sorry I exposed you to the bitter and unflattering reality of the hell in which I live. *sigh*

[@FluxCondenser]

@@MODAC Yeah, for a guy like me who has never once raised his voice to his wife of 21 years (yeah right!) it was shocking, indeed ;-) I know how you feel, though. I hate background noise when I’m recording a video, too. And that damn dog barking.

[@MickTimmy]

I love hearing the thoughts of an "older generation " audiophile. The fact that he is a DIYer really helps his credibility when he says it's a good product with good sound.

[@MrJohnmarr]

You're so lucky to have Ross as a next door neighbor. What a great guy!

[@SeanBradford89]

Great vid. Really cool to hear Ross' insights :D

[@bwalsberg]

I have noticed that the unit gets very glitchy if your wifi strength is not strong. I solved this problem by taking the unit out of my stereo cabinet and placing it on top so it has no blockage whatsoever. Issue solved immediately and the unit has a nice design so it doesn’t take away from aesthetics….if you even care😂 Thanks for your great channel!

[@LeBlancfirewood]

Awsome to have such a cool neighbor

[@davidbailey6350]

Ross may be getting one…! Good job Dave.

[@stephenpidwell3427]

Love Ross's, statement LP are more like a religion 🤣

[@martytoo]

Nice that he was happy without using his existing DAC which he mentioned had only USB for an input option.

[@raymondgranda201]

Great way to make your point. I’m waiting for mine to arrive. Thanks.

[@joeygsaudiochannel3972]

Excellent report Dave & Ross. I’ve been using my Node 2i with Amazon HD (even Qobuz fir a little bit - no difference in SQ IMHO). No need for the high priced crap out there’s. A Node with and external DAC is all you need (and a hard drive with your CD’s ripped into it). 👍🏾

[@davidgill2520]

You are right, it’s called the Bluesound Vault. I don’t work for Bluesound…I just had one now I moved up the Innuos streamer ripper. I would say that these types of components are the best thing in the last ten years. Basically you get rid of the laptop and that old CD player out of your system. Just thought I would reply. Take care

[@oscarmarfori613]

That’s a very nice and outright actual experience and audio experiment I have ever seen, Mr. Ross is very well rounded man with audiophile equipment that he is building himself, I will try to look into the Node and maybe buying it, since I got an ifi Streamer already I have never used it well because I had trouble connecting and setting up, thanks for sharing this content more power to your videos

[@jackturtle131]

Wow I don't know how old your friend is ,But I take my hat off for him. Nice to be able to do things at his age

[@christophercruz8359]

I had not heard of this device, and I'm a young man, who is usually up with the latest in audio technology. It looks very easy to use.

[@paulk9534]

Ive just ordered the NodeX….looking fwd to recieving it this weekend 🎉

[@johnbrown4568]

Excellent video. Thanks...

[@simonlloyd100]

Ross is really great...I am 66 and he is an inspiration...

[@FransKeylard]

This is awesome!!!!

[@roberthurley1685]

loved the speed reading bit ;-}

[@tonesbones502]

Gotta love Ross' weights on the Hifi stacker

[@fammillie8385]

if you have a Mac Mini always on, you could be sorting all your streaming from that, plus whatever DAC in your hifi. Bluesound seems like an ok all in one option for people who can't be bothered with an always-on PC

[@CarlVanDoren61]

Dumped amazon fire tablet kept dropping DTS Play-Fi. Got a ipad mini 2 streaming to DTS Play-Fi thru a modded Pioneer xc-hm86 (digital out). Changed out modem to Docus 3.1 with eero wifi, still dropped with fire tablet. Been looking at streamer to replace Pioneer, Mac Mini sounds like a great unit, thx

[@SeanBradford89]

I think it's the quality of the DAC in the Node that's the selling point. Sure, you can stream off a PC (or Mac) but not at the best quality. For example, the Node and BluOS supports MQA files from TIDAL, and it's one of a few streamers that support them. If you have a quality system and want a reference source, this is it in a tidy package.

[@dtracy03ss]

I was excited at the Title, but having Just Ordered the Gen 3 for 599 And waiting for it to arrive as a 100% Rookie Streamer I would Live to see a Step by Step Hook up example into my Reciever Aux input? ( Pioneer SX1280 ) and the set up and actual Operation! Let me know if there are these type of Vids available, have Androids Latest Phone to use! Do have a New Computer to Store on with a 1 TB hard drive also, CAN'T WAIT to get Rollin with this!

[@davidgill2520]

Hello from Montreal, good video. There are also streamers that rip cds. They are component/computer that will replace your present stored music . For anybody with a large amount of compact discs this combo will in fact will replace your CD player. The Bluesound Vault is one animal. It has a hard drive of various capacities which serves as a multi purpose tool. I would also suggest using a tablet instead of the phone as a dedicated remote…This will simplify the experience. (Stop messing and get ride of that noisy laptop they just get in the way). Then there are better quality streamers like Innuos and Auralic, (dedicated no built in dac) I’ve gone through all this. What’s nice is that I can rip my friends music. I have a large CD collection as well, I moved up from the Vault to a Innuos Zen (costly but worth it) streamer/ripper for sound quality, it has a two terabyte hard drive but you can buy larger drives. Plug that streamer into a good Dac and your on your way! It’s the most convenient way to go, I mainly stream for podcasts and to hear an album that I will intend to buy. Take care

[@ConnahJay]

Can we get a follow up video with Ross, just to see what he's been up to HiFi wise? He is such a interesting person, he's also from that generation that where you just want to listen when they speak.

[@MODAC]

Good idea, thanks. He’s been up to stuff for sure!

[@bmj4052]

Awesome video...awesome neighbor

[@chrismaki8396]

Thank you for the vid. Ross is “Da Bomb!” I got rid of a powerful 7.1 AV unit when we downsized a number of years ago into a townhouse. All of my music has been either Apple Music on iPhone or albums or cds. When my av packed it in, I bought a new smaller NAD integrated amp and now run my audio for 4K smart tv, cd, dvd, and TT through it. I also can BT from any of our iPhones and iPads to the NAD. If I can play my Music libraries through my smart 4K tv via Apple and/or Amazon Music and out of the NAD, do I need a NODE? I have no interest in any other music streaming services as I feel like to pay more is not worth it. Is a NODE necessary? Interested in replies…. Thank you.

[@gronthomson]

Hi, Chris! I use my streamer to stream internet radio during the day. We like jazz, jazz vocals, big band and big band vocals, so we stream from 2-3 different internet jazz (SMOOTH JAZZ FLORIDA is our favorite.) radio stations. We like streaming radio because we're always finding new music and artists that we didn't know existed. At night after dinner is when we enjoy listening to music that we have preselected or have ripped from our CD or DVD collections.

[@chrismaki8396]

Thank you Ron for your reply. I went and bought new AppleTV 4K (2022) and am presently thrilled by HomePods integration with amazing sound. Will try to figure out how to get internet radio via it. Will head to your recommendations and give them a listen! Thanks.

[@geoff37s38]

I too have a Bluesound Node 2. If you sign up to Tidal or Spotify both services have a “connect” feature which means the native Tidal or Spotify apps can connect directly to the Node and there is no need to use the BluOS app, which is not great. I do not think other streaming services can do this, but I may be wrong?

[@MODAC]

I am aware, but I’m not a fan of either service. Amazon and Apple is what I use.

[@aworminmybook8234]

i use logitech media server software running on a raspberry pi for streaming. it's far from perfect but it works for me. i have a huge itunes library on an old mac and the lms reads it across the network just fine. to stream i use it as an airplay device and stream from my macbooks. one neat thing is i can listen to my library anywhere through my iphone via an app called ipeng. it's functional but kinda fiddly and requires the occasional restart so i'd love to have a bluesound... seems really simple and elegant.

[@ulgn1964]

Nothing beats holding a vinyl record and then playing it, you get more involved when you listen. Streaming service is OK but owning a record is much better for me. And streaming service doesn't have everything that's released.

[@michaelswitzer3186]

A question please: I am setting up my first system, and for speakers I purchased the Graham ls 6 which have an MSRP of about $4,000-$4,500. If I use the Node as the streamer in the system will it adequately bring out the high quality of the speakers or would I have to spend more on a streamer. I am older and very attracted to the apparent simplicity of the Node’s use. Thank you.

[@MODAC]

The Node is a good sounding streamer, but adding a really good DAC to it will be an audible improvement. Thanks

[@michaelswitzer3186]

@@MODAC Thank you.

[@dz2877]

Nice video thanks. GO BIRDS!!!

[@rts100x5]

Im an installer and have been using Nodes this year as Sonos Port is unavailable due to shortages... and yes they do sound very good BUT ..one of them has all ready developed the dreaded buffering issue just like so many Sonos units are prone to...As of yet there is no answer though Tech Support (just like Sonos) will tell you "ITS YOUR NETWORK" which is bullshit for one reason ....it works fine for a week or two or a month or several months ..then all of a sudden it starts buffering - you've probably heard of changing the 2.4ghz channel to a different frequency and this may or may not help - it did not help many of the Sonos Connect units so there you have it.....

[@MODAC]

Interesting. I’m using Ethernet, so no issues. Thx

[@webfrasse]

Had my node for months. No buffer issues as far as I can see. Same for Sonos which I've had for more than 4 years (home movie setup and multiple rooms configured). For Sonos you should connect at least one speaker to a wired output. That will re-configure all Sonos speakers to use it's own mesh and network channel.

[@ClausenLT]

I want to make those RCA cables. I wish he had said what RCA's connectors he was using. I have some CAT5E I'm not using, I'd like to give this a try. Silver Sonic sells their connectors which I've used to build cables, I wonder what he thinks of using them as speaker cables too.

[@MODAC]

I’ll ask him.

[@ClausenLT]

@@MODAC Oh that would be awesome. I have a Node coming Monday. I made some cables a few months ago and I used DH Labs (Silver Sonic) cable and connectors, but I didn't like the cable all that much. It looks real nice on the outside, but it's basically a digital cable type internals. I am also a DIY, I have built several speakers, (from published plans) that stuff he does is above my skill set however.

[@dannyfannyfoodle]

Why are Ross’s speakers 3 feet apart? And why position them directly on top of the subs? It subjects them to all the vibrations from the subs and places them way off the proper vertical axis. I don’t get it.

[@MODAC]

It works for him.

[@dannyfannyfoodle]

@@MODAC Ha! Fair enough. He’s obviously a very bright guy and quite skilled with DIY stuff. Side note - if you ever decide to sell your Acoustat TNT200, I would definitely be a buyer - and probably close enough that I could pick up. I’ve been on the lookout for a nice example for many years. It’s a great amp!

[@davidgill2520]

Hi, I think he has a space limitation, sometimes we don’t see the obvious. I think the video was on streaming.

[@robertm8518]

I suggest greatly isolating those sub woofers from the speaker cabinets or you’re adding distortion to them….

[@MODAC]

He likes it as is.

[@nicholas6823]

I like the real world, down to earth talk about hifi. I only wish the bluesound worked with apple music in full hi res. Maybe that will happen in the future. I have been collecting cds for free or a dollar from the charity stores lately. However I don’t own a cd player right now. I stream with sonos 5s but more for casual listening. Looking for the right streamer for my hifi set up when funds allow. Still enjoy the vinyl experience, but there is a ritual involved in the playing for sure. Sort of part of the fun.

[@bruunm1975]

Yes, only thing missing is Apple Music integration. Tidal works great. But Tidal for CarPlay sucks… whereas Apple Music was flawless.

[@davidgill2520]

Hi, get yourself a Bluesound Vault, it streams and rips your cds to it’s hard drive. No need for a laptop. Also for me, I would forget about Hi Res there is not enough music out there and even still you would need excellent gear like a hi end dac to get the benefit. Just commenting take care

[@bruunm1975]

@@davidgill2520 i know that was not directed at me ;) But I got not a single CD anymore... Moving across the globe will do that to you ;)

[@davidgill2520]

@@bruunm1975 Hi, I don’t quite understand your question.

[@bruunm1975]

@@davidgill2520 no question. You said get yourself a vault to rip all your CDs. And I said I know this was in response to original comment not me, but I personally don’t have any CDs anymore. Sorry for confusion ;)

[@robertm8518]

What DAC is he using? That makes some of the biggest difference in the sound! The built in DAC is just ok…

[@MODAC]

The point was to use the built in DAC. Thanks

[@michaelwright1602]

No USB out, and would someone explain how this HDMI port is supposed to work? I like the unit, but it seems a bit neglected by the Node folks... This USB out has been an issue for quite awhile, too long in my book, and the reason I am looking for alternatives. Fill me in on the HDMI connection, are we supposed to use a splitter? One cable to use for audio and one to the TV? I don't think I am the only one wondering about this HDMI connect.

[@MODAC]

Latest update adds USB. Look it up.

[@michaelwright1602]

@@MODAC I was just over there, did not see it being addressed. Thanks for the heads up.

[@kennethoransky4881]

Quesrion: I use a notebook computer to stream Qobuz and other sources through my dac. Why is the Blue streamer better?

[@johnhead3431]

I've been trying to get an answer to this too. Why not just plug your laptop into your dac?

[@MODAC]

I thought the same thing before I bought the node. I still use my Mac mini with my desk system. 1. It sits with your other components and is a much tidier set up. Can be controlled wirelessly with your phone or computer. 2. Easily moved between systems, or create a network of Nodes. 3. I find it has cleaner sound than streaming coming from the computer. I bought it so I can stream on a system that’s not easily connected to a computer. Like the one in the family room or a bedroom.

[@johnhead3431]

@@MODAC I see your points. Couple of questions/ points though; 1, what is it's dac on a par with? and 2, more generally, a good cable can make a huge difference from laptop to dac to amp eg Supra do a really good one for £30. Even with an upsampling dac, the laptop itself remains a variable. I'm still curious to try out the Bluesound Node though, just trying to figure out if it's a good enough jump for the dosh.

[@ragingbullwinkle4188]

A, it's sounds amazing, B Works really well. For more kzbin.info/www/bejne/j164iYt_aa2HjJI

[@webfrasse]

Kind of obvious. Not having to use a notebook:-) Just using your smartphone or actually a regular remote from your listening position. You can also attach a USB disk directly to the NODE and play all your highres files.

[@TheChrisleekay]

Cd's, SACD, Hi-Res streaming are completely my bag, don't get vinyl, too many negatives and not enough positives IMHO

[@ufarkingicehole]

I'm probably going to upset people... My Samsung Note 9 sounds better than my bluesound node 2 for streaming music. I've tried it with dozens of setups and always come to the same conclusion

[@petecap4382]

Man you got that guy hooked on the node then took it away that's not rite shame, shame

[@MODAC]

He’s going stick with the laptop for the time being. He can afford his own. Thanks

[@TexSupport]

Cool device!!! Horrible company!!! They simply don't care about their customers. Nor their commitment to promised features. USB Audio out STILL IS NOT AVAILABLE!!!

[@stephen063078]

$500 seems high just for a streaming device. I’m not sold on it.

[@ericthemauve]

Your loss.

[@user-xh5pi2nf9q]

It does a lot more than that actually. eArc for your TV, wireless whole home audio, and input for a phonostage make it a great option to build an affordable whole home solution. Plus you can connect 2x wireless speakers plus a sub and this little device is a great little family room solution as long as you are fine with Dolby Digital and not worried about Atmos

[@bwalsberg]

……😂 that is because you did not have to buy 150 CD’s at $15-$20 a pop……….I think its a bargain…….it is particularly great if you have a vintage system you are adding to (assuming the sound was good to begin with).

[@stephen063078]

@@bwalsberg actually I did. I was an early 90s kid and I remember paying $30 or more for some cds. I still have over 500 cds that I bought over the years. An old pc can work just as good as that device.

[@webfrasse]

For a streaming device and DAC of that quality? Sounds like an entry level device into audiophile territory. Feel free to point to cheaper and better solutions.

[@bluemax1955]

After all the glowing review bought the blue sound. First off the app is absolutely horrible and basicly needed. The IOS app is so bad I’m shipping the blue sound back today. Blue sound should be embarrassed to put their name on that piece of buggy crap.

[@peteanddrake4242]

anyone with a smart tv or computer or tablet has no use for this device. Also....how good is this elderly man's hearing anyway?????

[@MODAC]

His hearing may not be working as well as yours, but I’m certain that his brain is working much better.