Sample Test - Bluesound Node VS Node 2i

We have the brand new Bluesound NODE in our listening room. Of course we are interested in the differences between the new NODE and the previous Bluesound Node 2i. Well... we recorded both for you. Have fun!

[@georgedomse]

We all would fail this in a blind test.

[@SvenfromKiel]

Impressive recording and presentation..for my old ears the 2i has a bit more body and is also a bit opener...

[@indyvin]

Very high quality demo. Easy to compare. Most fail at accomplishing this. Like many others I preferred the older Node 2i. More open, clear, and dynamic. The new unit - smooth, bland, and boring.

[@Mikey1962]

So why dont you tell us, which one do you prefer. Since were not in that room and KZbin compresses the heck out of video and audio how can anybody really decide which one is better if at all ?

[@veritas932]

this reviewer is a cop out. doesn't tell us anything. complete waste of time

[@991carreras3]

The perfect question to ask. And still no reply from them.

[@Puroplatino]

The old one seems more dynamic and the new one sounds smoother.

[@jasonnewby7358]

Now put a lps on the one you feel is bright/digital and listen how it sounds in comparison to the new unit. Best channel for Audio now as you guys are demonstrating differences and not just giving your opinion which compliments these demos👍

[@stevewarner8686]

Awesome system!

[@johnwerner4925]

I naturally expect the newer unit to extract more and I think it did but did seem hotter in treble range. I'd like to know if the Node 2i could be compared to the Cocktail Audio N25 as in how good is the N25 at over twice the cost

[@audiophile466]

The new one has a darker background, tighter bass, more spatial presence, but also rolled off highs/leading edges, less attack and seemingly less dynamic.

[@IQisDEAD]

It's really not an easy comparison. I've listened to this video a few times and the video where you compare the Node2i to the Bluesound Node2i Power Supply modification. I myself have just the Bluesound Node2i Power Supply modification at home. I listened to your videos on the ADI 2 DAC + Sennheiser hd 560s. In the end, without any problems, I also stay my Bluesound Node2i Power Supply modification. Thanks a lot, you are doing a great job, keep it up :-).

[@BennyRadjasa]

I just found out from Darko Audio, these units have high pass and low pass filter (LFE), which is quite cool. I do experience some sibilance with my 2i, hope the new unit is better.

[@TheAlphaAudio]

It is

[@BrentLeVasseur]

Is that being demonstrated in this video, because if so, I can’t hear it.

[@bingoberra18]

The filters are on the powernode wich has an amplifier with sub out. These streamer DACs in the video doesnt have the filter.

[@Jeipr]

@@bingoberra18 the the node also has a sub out and uses the high pass filter

[@Maccaboy1984]

Are you using the Bluesound Dacs or digital out into an external dac. NODE seems crisper, faster and deeper, esp. on the first track.

[@TheAlphaAudio]

All tests are with the analog output on fixed mode...

[@JuanLega]

Are there any differences when using the digital outputs hooked up to an external DAC?

[@TheAlphaAudio]

@@JuanLega haven't tried that yet.

[@ronalddejong9760]

@@TheAlphaAudio Please try if there is any difference when both of them use digital out?

[@TheAlphaAudio]

@@ronalddejong9760 we will. There will be a full review soon

[@cablebrain9691]

Maybe it's my home stereo system, the limitations of KZbin, or my hearing capability (starts to roll-off at about 8K Left & 11K Right), but I found the Node 2i to sound more open, rhythmic, and, uncompressed, with better bass depth and delineation than the newer Node. But maybe the Node 2i is actually overly bright, causing it to sound better to me over a rolled-off and compressed system. After listening through an inexpensive set of headphones on my laptop, my view is altered quite a bit. I now feel that the mids are a bit more full, and the treble slightly smoother and less thin on the Node, with the bass seeming more rounded. Maybe a bit darker overall. While there is a clear difference between the two, comparatively it is difficult for me to come to an absolute conclusion as to which would perform better in my system. I'd love to hear from others who may have a higher-end/more revealing setup. I "suspect" that the Node is the better sounding product. SIDE NOTE: Keep in mind that if one's hearing capability is uneven (such as mine), headphones will not give a true representation of the sound that will be heard through your home stereo speakers, as your two ears are not hearing both channels as they do through speakers, unless you have the ability to crossfade the two channels within your headphones, and even that's not a perfect solution. In the aforementioned scenario it might be preferable to listen to tests like this in mono, except for judging soundstaging attributes. For those using headphones to judge the sound here: If you are eventually going to be listening on a "speakered" stereo system, don't discount the room's affect on the fit of any component into your system. I'd suggest taking care of that first, if possible.

[@BrentLeVasseur]

You need to listen on headphones and use an external DAC to hear the differences. I am using Hifiman Sundara headphones connected to a THX Onyx dongle DAC and am playing youtube from my iPad Pro.

[@markitoxi]

It is great though that the new node is able to be used as a transport only and play in an external DAC , letting you choose whichever sound signature you prefer

[@cablebrain9691]

@@BrentLeVasseur I mostly agree. I'll just reiterate that one should also not discount the affect of room interaction with speakers, unless headphones will be the only method used for playback. I'm doing the best with what I've got here. Unfortunately I can't find my better set of headphones. 😋

[@ronsummerill2496]

@@markitoxi the 2i does that as well, I play mine through a Arcam D33.

[@cablebrain9691]

@@ronsummerill2496 I'd be curious to know how each unit's digital outputs would compare showcased through a good DAC. If they sounded the same, I'd much prefer to pick-up a used Node 2i and save a few bucks. I eventually plan on getting a new DAC, and possibly upgrading the streamer not too long after that.

[@tillaard61]

Did you hear a significant difference?

[@TheAlphaAudio]

Yes... Definately.

[@rafamarszaek1487]

@@TheAlphaAudio and Node sounds better? KZbin comparing doesn’t show the differences clearly.

[@TheAlphaAudio]

@@rafamarszaek1487 You can download lossless samples from alpha-audio.net. You also find the written review there.

[@rafamarszaek1487]

@@TheAlphaAudio I have listened all samples and decided NOT to change my node 2i. Differences are marginal, I would even say Node 2i sounds BETTER. Maybe if I had no streamer, but I do - I do have Node 2i. Changing it into Node seems to be senseless.

[@macstar8317]

Difference is marginal. Not unexpected.

[@IrenESorius]

Cool,, thanks,, cheers,, 🍻😎👍‍‍!

[@mikush101]

Hi, thanks for the great video and review. Have you compared them both using an external dac? Any sound difference? Thank you

[@TheAlphaAudio]

Both use internal dac in the video. I haven't tried an external dac, because the result completely depends on the dac.

[@tess6499]

@@TheAlphaAudio is de node2 een duidelijke verbetering tov de node1? Dankje

[@weldon7828]

That’s the point. I’d like to know if the improvement is in the DAC or the streamer.

[@TheAlphaAudio]

@@weldon7828 mostly the dac.

[@bruunm1975]

How much is the responsiveness improved of selecting and finding songs etc? As In how much is it all faster and smoother compared to 2i. I have neither. But my Bluesound will fed RCA into Yamaha 303 into Monitor Audio “Monitor 200’s”. So I doubt it will be night and day in sound quality. Happy to stand corrected. Lastly. Cudos for Steven Wilson. How good do his recordings sound 😎

[@TheAlphaAudio]

The CPU is almost twice as fast. So it's quicker.

[@bruunm1975]

@@TheAlphaAudio iThank you and yes I get that on paper. How much difference does it make? I am currently struggling with the Musiccast App and it takes forever to load album covers etc. So I am hoping the much faster CPU in new NODE would be as smooth as say from the phone or desktop app. Not something form a 1997 dial up ;)

[@arch8431]

Hello: would you please inform about the speakers you are using? Nice setup

[@easyphotoshop1264]

Those are amazing speakers I think they are the Focal Sopra

[@TheAlphaAudio]

Correct!

[@z.s.9855]

The new Node h as slightly tolled off highs and it’s slightly fatter in the bass. That’s what I’m hearing. Was it fully broke in?

[@robert-kb4iu]

which is better according to you

[@TheAlphaAudio]

That is irrelevant... You have to like it.

[@roelofassies4058]

Have you also tested the Node against the Node 2i with modified Power supply module together with Linear Power supply ?

[@TheAlphaAudio]

No. Both are stock

[@roelofassies4058]

Ok , will you test against the upgraded version in the near future ?

[@TheAlphaAudio]

@@roelofassies4058 nope .. sorry. I have build the node back to stock. Not going to swap IT out for one test :-).

[@cablebrain9691]

@@TheAlphaAudio Was the reason for swapping it back just to keep it as a stock reference?

[@TheAlphaAudio]

@@cablebrain9691 yes. We need a stock version for testing. The modded one sounded better.

[@bryfar6178]

Thank goodness I cant hear a difference. Just got a perfect used Node 2i for $300. $350 more for the new model would be a step in diminishing returns.

[@BrentLeVasseur]

The node 2i sounds better but only by a small hair of a difference. lol Are you using the internal DACs on both units? The new node is supposed to have a better DAC from Burstrom.

[@TheAlphaAudio]

Both are using internal dacs.

[@pierreg.tessier2708]

The DAC is actually a Texas Instruments chip, TI5242 with differential output implementation, to lower the noise and distorsion level even more than the previous Node 2i, so it is different model than the Node 2i. TI bought the Burr Brown DAC company a few years ago.

[@BrentLeVasseur]

@@pierreg.tessier2708 Thanks! And that’s why I was surprised that the node 2i sounds slightly better in this recording as that new DAC implementation is supposed to be an improvement over the node 2i.

[@larsv6144]

Note net iets beter; iets minder schelle hoge tonen, iets ruimtelijker, tikje warmer. Minimale upgrade, maar wel hoorbaar. (geluisterd met Hifiman HE400i, Emotiva BasX100 (jumper geplaatst) en Dragonfly Red aan een iMac)

[@yippie6862]

I like the older 2i better. The new Node is more refined but boring sounding.

[@danielthomas7747]

I do not see any difference..... but have you felt any difference when you made the test? Thank you.... because it is some good deal on the Node2 but I hesitate....

[@TheAlphaAudio]

Check the Volumio Primo. Sounds better. And with a decent PSU it sounds amazing.

[@danielthomas7747]

@@TheAlphaAudio I am using the Node as a preamplifier this is why i am interested by the Node 🙂

[@ruudstet3186]

Hebben jullie ook nog een c658 staan om mee te vergelijken? Ben zelf van een 2i naar de c658 gegaan. Tussen die twee is er een duidelijk verschil. Ben benieuwd of die afstand nu kleiner is geworden

[@TheAlphaAudio]

Nope... Die is retour!

[@michbest]

What?

[@deyh5664]

​@@michbestwhat what... They are speaking Dutch

[@eldonfung4997]

The Node 2i allows digital out with SPDIF/Optical, does with Node offer USB output to external DAC?

[@malcatron]

Original press release said that USB audio 2.0 would be "Available for free with future software update" - not sure if the first shipment has that update though.

[@cristim9779]

Now that is what i was hoping to see. I've lost my time watching the review of the node on hans beek.. and something channel and he said nothing about it's sound quality except that is sounds very good.

[@cablebrain9691]

It's "The Hans Beekhuyzen Channel", and he said that to him the difference in sound quality was "less than tiny". He stated that the units benefited from the MQA filtering, whether what was being played was MQA encoded or not, and went on to explain that aspect a bit further. He noted that the Node had no significant sibilance problems, or sounds harsh or thin, "it just makes music." He gave a brief history and the way by which it could be connected to additional Bluesound products. He opened-up the units and compared the circuitry within both versions of the Nodes and the added features/functionality of the new model. He tested it on his setup 1 (a 40k+ system) and 2, and showed the details of those setups. He let it be known that it was not a good match for much more expensive systems, but that it had no significant flaws. So what you have stated, misrepresents his video. If you think that listening through a mic'd pair of speakers and electronics (with which you are likely unfamiliar), compressed through KZbin, and played back on your own network and stereo components will give you any sort of "absolutes" concerning sound quality, you'd be seriously mistaken. You CAN however glean SOME differences between units from Alpha Audio's demonstrations, along with other review site comments and/or demonstrations. It's all useful. If you knew nothing about either of these two streamers, and you were told that they both cost $5,000, how could you determine otherwise? Certainly not from these tests. Hans Beekhuyzen gives you a lot of information, however incomplete, as with all review/comparison channels. Although he did make it clear that it is not in the same league as his Mytek Brooklyn with external Ferrum Hypsos power supply. Thumbs-up to both sites (and others) for helping us come to some sort of conclusions, however unavoidably flawed their methods of testing, and their ability to convey relatable descriptions, may be. Most all review channels compliment the others, and should be looked upon that way.

[@xstensl8823]

i can not tell a difference. my main concern is that the new Node will handle and index a large 6TB WD hard drive via USB of flac. without any hiccups or wait time with the new processor? sound would me academic since i use an external DAC

[@BrentLeVasseur]

You need to listen on a pair of good headphones and use an external DAC to hear the differences. I am using the Hifiman Sundara headphones with a THX Onyx dongle DAC connected to an iPad pro.

[@xstensl8823]

@@BrentLeVasseur and.....

[@BrentLeVasseur]

@@xstensl8823 And the Node 2I sounds slightly better than the new node, but only slightly. Its not a huge difference.

[@sweetsilage]

I could not tell the difference. A couple of time I could tell the switch but that's it.

[@governmentliars4673]

Would anyone feel the need to add an external DAC like a Denafrips Are II or some other higher quality DAC? Advice sought please?

[@TheAlphaAudio]

That completely depends on the rest of the chain.

[@DJMikeron]

The new node n130 is better without ext DAC I’ve tried Gustard a22 , Cambridge 851 D, smsl 400 . I prefer without ext DAC.

[@digitalampco7640]

We are an authorized dealer of the Node. We also make the Cherry DAC DAC with an SNR of 130dB+, and has DC coupled, true balanced outputs. The built-in DAC of the Node has an SNR of 113dB, is single ended, and is AC coupled. The SNR difference of almost 20dB is a significant improvement for high performance systems.

[@gordonm6128]

Sounds identical.

[@edmondobruschi5004]

non cambia nulla all'ascolto specie in una registrazione postatat su you tube, chi nota differenze èsolo placebo visivo

[@paulweho9685]

please,can ou check this problem: The player shuts down after pressing Play for 5 seconds, but cannot be restarted - only by interrupting the power. My 2i did this easily by touching the play bottom. it is only when he is in deep sleep overnight or for a longer period of time

[@TheAlphaAudio]

Sorry. That's hard to analyse. Try a factory reset. Otherwise, go back to the dealer for a replacement.

[@paulweho9685]

@@TheAlphaAudio sorry, of course.it was meant more for those who already have one

[@DavidHi-Fi]

New NODE more punchy and focus on details: better than previews 2i 💪🏻

[@Puroplatino]

I’ve got it the other way mate. The old one seems more punchy and the new one sounds a little smoother.

[@pjwillsr]

Just got the Node...too bad I cannot get it to connect to my wireless...waiting on their support..ugh. Lots of complaints on wireless issues.

[@BrentLeVasseur]

you should use a network cable. i think the sound quality is worse with wifi.

[@pjwillsr]

@@BrentLeVasseur Ok, but my router is in another room from the tv and receiver. Will the BluOs app operate ok via my smart phone from that distance? I don't care if I can't use the touch buttons on the unit.

[@BrentLeVasseur]

I have an NAD T778 AV receiver that uses BlueOS and it is in another room from my speakers. I can connect to it via the wifi network and control it with the iOS app. If your Node is connected to your network by ethernet cable and your iPhone is connected via WIFI you can still control the Node with your phone as its the same network.

[@backrack01]

Damn. I also plan on using the node via wifi since my network is on the other side of the room from my stereo equipment. Hopefully things work out.

[@JLSGK]

I had the same issue with my Node 2i and WiFi. Their support couldn’t do anything. I ultimately got the internet extenders that run the signal through the electrical circuit and then run Ethernet to the node.

[@kjltube]

Would you be wiling to share your preference of the two regarding sound?

[@TheAlphaAudio]

We will in the review. It's online next week. :-)

[@kjltube]

As Kim Wilde sang, “you just keep me hanging on” lol

[@TheAlphaAudio]

@@kjltube sorry!

[@kjltube]

@@TheAlphaAudio no worries

[@TheAlphaAudio]

@@kjltube Review is live at 17:00 today on alpha-audio.net.

[@nycbass78]

I just got this new “node” and it sound quality is not up to par with an Iphone/cobalt combo I was replacing it with.any suggestions?

[@TheAlphaAudio]

Give it some time. A week or so...

[@nycbass78]

@champer slimmerthannone no Im not,I’m using the internal dac,I was hoping it would sound as good as my cobalt dragonfly dac,as I didn’t want to spend or connect another hardware in my system and I don’t think I can connect the cobalt to it.

[@nycbass78]

@champer slimmerthannone Thanks for the reply,I would definitely take the topping dac into consideration.👍🏼

[@piotrkonieczynski]

DACs are not day and night differences. Yoy can be absolutely right that little things can be same or even better. Whatever is more convenient for you.

[@991carreras3]

Hey alfaaudio how about telling us the difference between them and which one do you think is better. We can't tell we're listening on youtube. So?

[@TheAlphaAudio]

You can read the full review on www.alpha-audio.net.

[@sjaakvansoest9210]

Dit even beluisterd met audio-gd 28.28 dac en hifi man Sundara (beide XLR) de nieuwste node klinkt wat warmer, maar definitie is beter, lijkt allemaal wat losser en strakker.

[@TheAlphaAudio]

Yep!

[@christianreyes409]

2i too bright , cymbals just a tad to forward, new version smoother neutral not in a bad way but true tonality to the track . New version wins

[@GBGOLC]

I could not tell any difference. I have the 2i.

[@higobatman]

I found the Node more neutral and clean. The Node 2i with the warmest sound and the most background noise. What is the name of the second track?

[@TheAlphaAudio]

Thanks. Steven Wilson - Self

[@peterminartz4992]

Steven Wilson made some good sounding albums last couple of years, very nice!

[@TheAlphaAudio]

@@peterminartz4992 very nice... Big fan of his music.

[@photomusicman9413]

Is this using the Node's internal DAC?

[@TheAlphaAudio]

Yes

[@photomusicman9413]

@@TheAlphaAudio Thank you.

[@philippeghost4902]

Compare audio via youtube : nonsense

[@backrack01]

Are people receiving theirs already?

[@TheAlphaAudio]

They should be available.

[@backrack01]

@@TheAlphaAudio I "pre ordered" it from their website awhile back. Pre orders are now sold out and have yet seen any delivery confirmation. Probably should have bought from music direct. Lol Ah well, we'll see. :)

[@intothedragon]

@@backrack01 I bought mine at my dealers last Saturday

[@backrack01]

@@intothedragon right on.

[@paulweho9685]

@@backrack01 please,can ou check this problem: The player shuts down after pressing Play for 5 seconds, but cannot be restarted - only by interrupting the power. My 2i did this easily by touching the play bottom. it is only when he is in deep sleep overnight or for a longer period of time

[@kdomster9141]

can you compare both as digital transport and use same out board DAC ?

[@TheAlphaAudio]

Check our reviews on alpha-audio.net. We did that with the previous models. Digital out the differences are smaller, but still the new one is slightly cleaner.

[@kdomster9141]

@@TheAlphaAudio It could be power supply tweak to the new one, old ones weakest link was its power supply...once upgraded it made it sound much better

[@TheAlphaAudio]

@@kdomster9141 the psu-mod improved the analog out mostly. Digital Out was almost the same in my opinion.

[@kdomster9141]

@@TheAlphaAudio what outboard LPS did you use, and what internal PS did you use? Was it the " Polish" one?

[@nickburak7518]

This wont come out tastefully. I have to respectfully put this out there for all (reviewer included). First of all, wonderful song selection (new to me). While I appreciate the efforts to help us out, we'd be better of hearing your opinion - as you are the one in your room! Because of the compressed KZbin audio algorithm we will not hear hardly a difference, even if we ourselves are playing this on a good system or good headphones. For those who think that they can hear a difference, you may be fooling yourself. Audiophiles learn about the sonic benefits and differences of equipment in the very space that they are working in. They use the best cables and wires and room treatment they can get. Their education is not via KZbin. This audio here is not as good as cd-quality sound, so forget about hearing hi-res audio (which is what the Node is for!). And even if KZbin was outputting at hirez audio, and even if we had hirez system at home, and despite the nice equipment we see in the video, the question remains: what sound recording equipment and room treatment did TheAlphaAudio do? If this was a live band in a proper studio with proper microphones and good mixing equipment, would we be hearing a top quality comparison? Not if it was played through KZbin! So the next time anyone sees a KZbin sound demo, kindly help the reviewer understand what's going on, because they are missing the point. Or just click next...unless you came for the music, then it's simply lovely.

[@TheAlphaAudio]

Thank you for your opinion. We always do both: sample and write a review. You can even download the lossless samples. So... Whatever helps you the most.

[@nickburak7518]

@@TheAlphaAudio Oh!? Please forgive me - I feel like an ass. But indeed hearing the lossless samples is key (and the written review). I will stick around and learn more from you. How can I find your downloads and written reviews? (I can't find this information in your channel info or video description) Edit: Found it (from another video... alpha-audio.net/)!

[@TheAlphaAudio]

@@nickburak7518 yes... Https://alpha-audio.net. login and you will see a sample menu. Thanks for sticking around.

[@DomRivers67]

@@nickburak7518 Yeah, bit of an issue with sound samples on most media, at the end of the day the strongest sound signature you're going to hear is the equipment you are listening through....after YT has had its wicked way....and the vagaries of the posters microphone set up. It does allow a bit of an idea of sound signature difference when comparing equipment A/B, however you do have to accept that neither item may sound like that when in the room. To be fair, even if all hat could be addressed, it would probably sound totally different in your own system and listening space anyway. So even downloading the lossless files is a bit of a crap shoot.

[@nickburak7518]

@@DomRivers67 Thanks for your input, Dominic. Here's my question for you. Have you ever heard a significant enough difference through a YT comparison that compelled you to buy the item in question? I never have heard a difference, what to speak about making a decision based on that. And if you have purchased said item, did it work out for you? Thanks.

[@intothedragon]

Posting audio comparison tests on youtube is pointless. You should release the full spectrum audio track file for download so we can hear in a decent player. KZbin compresses everything

[@TheAlphaAudio]

Well, than it is a great thing we actually post the lossless files in our database for you to download! :-). Check alpha-audio.nl / alpha-audio.net and register. Than - after logging in - you will see a menu with Samples.

[@intothedragon]

@@TheAlphaAudio Hey that's nice!! thank you for the good test and review

[@TheAlphaAudio]

@@intothedragon welcome!

[@eldonfung4997]

The Node 2i allows digital out with SPDIF/Optical, does thenew Node offers USB output to external DAC?

[@TheAlphaAudio]

Not that I know.

[@pierreg.tessier2708]

Yes the new Node will offer USB output to external DACs, but in a future update of firmware

[@LazyCrazyGuy]

@@pierreg.tessier2708 will it hinder the MQA decoder from fully unfolding tracks if USB DAC output is used?

[@pierreg.tessier2708]

@@LazyCrazyGuy we donn’t know yet, the USB out function is still not activated on Node 2021. It will be released in a future firmware update. I wouldn’t see why not. If correctly implemented, I may only guess that USB Out will enable MQA to be unfolded by a compatible external DAC. We will see when the function is activated in the future.