WOWSERS! Bluesound POWERNODE (2021) w/ KEF KC62

[@DarkoAudio]

*PLEASE READ CAREFULLY* Please be a decent human being and keep your sexist/racist thoughts and conspiracy theories to yourself. External links are also a no-no. Comments that *advance* the conversation are most welcome.

[@jasonharley8230]

I've watched this review about 4 times now, each time I do, it costs me money, first the powernode, then the LS50 Meta's and now my credit card is twitching in fear, as I contemplate the KC62 ! Love the passion and enthusiasm, it's contagious !

[@jasonharley8230]

bought the KC62 today !

[@rayoux]

@@jasonharley8230 Hey, looking to buy the same setup haha, can you share your feedback please, powernode 2021+metas+kc 62 ?

[@rayoux]

@@jasonharley8230 any feedback on your setup ?

[@DeclanOKaneMD]

LS50 easily beaten by cheaper kef speakers . Sold mine.

[@gipht1]

@@DeclanOKaneMD interesting, which ones? I was looking for a more budget friendly option tbh

[@MrBearfaced]

I have the original Node (not the powernode) and what impresses me is that it still gets updates and hasn't been made obsolete to force me to buy a new unit. This sort of thing makes me more loyal to a brand because (so far) I know I'm not going to be dumped.

[@mechdude1]

Thanks for that awesome info Justin... Very useful... Since these are very high tech units... The software etc moves along pretty quickly... So I agree with you totally that The unit itself updating and staying current is an incredible feature 😉👍

[@Charlie-ce2zt]

“There is very little cable salad coming from the back…” Priceless. Wonderful review, thank you. Cheers.

[@billd9667]

Thanks for covering the high pass feature. That’s huge. Most other reviewers either missed it or didn’t care to mention it. Indeed, that makes it like a good bi-amped full range system, which should be everyone’s goal.

[@nickwall]

I’m not really an audiophile, just love John’s content and taste in music! But I find it hard to believe that applying a high pass filter automatically isn’t a completely standard approach when you are applying a low pass filter - why wouldn’t it be? Surely it’s illogical to pump out the low frequencies via two speaker channels, when you’ve already told the sub to handle it? Odd! But regardless, this seems a lovely bit of kit. Shame I’m wall to wall Sonos already (see, told you I’m no audiophile!)

[@randallseltzer6929]

@@nickwall don't you just need one or the other? I run an external high pass to my mains and the sub itself just let's the lows thru..

[@TheDrumphile]

Agree 100%. I have a competing streamer pre-amp that is a little bit older and had to buy an active crossover to get this ability. The difference in smoothness when integrating a sub with smaller stand-mount speakers is huge. If I choose to upgrade I will definitely consider one of these Bluesound streamers.

[@DomRivers67]

Does the high pass work if you use the Node with an offboard DAC?

[@AntonMochalin]

@@DomRivers67 I think it should, in such "digital" amps like this Powernode all the inputs including analog ones are processed in the digital domain. Not 100% sure but very likely. And this brings the question of why you'd need an external DAC for a device like this except for when you have some extremely good external DAC (and then you can probably afford a much better power amp).

[@repsych]

Thanks! Your enthusiasm for the internal crossover between sub-pre-out and main power amp is justified and a joy to hear. The designers deserve their success.

[@peymey]

I love how the quality of your content is just constantly evolving. Every video is better than the last one. Keep up the good work!

[@richarddutchholland4780]

Last week I listen to a friends set up in his home which was quite amazing for what he actually has. He’s using a set of KEF LSX active speakers with the new KEF KC62 sub. Brilliant minimalist setup... I loved it

[@Unicorn-ST]

That’s is what is great using 2.1 system... the important in the speakers is the midrange and high range, you can use smaller ones like the LSX. I love using a subwoofer for listening to music. And I also think that use a good AV receiver is a good idea to get a very good performance if your recordings, transport and speakers are good enough. And any good AV receiver has internal crossover, despite you can use it for stereo or surround sound

[@АндрійБогомол-р3т]

hey buddy, could you please clarify, kef lsx still using through 2 different applications, one for streaming and another one for setting, or these two are combined in one now?

[@dixieflatline1189]

@@АндрійБогомол-р3т i have LSX in my study - yes it still uses the 2 apps. I dont think KEF will move to the newer app as they said its hardware dependent & the LSX cant support it. You can bypass this by using Roon, which is a much better experience anyway.

[@FabianFP]

@Transact Media you can use a dali Menuet, for example! Really great 👊

[@superpeca]

Come for the review, stay for the music and Olaf's artistry !

[@fredrikb2867]

After thirty years longing for 2-channel again I went to my local hifi-dealer in 2020. They presented Bluesound Powernode 2i(2x60 watt). They had paired it with B&W 707 s2. At first when listening to it in their listening room I thought they were pulling my leg. My first thought was "How is it possible that these small loudspeakers with this small amplifier can sound so fantastic". It was just jaw-dropping. For instance, the bass coming out from these small elements is amazing. The problem I have now is that it sounds better than my other amplifier which cost 4 times more.

[@Birmingham_racing]

I've got this powernode on my 707 s2. Yeah they sound really big for the size

[@stuartstark]

I like your attitude towards high-end audio.

[@robineur]

Thank you very much for this review, Mr. Darko. You may have found the perfect setup for me. - My three-year search may be over - at last!

[@kevpage]

@@morespinach9832 I’ve owned two for a very long time and not had a problem, ever. Maybe I have decent WiFi

[@UKDagnar]

The joy that this set up has clearly bought to your enjoyment of music is clear. Nice to see you so effervescent about it, makes me want to go and try it out in a listening room.

[@HeadhunterUK007]

Your passion is infectious and you have a great way of explaining a very difficult subject. I was a hifi enthusiast back in the 80's/90's but had no money. Thankfully I have a bit of disposable income now and you've helped me re-ignite my love of hifi and music. Thank you.

[@trevekneebone369]

Another great video John. Glad to see that you have discovered the joys of 2.1 setups! I am pleased to report that this bass management feature (incl. high pass filter) also works with the ancient Powernode 2 (Gen 2). I have a small sub supplementing my ceiling speakers in my tiny den - all managed by the Powernode 2. You might also consider purchasing the Bluesound remote control handset, which also features numbered buttons dedicated to the presets - very family friendly 👍

[@christelleberthon]

1 year later, I still go back to this video, dreaming so hard to have this system, but can't because of chronic poverty of a musician. I've listened to the Powernode with the LS50 meta (without the sub) and it was amazing. I totally understand your enthusiasm with envy.

[@BlueCliff72]

I just caught some metas on eBay for $900! I'm about to enter into hifi with this same system with a powernode. I've also heard that a Rel T5/i or T5/x is pretty damn comparable to the KC62 at a third to half the price, but I have to hold off on the sub. Hang in there! You'll be in hifi someday (though ironically enough, I wish I was more of a musician than I currently am, but I ended up going a more blue collar route)

[@spencerjones2035]

John I love how you’ve tied together all your work on the Metas, the KC 62 and now the Powernode (waiting on mine currently!). This beats other reviewers talking about crap for 30 minutes by far. Very practical and fun.

[@DarkoAudio]

None of these things exist in isolation, so tie-ins are built-in by design. That means I'm not just churning through product reviews, week in, week out, but running a thread through them.

[@MoRZ47]

This video really was a culmination of having subscribed to this channel since November

[@mrebear9758]

@@DarkoAudio as an LS50 Meta owner, this content has been perfect for me.

[@macraemorse]

I have been running the Powernode 2i with HDMI for nearly a year now. Fantastic bit of kit and kudos to Bluesound for the frequent updates and new features. Really like the look of the improved top panel on the new box. Great video as always.

[@vic95v]

I.m here just to say "thank you!". All of you here should srarch for "The Orb" guys on Tidal. Most of the songs were launched a few years before I was born which makes them even more amazing.

[@anthonyreeckman96]

G’day John,Thanks for the enthusiastic review of this setup.I started with the new Powernode,then added the KC62 Sub and finally after about a 2 month wait for the LS50 Metas I have the complete system and “Wowsers” I couldn’t be happier.

[@tedjensen8841]

Thanks for the excellent update on the new Powernode. Much appreciated.

[@richardpatronik7358]

I have a friend whose father was a Rhodes Scholar and chaired professor of physics at North Carolina Chapel Hill in the late 1970’s. He built a DSP just for fun long before Yamaha. His intellect scared me to death. He will be 99 this year. You guys could have a conversation that nobody else could follow.

[@dinfreitas]

I had to check if I was playing this video in a faster pace than normal. Coffee is doing miracles in Berlin.

[@lindsaywebb1904]

So simple I'm almost tempted. Re the sub roll off...some years ago I got a Adam sub 10 to support some Adam A7 monitors. In the process I connected my old Yamaha MSP5 monitors with the cross over somewhere between 80&90Hz and the results were startling. Without the need to go down low, the smaller Yamaha's became my preferred setup. It was a real revelation about how much speakers improve when you remove the bottom end heavy lifting

[@henrikgadegaard1009]

Another great video. I love the way you relentlessly keep showing us that there's an multitude of system building options for the open-minded music lover. Speaking of open-mindedness I was shocked to see your recent IG posts illustrating the transgressive behaviour of some of your viewers here on youtube. Continue the excellent work and let us all contribute to making this channel and the community around it open, responsible and tolerant. Let's take a stand against sexism, racism and intolerance!

[@DarkoAudio]

Yep. Some commenters aren't yet properly socialised.

[@paulobonifacio487]

A great Kalax system , 2.1 sound it's awesome, almost like paradise

[@mfid0]

The exact combination I have been looking at - LS50 Meta, KC62 and PowerNode 2i. Excited for this one!

[@AsadNazif]

POWERNODE with capital letters 😂

[@pauldavis5967]

Go for it. Will you be able to demo that exact setup before you buy?

[@MoRZ47]

I was really contemplating a sub with my powernode 2i and kefs and almost decided against it now you put me back on the hype train 🤣

[@MOTORINGSA]

Did you finish the setup mate ? How's the Sound ?

[@G-FunkDeluxe]

Thanks for actually talking about MUSIC! I have somewhat similar tastes to you and it’s so refreshing to have someone explain how this kind of stuff will sound, not just classical music or 70s classic rock like seemingly most curmudgeonly old audiophiles.

[@abdelkhelil6629]

Brilliant review, I really appreciated to learn about the high pass trick for the sub management. Keep up !

[@norbertotzelberger6773]

Thank you John! This is the configuration I was waiting for you to describe and explain to us!

[@jefferyhutchinson791]

I'm a new fan. and a total pretender when it comes to audio. Your videos are incredibly helpful. keep it up. You may want to do a video just on the music you are listening to. the equipment is awesome but the songs themselves also matter. But as far as the gear conversation goes, I am learning a tonne.

[@joshualee9184]

What a great review! The energy and that feeling of butterflies in my stomach! Adrian Mole all over again aged 13 /4 !!!

[@aglobalnomad]

I just found your channel and I *really* like your approach to reviewing AND music. While I do listen to classical and jazz occasionally, I listen primarily to electronic and alt. rock. I REALLY appreciate finally having found someone who can review equipment based on similar music preferences and not just acoustic albums or unplugged jazz albums etc.

[@rotaks1]

Terrific episode. John, you are making some compelling arguments for me to spend on the KEF SW! Thanks.

[@luiscaballero5178]

Less is MORE! very nice, clean, elegant (no clutter) setup. Thanks for sharing Darko!

[@Jonix2000]

I loved the Lord of the Rings reference My precioussssss

[@ellenevans525]

Great video! Your joy and enthusiasm is refreshing and contagious.

[@tumblebeat9008]

Echt gut gemacht dieses Video John, es überzeugt voll und spiegelt deine Leidenschaft für Audio. Ich bin begeistert wie immer ;-) Danke.

[@Tormaschine84]

Having already a Node 2i this brings even more excitement about the new updated version. Great work as always.

[@comegetsomedude]

Great to see an Auralic sponsor this video. I love my Vega G1!

[@Sampardhanani]

It just gets better and better episode by episode. Wohooooo John.

[@nikkitomwallace2613]

Your videos are by far the most helpful I’ve found. Thank you

[@stockmarketman]

Just got mine and it is fantastic running my LS50 and JL D108 powered sub. MQA sounds crystal clear and the Bluos app is easy to navigate.

[@georgemccormack3279]

I've owned a pair of LS50W's + Kb8 subwoofer for a couple of years. I was simply (mindlessly?) going to replace the system with LS50Wii's + Kc62 subwoofer. This excellent review has provided an alternative perspective. Many thanks.

[@BenoitMaheMTL]

If you want to test another future-fi amplifier with great sub management (+ room correction)... Lyngdorf TDAI-1120, granted it is not in the same price range.

[@yektaderya2504]

Another great review! Been waiting this comparison for a long time. I have node, powernode and bluesound app never disappoints!

[@dips8078]

They are doing something really wonderful, affordable hi-fi with minimal setup, the world needs more of that, and the inclusion of HDMI make it more useful than ever, this is something every big audio company should do, add an arc into their integrated amp.

[@dwightballard3868]

Love these videos. Clear, concise, informative and entertaining.

[@macboarder1]

Loving all the videos, amazing content. I auditioned the Klipsch Forte III with the Naim Uniti Atom after watching your take on them. Needless to say I bought both and I am over the moon with the performance. Cheers Darko 😎

[@MarkJones-bc5vx]

Great video. I love the way you break things down and explain the functionality and sonic differences between components in your videos. Keep up the good work.

[@feejus]

Watched 4.42 and already found some very good music. Thank you 👍🙌

[@raymondgranda201]

Thanks John, just bought the N130 and confirmation from a trusted source affirms my decision.

[@JonathonDoig]

I particularly appreciate the googly eyes on your own bass modification system 👀

[@thirdkey9]

Keep sharing on your musical explorations and grooves and Yes, more Future Fi please!

[@templar.]

the dog bark censor alerted my pup and made him jump up and watch his surroundings im crying

[@vjpeters5326]

Hi John, I have the powernode 2i, with Focal 714 and Rel T5i and I love the set up!

[@kteo77]

Thank you for highlighting the high pass filter. The may be just what I need, for a different reason. I have hearing problems - low frequencies below about 150 Hz sound all the same. My B&W 707 s2 sounds worst than my Bose Soundtouch for this reason. The high pass filter may be preferable to getting an even smaller speaker.

[@marcelloo87]

I'm considering a 2.1 system with the KEF LS50's and already own the Powernode 2 and an SVS subwoofer. This video confirms that I'm good to go on the KEF's, thank you!

[@im_an_alvani]

I love the pragmatic approach towards hifi in these videos. Small, relatively affordable, feature rich hardware. Also thanks to this channel I have Roon and mp3tag and both have changed how I digest music drastically.

[@ujean56]

Geeze I love your videos. I actually get excited looking forward to your next one. I guess its because when you "hit pay dirt" with a new system, we do too. Thanks again John.

[@GrandslamTim1]

love your reviews !! I own a Bluesound Node 2i streamer and I love it! so this review looks like a great product too, keep up the good work Sir !

[@simonsaysrewind]

Yes. . I love the orb. Got blue room on cassette 😃

[@SnoDawg]

Your videos are so well produced. Always enjoying watching them even though my wife would never allow such purchases. Don’t get married guys, especially if you love audio.

[@SIrDowns]

I'm super excited about this unit! really looking forward to getting my hands on one!

[@izumispa2993]

What a fabulous review! Immaculate and humor filled video editing makes Darkos content a true joy to watch. It’s a huge cut above everyone else. Very, very useful and very well done.

[@grahamserle7930]

That sounds like a great little amp with lots of awesome features. I'm really pleased that you're now enjoying the benefits of a sub. Nice video.

[@mechdude1]

John.... You continue to do absolutely incredible reviews... Exploring so many different options... And showing that there is more than one way the skin the cat... LoL... With quality reviews like these that you keep coming... I will be a lifelong subscriber 😁👍

[@5angels332]

Fabulous box of tricks. Thanks for sharing John 👍

[@gerbenvandenhurk]

Thanks again, John. BTW those blue LS50’s look stunning. Beauties!

[@eddie4130]

I've only just bought the old Powernode after watching WAY too many of your videos over a weekend. Bit of a pain but still really happy with it, just wish I had procastinated a few more weeks !

[@stephenrichards5869]

Perhaps return it and get the new one, unless you got a great price?

[@spencerjones2035]

I was in the same spot, thankfully my dealer discontinued the 2i a few weeks before the new one was announced

[@DW-of2tz]

I was keen on getting the Kef LS50 wireless 2 but the POWERNODE with the Meta's could be a slightly cheaper option and the way to go

[@reubennichols644]

Combining your presentation of this " " t h i n g " " with the K E F ' s . Very much appreciated . Thank you .

[@laurensprevoo5778]

Inspiring review John, cheers! I have the Meta’s & KC62 in a good marriage with NAD M10, which does the same low- high pass trick, fabulous!

[@doctormac123]

Great video John. I wholeheartedly agree with on the whole DAC chip thing. I have a Pro-jet Head Box S2 digital and an Audioquest Dragonfly Cobalt, both use the exact same ess 9038Q2M DAC chip but….they absolutely don’t sound the same. The two DACs have distinctly different characters.The Pro-jest more laid back and more organic, with a more intimate soundstage. The cobalt more lively, a wider soundstage and generally a very different tonality. Another thing I’ll add, is your one of the very few audio reviewers that share my music taste (I’m only 24 I can’t do Jazz, classical etc.😁) I’m currently enjoying Gary Numan’s latest album, Intruder. It’s very good.

[@audioaficionado9494]

I'm building an all separates system, but I love the simplicity of your KEF/POWERNODE setup. If I had to start over from scratch, it would be a strong contender for a FutureFi system.

[@angi733]

Just ordered two for my new kitchen to power some reasonably good ceiling speakers and use with my existing Roon server :) Deciding factor was that they have a small footprint and can be tucked into a cupboard, and the pre-sets and user friendliness make it easy for my wife and others to use.

[@photobriangray]

When people discount AVRs, all of the ones I've used and set up in the last decade had high-pass filters. I can't set up a dedicated space for 2CH, so I have set up my AVR for 2CH priority. Despite having large towers, I set the crossover at 80Hz to negate room modalities with my sub in a neutral location. In my current settings, positions, treatments, etc., I get that lower volume happiness that John referenced in the KC62 review.

[@sunvalleylaw]

Nice review. I have mostly used Node 2's and 2i's into other systems, but you make this sound very tempting. ALSO, I love that you describe your preference and why, including your preference for post-punk, indie rock stuff, (which I also really like), so it is helpful in that way to me.

[@BlueCliff72]

I snagged some metas for $900 on eBay and this powernode for $700! The sub will come soon (maybe even a rel T5 rather than a KC62 to save a grand), but I'm absolutely looking forward to this as an entry point into the hobby

[@graemelow7516]

Great to see your excitement- I just put a powernode 2i with ls50’s (white/blue- white amphions on the way)with the new SVS pro1000 sub - the amazing flexibility and in app room correction really makes a great difference in the real world of rooms and placement options It’s amazing how suddenly all this white minimalist hi-fi is becoming available

[@Parolopou]

What room correction? Can you explain ?

[@hillelbrandes1488]

That’s fantastic that the Powernode applies a high-pass filter to the main amp output! Hadn’t heard that before!

[@mikedambrosio1578]

Almost every AV receiver does that.

[@SteveGerrardPhotography]

Hit pause and now I'm Googling that Sandwell District mix. Thanks for the heads up. Their Fabric mix is incredible.

[@whynotwas]

As good a video as you've ever published. Thanks John.

[@jlmain5777]

This system sounds wonderful as described! Beautiful review.

[@scottzahn3298]

Bought this setup 2 years ago and it was exactly the sound I love. Pinpoint imaging where you you know exactly where vocalists are standing, and how tall they are, large, well-defined soundstage, and speakers that disappear. So here’s the problem… I want this exact sound, but with more power to open the speakers up further. I’m wondering if NAD Masters series amps have similar sonic characteristics as Powernode.?.?

[@richardblaauwgeers4349]

I could be happy with just this powernode

[@feelgeorge]

Finally figured it out, your voice reminds me of Richard Quest from CNN International. Another excellent video.

[@shahidyt]

Minimalist system has never looked so tempting. I do have dual subs, Magnepan LRS and a 80hz high pass filter connected so the 2 x SVS subs handle the low end. With this integrated I can replace my Hegel Röst, Denafrips Ares2, Allo Digione Signiture and the birds nest of cables around the back. I may audition at home

[@bartcarpenter3193]

Thanks John. I wish you would share the added benefit of plugging in an external hard drive for your private music collection. I find this feature a really nice add.

[@JR-cg9mk]

Is that a thing?! Just plug and play wow

[@nikkitomwallace2613]

Thank you Bro!!! A lot of purists say the low pass high pass is HT and say it affects phase and that you should let the speaker do what the speaker was made to do.... I have a Lyngdorf TDAI 1120 which is basically there entry level Integrated but also there Naim Unity Atom, but it has there room correction which applie high pass and low pass and mixed subs in seamlessly. A 60/120 watt amp at 8/4 ohm also feels a lot more powerful when it’s being told only to reproduce above 80, or whatever hz you desire. It benefits the speakers as well as the amp. Another amp you should get brother Raven Audio, excellent tube amps that actually build in high pass sub out, and 25 watts of tubes only pushing above that desired threshold , works wonderfully. It pushed my ELACS no problem.

[@genki2genki]

Mine is coming soon! Thanks for the smooth review!

[@tubesticker]

Great video, thank you! I'd love to hear your opinion on which to choose: the Powernode + KEF LS50 Meta or the Hegel H95 with the Metas?

[@christianolesen4436]

Great video as always! Please do a Bluesond Powernode vs. Sonos Amp. I need a new stereo amp for streaming and my turntable. But I can't decide between the Bluesound and Sonos. How much better is the sound on the Bluesound? I plan on having Sonos in the rest of the house and I already have a Sonos Arc for my television, so it makes sense to go with the Sonos Amp. But if the sound quality is much better on the Bluesound, I wouldn't mind having that as a seperate system to when I really wan't to listen to music, where as the rest of the Sonos is more for the casual music and when I'm cooking og taking a shower or whatever. Jesus, that was a long message. Still reading? How nice of you to do so. I hope you have a great day! Greetings from Denmark

[@RetroResurrectionAI]

Nice to see the comments back. Great video as always. I feel like getting an all in one would be a waste of all the individual components I bought over the years, but still so clean and so good.

[@stevegame3000]

This is the first time I’ve thought “I want that system” (if I come into some money). Great review. Love your enthusiasm

[@stevegame3000]

Update: I sold my business and just brought a powernode and some ls50 metas

[@AlarusOne]

I feel your joyful enthusiasm ...and it's freaking me out. It looks like a great product though, so I can see why you are gushing. :)

[@stro_photography]

now I have installed LS50 Meta withe KC62 and the Powernode... perfect match for a medium Homeoffice room :-) thanks for you reviews...

[@dudemastermaster8944]

Yea concerning the high pass filter: something that still makes me hold on my marantz 6013 AVR as a pre-amp; really does an excellent job also on this regard. It really is a great benefit to ease of the sound. Take carem

[@holbroni]

Love your vids John the leaf eyes always make me smile. I’ve been enjoying the substrate cd on your recommendation thanks. Love future if thang a lot even though I am older🤔🤔

[@sjundemartelaere]

It could be interesting what the NAD C700 will do with the KEF LS 50 Meta and the KEF KC62.

[@harrisedgar]

No, you where not rambling... In fact It was completely right..!!! All of it..!! Except on the part that you said that the LS metha are not "bright" on the top end, I've always felt all KEF are... Thank you. Great video.

[@archiemacdonald553]

hi john love your comments .still cant get into streaming still using cds .especially Steven Wilson..remixed .cds keep up the good work.😎😎😎