WOWSERS! Bluesound POWERNODE (2021) w/ KEF KC62

This video is brought to you by AURALiC: www.auralic.com
Camera: Olaf von Voss | Editor: John Darko | Motion GFX: John Darko | Ad segment: Jana Dagdagan
PATREON: / johndarko ← music playlists are here
Bluesound POWERNODE (N330*) US$899 / €899:
darko.audio/2021/05/bluesound...
*This is the 2021 edition's model number
A short film about the Bluesound Powernode 2i:
darko.audio/2020/02/a-short-f...
A long film about the KEF KC62:
darko.audio/2021/05/a-long-fi...
A short film about the KEF LS50 Meta:
darko.audio/2020/12/a-short-f...
A short film about the LS50 Wireless II:
darko.audio/2020/09/a-short-f...
KEF S2 speaker stand:
de.kef.com/products/kef-s2-fl...
ISOAcoustics Gaia II & III:
darko.audio/2020/05/engineeri...
darko.audio/2020/10/podcast-2...
ISOAcoustics Zazen I & II:
isoacoustics.com/zazen/
Maisons du Monde ‘Janeiro’ sideboard:
www.maisonsdumonde.com/DE/de/...
Hifi Racks Podium Reference:
www.hifiracks.co.uk/products/...
#bluesound #powernode #futurefi
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[@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.

[@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 😉👍

[@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

[@Charlie-ce2zt]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 👍

[@norbertotzelberger6773]

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

[@tedjensen8841]

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

[@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.

[@Tormaschine84]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@superpeca]

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

[@ellenevans525]

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

[@rotaks1]

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

[@stuartstark]

I like your attitude towards high-end audio.

[@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.

[@nikkitomwallace2613]

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

[@dwightballard3868]

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

[@SIrDowns]

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

[@tumblebeat9008]

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

[@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.

[@abdelkhelil6629]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 😎

[@luiscaballero5178]

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

[@gerbenvandenhurk]

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

[@yektaderya2504]

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

[@Sampardhanani]

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

[@joshualee9184]

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

[@jlmain5777]

This system sounds wonderful as described! Beautiful review.

[@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).

[@feejus]

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

[@thirdkey9]

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

[@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

[@user-ox1gd7qx9c]

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]

@@user-ox1gd7qx9c 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 👊

[@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

[@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.

[@christiansenvauger]

This is pure GOLD!

[@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 !

[@5angels332]

Fabulous box of tricks. Thanks for sharing John 👍

[@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.

[@bonoach2632]

Thank you so much! This is the setup i was thinking about for myself. Gonna give it a listen. like your videos man

[@comegetsomedude]

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

[@phildarmon]

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

[@genki2genki]

Mine is coming soon! Thanks for the smooth review!

[@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

[@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

[@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)

[@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.

[@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.

[@bcccl569]

was just listening to that PWOG 12'' yesterday. great synchronicity!

[@ericjenkins2737]

PWOG, so great. Coil remixed Kraak and it has to be one of the most intense and otherworldly tracks I own. The sound ends up morphing well outside what seems like my speakers’ boundaries.

[@jeromewhitmill733]

This sounds amazing!

[@simonsaysrewind]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 😁👍

[@dinfreitas]

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

[@markwagner1997]

Great review, as always. As someone who has been downsizing, I especially liked the slight bump in power and the bass mgmt. All it needs now, for me, is a couple more inputs. As it is... looks like a great secondary or TV room piece!

[@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.

[@DieTabbi]

Great review. I heard the powernode with the new Monitor Audio Silver 100, sound perfect. Now saving money fir the setup. Thank you fir reviewing the powernode made my descision 👍

[@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.

[@richardblaauwgeers4349]

I could be happy with just this powernode

[@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

[@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!

[@SteveGerrardPhotography]

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

[@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!

[@marcgabor9690]

I have the previous powernode and I think it sounds really good. I have a fancy integrated and really great DAC in my main system but I never mind the sound coming from the powernode. it just works. very neutral and transparent, feels like I'm just hearing the speakers nothing less nothing more.

[@10nut]

Great review, thank you!

[@stoogs]

Very Nice John!

[@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🤔🤔

[@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

[@IGBPI314]

Very nice review ! Thank You !

[@reggietelly]

Always quality from Mr D.

[@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 ?

[@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.

[@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.

[@audiorick841]

Fantastic review!

[@josexavierjr.5633]

Great video, John. I've been eyeballing the new Node, to add to my current system..............

[@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.

[@SomaliCoastguard]

Well I think you've sold me on at least auditioning these for a weekend place I'm building at the moment. Great video. Cheers.

[@JuanLega]

Good to see more products including a high pass filter option.

[@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?

[@raymondgranda201]

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

[@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. :)

[@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.

[@JonathonDoig]

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

[@starbase218]

I thought, in any 2.1 outputting amp, when using a sub and setting a crossover, the stereo output would always by high-pass filtered. But I really didn't know. Thanks, this is informative. As for the device itself, the HDMI connection is what I've been waiting for! Though I might want to go for the regular Node as I still have a NAD C272 power amp somewhere. Though I do like the idea of a single device + speakers.

[@Jonix2000]

I loved the Lord of the Rings reference My precioussssss

[@Zoranurai13]

Oooohh i was waiting for this. Especially how much difference the node n130 makes as a dac compared to the old one. But the new features are definitely a good one

[@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 ?

[@lukerabin5079]

I too enjoy your preferred genres of music and frankly, they let me in that a great many modern speakers eventually become very hard to listen to for great lengths of time. I’m eagerly awaiting an opportunity to hear these new KEF LS50 as soon as we’re out of lockdown.

[@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.

[@markcarrington8565]

Premium quality as always team. A good friend has been looking to me for advice on a ‘non-hifi’ system. Going to steal this and claim it as all my own work 😂