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    The Computer Audiophile

    A 2020 Review of the BluOS Platform

    I'd been working on this review of the BluOS platform for a couple months when Sonos dropped the bomb that it would cease updating what it considers legacy hardware. Not only that, but it also announced that new devices would be excluded from updates if one's Sonos system contained a legacy piece of hardware. Sonos kind of / sort of but not really changed some of this by saying it in a different way shortly after everyone on the internet went ballistic. With this in mind, I thought now would be a perfect time to complete and publish the review. I'm willing to bet there are many music lovers considering abandoning the Sonos platform or new potential customers who can benefit from learning more about the competing BluOS platform. 

     

    First, some details about brand names. The Lenbrook Group owns, designs, and manufacturers products under the brand names NAD Electronics, PSB Speakers, and Bluesound. In 2012 Lenbrook launched its BluOS platform originally for the Bluesound hardware products. A few years later Lenbrook brought BluOS to products from NAD Electronics and in 2017 it began licensing BluOS to non-Lenbrook manufacturers that now include Monitor Audio and Dali.  

     

    In simple terms, BluOS is the software that runs on audio hardware to enable features such as music streaming services, local network playback, multi-room audio, voice control, integration with command & control systems, and it works hand in hand with the BluOS Android, iOS, Kindle fire, Windows, and macOS control applications. BluOS compatible hardware includes speakers from Bluesound and Dali and electronics from NAD and Bluesound. Contrast this with the Sonos and Denon HEOS platforms that only work with Sonos and Denon hardware respectively. 

     

    I've talked to people at Lenbrook over the years who've said several other manufacturers are interested in licensing its BluOS platform. The reasons for this are many, but above all are expertise and cost. The expertise required to create and support the BluOS platform isn't found at many HiFi companies. In addition, the cost to support products that work with the BluOS platform is far greater than the cost to support a traditional DAC, speaker, or amplifier. The bottom line is that very few companies can do what Lenbrook has done. 

     


    Features

     

    iPad-Air-Landscape-BluOS-black-e1495209071235.pngThe BluOS platform is loaded with the features one expects from a true HiFi wired or wireless ecosystem. Support for up to 64 zones, different or identical music streaming to those zones in perfect sync, and real high resolution support up through 24 bit / 192 kHz. If one's home network is good enough, streaming 24/192 audio via wireless won't be a problem via BluOS. 

     

    Setup of hardware running BluOS is very simple, regardless of manufacturer. I currently have an NAD C 658 BluOS streaming DAC and a Bluesound Pulse 2i all-in-one speaker. Both devices setup the same and appear in the BluOS remote apps with a full set of features. As crazy as it sounds, I could setup the Pulse 2i speaker as the left channel and the C 658 DAC as the right channel in a BluOS stereo pair. BluOS also features appropriate differences when using disparate hardware, such as that in my house. For example, BluOS offers different listening modes (TV, Music, Movies), wide modes, late night mode, deep bass mode, and enhanced dialog for the Pulse 2i speaker. Understanding its customers' needs, Lenbrook wisely doesn't offer those adjustments for the higher end C 658 DAC. 

     

    In my opinion, the best part of the BluOS platform is its support for several music services. Without content, absolutely none of this matters. Important services for audiophiles are included such as Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon Music HD, Deezer, Idagio, and a favorite of many Radio Paradise. Other services include Spotify, TuneIn, Nugs, iHeartRadio, and many more. Apple Music is missing, but that's not surprise given Apple's lack of desire to integrate with anything other than Sonos. The two big services that are missing from the BluOS platform, that I really wish could be added, are Pandora and SiriusXM. These two companies are famous for their lack of interest in integrating with other manufacturers that can't immediately light-up their cash registers with millions of new subscribers. Thus, Lenbrook / BluOS is currently shut out from Pandora and SiriusXM, but it isn't for lack of trying.

     

    IMG_0025_iOS_TriMockup.pngCompared to Sonos, BluOS is missing some services including the two biggies mentioned above. Other services that would suit BluOS customers well include Primephonic, Bandcamp, Audible, and possibly Stitcher for podcasts. Contrasting this with the Dynaudio Music platform that only supports Tidal, and I'd say BluOS is looking pretty good. 

     

    A new BluOS addition that I don't believe any other platform currently offers is the Neil Young Archives. This BluOS exclusive enables listeners to stream Neil's complete catalog in the highest resolution available. The NYA service operates using adaptive streaming technology from OraStream that'll be fully supported as well. 

     

    BluOS also enables access to one's local library stored on a computer or network attached storage (NAS) device. Other platforms function with local music collections as well, but BluOS can index over 200,000 tracks. Compare that to the Sonos stated limit of 64,000, on a good day without extensive metadata to use up its meager memory, and BluOS looks much more robust and powerful. Also making BluOS look better is its support for high resolution audio whereas Sonos is still stuck in the CD quality 16 bit / 44.1 kHz days. 

     

    I tested the BluOS platform well beyond most use cases with my local library of 298,323 tracks / 19,825 albums. In addition I have 23,851 tracks / 1,555 albums favorited from streaming services. I was extremely impressed by the iOS and macOS BluOS applications when navigating all this music. Searching is very fast, as is loading album art. Listing all 6,765 artist in Artist view takes several seconds, but once it loads moving back and forth between a single artist and the same list is very fast. BluOS wisely doesn't have to reload the entire list from scratch every time the user browses a single artist from the list and clicks the back button. For the most part a long list of every artist in a collection isn't very useful. Doesn't everyone just search nowadays? 

     

    A very nice feature of BluOS, that I know many Roon users would die for, is the ability to browse by folder for local storage. This isn't on my list of things I do to find music, but I know for a fact many music aficionados absolutely love viewing their collections by folder. I say whatever works, live and let listen. 

    Speaking of Roon, BluOS enables users to select Roon as a source. BluOS has full Roon Ready certification, not the best effort support that Roon offers for Sonos or AirPlay devices. With newer hardware such as the Pulse 2i that I have, BluOS also officially supports Apple's AirPlay 2 protocol. Check out Kirk McElhearn's article here on Audiophile Style discussing what AirPlay 2 means for audiophiles (link).

     

    Comparing the BluOS platform to that from Apple (HomePod) and DTS Play-Fi (Klipsch, McIntosh, MartinLogan, etc...), there is one major difference in how the music gets to the output device/speaker. This is a big deal not to be overlooked. BluOS features a hybrid approach that accepts audio any way the user wants to send it. This means BluOS streams directly from the cloud for streaming services such as Qobuz, Tidal, Amazon Music HD, Spotify etc... and streams directly from a device when accepting audio via AirPlay. Compare this to the Play-Fi devices that force users to stream everything through their mobile phones or other devices rather than sending audio straight from the cloud to the speaker. I know I've complained about this in the past, but I still don't think it makes sense to stream audio through the remote control device just like it doesn't make sense to stream television through the remote control. 

     

    Note: Play-Fi has recently introduced its version of streaming directly from the cloud to the audio device called Transfer Playback, but it's so bad it isn't even worth talking about. I don't recommend it for anyone. 

     

    Overall, after using the BluOS app for iOS and macOS for a couple months I am really impressed. It isn't perfect, but nothing in this area comes close to perfect. Lenbrook has put a ton of thought into this platform and it really shows. When I ran into "issues" such as only five songs being listed for an artist, I was assured that BluOS users asked for this simplicity and that clicking the unseen Show All button would resolve my "issue." It did, and I like how responsive to its customers Lenbrook is when supplied with feedback. 

     

    The settings adjustments available in BluOS are fairly basic and not overwhelming for the average user. Audiophiles who prefer to play all their music bit perfectly without any changes can ignore the audio section of these settings. After using so many apps and platform over the years, I felt like I was missing something when I looked in the setting area for my BluOS devices. I couldn't put my finger on it, but I felt like I needed to do more. But, I believe I'm way too conditioned to complex systems that require or offer so many settings by which the average user on gets frustrated. BluOS is pretty refreshing in the sense that it covers 99% of the use cases in HiFi and doesn't attempt to support every crazy configuration under the sun. I often like crazy, but I assure everyone that my family doesn't and won't even touch most of my systems. They like BluOS and its simplicity.

     

    Shortly before publishing this review, I factory reset the two BluOS devices in my house, so I could walk through the setup one last time. I wanted to make sure I identified any issues and understood the simplicity. This time, like the previous times, there were no issues. I can't tell readers how many times products falter during setup. It happens all the time. The crazy part is that the issues are frequently different, although nothing has changed. Frustrating to say the least. I had absolutely zero issues with the BluOS products during multiple setup experiences. The setup was so easy that I felt cheated. I didn't get to put on my IT hat and solve the issue of the day. I don't believe there is an easier, trouble-free setup in audio. 

     


    Hardware

     

    There are a wide array of HiFi hardware options that run the BluOS. This is where the BluOS platform really shines and overtakes all the other mass market options. The Bluesound branded components are great for what mainstream consumers would consider Sonos replacements. The Pulse series of all-in-one speakers covers the needs of most people and does it with very good sound. I'd put these up against Sonos any day of the week. Users who'd like to expand the BluOS system to their TVs can add the Bluesound soundbar and sub, and if desired can add other Pulse speakers for a surround sound experience. 

     

    Those who are a bit more "into" audio will likely opt for the Bluesound components that interface with an existing audio system. I know many people in the HiFi industry and out of the industry who use the Node 2i and recommend it all the time. This is a gem in the Bluesound lineup. It enables one to add all the aforementioned BluOS software goodness to an audio system without a smart bone in its body. In other words, add the Node 2i to any audio system that doesn't have WiFi or Ethernet or Roon or built-in streaming services etc... and that system is now a "smart" audio system. Theres no need to replace several components. Similar to the Node 2i is the Powernode 2i. This adds an amplifier to all the aforementioned goodness for an ultra sleek installation.

     

    I know many of us music lovers have hundreds / thousands of CDs that will never make it to streaming services. We need local storage for all out Mobile Fidelity, Analogue Productions, and even DSD rips. Many still purchase CDs as well, although the places to purchase have seriously dwindled over the years. Bluesound offers the Vault 2i to meet the needs of those of us in this camp. It offers storage and CD ripping without the hassle. This vault of music is then available to any BluOS enabled component on one's network. In addition, the Vault 2i features digital and analog in/out, so doesn't have to remain like a NAS sitting in the basement. It's an audio component. 

     

    callisto-sound-hub-05.jpgMusic lovers seeking high end loudspeakers with full range can look at the Callisto series from Danish speaker manufacturer Dali. The Callisto 6C is a wireless, self powered speaker that goes down to 37 Hz, has a ribbon tweeter two 6.5 inch woofers. The Callisto series is connected via the Dali Sound Hub. This hub can contain the BluOS NPM-1 module. This is like BluOS on a module that is easily plugged into the back of the unit and it's ready to go. 

     

    Readers looking fo an even higher end experience should explore the Dali Rubicon C series. It's similar the Callisto lineup, but it's a best in class type of series. Those familiar with Dali speakers will no doubt see the Rubicon C series and identify them as classic Dali. The looks are terrific and the sound is equally as good. These can be paired with the same Dali Sound Hub and BluOS NPM-1 module for full BluOS capability. 

     

    The common denominator in the Dali-branded BluOS approach is the Dali Sound Hub that accepts the NPM-1 module. 

     

    Moving from speakers to BluOS compatible components like amps and digital to analog converters brings us to the NAD brand. NAD's Masters series is loved by audiophiles all over the world for its great design, performance, and practicality. The new M10 BluOS streaming amplifier is a great product that I spent time with at the 2019 RMAF show. It's a great all-in-one with more features than most products with which it competes. Those seeking a high end digital source with BluOS and local storage can find it all in the M50.2. It's like a Bluesound Vault 2i, but taken to the extreme like other Masters Series components. In my opinion the M12 digital preamp DAC is in the wheelhouse of many audiophiles. All the typical digital and analog in/outputs, but has the ability to accept a BluOS module that turns it into a full featured front end. The M12's modular design is something I wish more manufacturers embraced.

     

    NAD has several more BluOS capable products, but I want to talk about two specifically. The C 658 Streaming DAC and the CI 580 BluOS Network Music Player. The C 658 is a more traditional looking DAC with volume control and everything one would expect from such a component. It also has BluOS built-in. The C 658 has an ESS Sabre 32bit DAC, 118 dB of dynamic range and features Dirac Live room correction as well. I've had it here for testing and think it's one heck of a product for $1,649. I know enthusiasts often complain about high prices and lack of value in some stratospherically priced components, but the C 658 should quell this rebellion quite easily. I'd recommend this DAC to my friends in a heartbeat.

     

    NAD-C-658-Front-Black-on-Black-AS.jpg

     

     

    The other product that I've recommended to several people is the CI 580 BluOS Network Music Player. This is a very unique product. I haven't found anything like it at any price. The CI 580 BluOS Network Music Player runs BluOS and features four output zones. These can be digital or analog output zones. Nothing crazy so far. The real magic is that each zone appears as a separate Roon Ready endpoint! This is the ultimate product for multi-zone audio in houses using a distributed system and/or command and control from products like Crestron. The Crestron SWAMP for example has many zones for digital and analog input. But, it doesn't support Roon on its Ethernet input. Sure, people have placed Roon ready devices on each zone, but this is a kludgey solution compared to the CI 580 BluOS Network Music Player. One or two of these in a system and the number of Roon Ready zones should be enough for all but the largest of deployments. 

     

    NAD-CI-580-Rear-AS.jpg

     

     

    The BluOS enabled hardware landscape continues to expand and will likely brand off into more third party manufacturers as more realize building the BluOS platform from scratch is literally impossible for them. I love the fact that users can select from different brands such as NAD, Bluesound, and Dali. This is something the Sonos platform has needed ever since its inception, but will likely never have due to the company's desire for such a closed ecosystem.

     


    Support

     

    The BluOS platform and enabled products have support through traditional dealer networks for those seeking a hands-on experience. Calling one's dealer to come over for an issue is as priceless now as it ever was. In addition, those who prefer to find the answers themselves can browse the somewhat meager BluOS/Bluesound community forum or view each brand's support page where there's a host of how to, FAQ, and general tips for getting the most out of the system. 

     

    I think the options for support are great and lead a user to purchase the components from whatever avenue suits his needs. Those needing more support will likely give their local dealer a call, while those more independent-minded or versed in these systems will just add to cart online and wait for the package to arrive. 

     


    Conclusions

     

    Over the years I've been impressed with the BluOS platform, and Lenbrook as a company, more and more. The people at Lenbrook are a pleasure to work with, no matter one's standing in or outside of the industry. This is important to me, as I prefer to do business with like-minded people. The BluOS platform continues to improve with ever new release and the compatible hardware landscape continues to grow. Two good signs of a healthy ecosystem that's accepted by the larger market. 

     

    In addition to all the BluOS features, I'm very impressed with the high end hardware capable of running BluOS. One without the other is worthless. Because of this, BluOS is the number one platform for Joe Sixpack, music lovers, and the hard to please group of people called audiophiles. Find something better, I challenge you :~)

     

     

    More Info:

    BluOS

    Bluesound

    NAD

    Dali




    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments



    37 minutes ago, Nickolay_V said:

    By the way, BluOs still has a plus in comparison with Roon.

    It has support for the REST protocol for external command management over TCP / IP.

    This means that BluOS can be used in the Smart HOME alarm and notification system. Roon promises this in the future ( in v.2)

    *Play ( and replay) at the event , pre-recorded message about the event . To the required ZONES

    This is very important  for the all real MODERN system

    Great point.

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    On 2/3/2020 at 11:35 AM, The Computer Audiophile said:

    The hardware volume controls on iPhones don't change the level within the BluOS app. 

    Cool! Forces the use of software Volume control which is very responsive. Sounds like a good fit for smartphones and Crestron touchscreens. My wife operates the volume control buttons like a gas pedal and expects immediate feedback.

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    It sure would be great if BluOS supported multi-channel file playback over network though.  I have all these multi-channel music files in Roon to play and no way to get them into my HT receiver unless I buy a NUC or A/V pc to provide HDMI out.  

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    Chris - I have a specific question about the C 658.   Did you test it with or without a preamp?  Does it serve as an acceptable preamp?   I currently use a Bluesound Node with an integrated amp, and I am considering the C 658.   I am wondering if I should hang on to the integrated or purchase a standard amplifier.   

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    BluOs doesn't do DSD -- it converts it to PCM.  And I don't believe you can use HQ Player with BluOS

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    i'm thinking of the powernode 2i for my wireless patio music system, giving me a one box solution to my speakerstone speakers.

    in the past, i've had a couple of systems including a logitech touch==>geekout DAC==>kenwood car stereo, all powered by a PC power supply.

     

    my needs are relatively simple but not negotiable.

    1.  gapless playback

    2.  reliable streaming via wifi (strong signal available)

    3.  easy/fast navigation of NAS based music library by folders

    4.  good sound quality and sufficient power to drive speakerstones

     

    i recently had a horrible experience trying to get an NAD7050 working to meet these capabilities, eventually giving up and returning the 7050.  since bluesound is a sister company of NAD, i was afraid to board that boat a second time but it seems that bluesound, with their bluesound app and hardware, may in fact have resolved the problems.  i noticed on bluesound's support page they say they will not support dlna/upnp as it is unreliable, etc.........after encountering their NAD version, i can second that opinion for their previous implementation!

     

    so, a couple of questions before i take the leap:

    a)  how is music set up on the NAS in order to be accessed by the bluesound app?  just a pointer to a location or is there a server or something else that needs to be run on the NAS?

    b)  is the library structure indexed and stored (on the phone/tablet?), so it does not need to be re-scanned each time the app is opened?

     

    i think the following were confirmed above, but i want to double check :)

    c)  back and forth navigation through the library by folders is well implemented?

    d)  gapless for WAV and FLAC?

     

    thanks..........we may have a winner here

     

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    guess this thread has outlived its timeliness :)

     

    bought a powernode 2i and was streaming qobuz in 10 minutes, excellent sound

    still trying to get it to recognize NAS though.........

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    I purchased the NAD C 658 about 3 months ago and have had a mixed experience. It has features that are compelling such as Dirac Live and subwoofer out, and I find BluOS to be capable and user friendly. However, there have been two issues that are annoying. First, sporadically the device will drop off the network and won't show up on the BluOS app. The fix is to reboot the player, sometimes multiple times. Second, I use the USB input by attaching a flash drive and it will be recognized by BluOS initially, but then later it will disappear from the app and I have to take the drive out and put it back in to have it recognized. Once while I was playing music from the drive the music stopped suddenly and the unit messaged that the USB stick had been removed, even though this was not the case. In my experience, when it's working it's provided pleasurable listening, but the annoyances are making me wonder about moving on to a more stable device.

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    8 minutes ago, WSomm said:

    I purchased the NAD C 658 about 3 months ago and have had a mixed experience. It has features that are compelling such as Dirac Live and subwoofer out, and I find BluOS to be capable and user friendly. However, there have been two issues that are annoying. First, sporadically the device will drop off the network and won't show up on the BluOS app. The fix is to reboot the player, sometimes multiple times. Second, I use the USB input by attaching a flash drive and it will be recognized by BluOS initially, but then later it will disappear from the app and I have to take the drive out and put it back in to have it recognized. Once while I was playing music from the drive the music stopped suddenly and the unit messaged that the USB stick had been removed, even though this was not the case. In my experience, when it's working it's provided pleasurable listening, but the annoyances are making me wonder about moving on to a more stable device.

    Hi WSomm, have you checked to make sure the unit isn't going to sleep? When I had the C 658 I had a big issue with it going to sleep, before I realized I would change the setting easily. 

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    6 minutes ago, The Computer Audiophile said:

    Hi WSomm, have you checked to make sure the unit isn't going to sleep? When I had the C 658 I had a big issue with it going to sleep, before I realized I would change the setting easily. 

    I have Auto Standby ON and Network Standby ON, so the unit goes into standby mode after 20 min of inaction but the network connection is maintained. Do you mean I should turn Auto Standby OFF so that it doesn't go to sleep?

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    1 minute ago, WSomm said:

    I have Auto Standby ON and Network Standby ON, so the unit goes into standby mode after 20 min of inaction but the network connection is maintained. Do you mean I should turn Auto Standby OFF so that it doesn't go to sleep?

    I would play with those settings to see if it solves your issue. It very well could.

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    3 minutes ago, The Computer Audiophile said:

    I would play with those settings to see if it solves your issue. It very well could.

    Will do, thank you.

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    Apple Music integrates with more than just Sonos. They integrate with Alexa/Echo and Google Home but there are others that a simple Google search would show.

    Also there are a lot of complaints about BlueOS devices and Roon integration on the Roon community Bluesound forum.

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    8 minutes ago, DarwinOSX said:

    Apple Music integrates with more than just Sonos. They integrate with Alexa/Echo and Google Home but there are others that a simple Google search would show.

    Also there are a lot of complaints about BlueOS devices and Roon integration.

    Perhaps haps you can help us find the others. 

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    Can anyone with a 658 provide any insight on a purchase?  I need a streamer and want to try Dirac but I would be giving up my tube pre amps which I dearly enjoy.   I’m debating between a 658 and maybe a mini dsp unit.   Any thoughts on sound quality and ease of use would be appreciated.   
     

    Amy further comments on bus would also be welcome...the 658 has taken some hits on bugs over at avs forum.....

     

    ideally I’d love a streamer and Dirac in one box with a tube preamp but that impossible.  Lol

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    5 minutes ago, Toolonginexile said:

    Can anyone with a 658 provide any insight on a purchase?  I need a streamer and want to try Dirac but I would be giving up my tube pre amps which I dearly enjoy.   I’m debating between a 658 and maybe a mini dsp unit.   Any thoughts on sound quality and ease of use would be appreciated.   
     

    Amy further comments on bus would also be welcome...the 658 has taken some hits on bugs over at avs forum.....

     

    ideally I’d love a streamer and Dirac in one box with a tube preamp but that impossible.  Lol

    There are many options in this space. 

     

    Are you set on Dirac or you just want some type of room correction?

     

    You can still use the 658 with your existing tube preamp.

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    Thanks for the reply,   My newly converted home office has Terrible acoustics. After experimenting for a few years in that space without much success I’d like to try room correction.  I was attracted to the Dirac in the 658 and new mini dsp unit since it appeared to be easy to use after taking measurements.  


    it might be heresy soured here but I really don’t want to learn how to use REW and purchase my own mike etc...

     

    Being a newb I was under the impression you had to use the preamp functions in these units in order to get the benefit of Dirac....if not that’s great ...


    I would like either device to also allow for playing flac fikes from a thumb or external hard drive...

     

    So any further thoughts greatly appreciated .....

     

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    1 minute ago, Toolonginexile said:

    Thanks for the reply,   My newly converted home office has Terrible acoustics. After experimenting for a few years in that space without much success I’d like to try room correction.  I was attracted to the Dirac in the 658 and new mini dsp unit since it appeared to be easy to use after taking measurements.  


    it might be heresy soured here but I really don’t want to learn how to use REW and purchase my own mike etc...

     

    Being a newb I was under the impression you had to use the preamp functions in these units in order to get the benefit of Dirac....if not that’s great ...

     

    So any further thoughts greatly appreciated .....

     

    Thanks for the reply. 

     

    I view DSP as the next frontier in HiFi and having it at your disposal is a necessity. The ability to turn it on and off is also super nice. Here is an article I wrote about my own situation - https://audiophilestyle.com/ca/bits-and-bytes/a-new-listening-room-part-two-acoustics-speakers-dsp-r863/

     

     

    I think you can do better than Dirac built into a product and give yourself many more options. Nothing against the 658 and products with Dirac built-in, as I know there is a large market for them. I have REW and a microphone and have done measurements etc...

     

    In my experience, working with @mitchco, who has literally written a book about DSP / room correction, was the best thing I ever did. Check out his site here - https://accuratesound.ca/ 

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    Chris,

    Thanks for the detailed review, I integrated it into my own new purchase of the rubicon2c. I am now in the midst of either returning or demanding that Dali start supporting their customers alot better. The bluos npm module was snap to install and get running  via a direct router ethernet connection. My dilemma revolves around the sound hub ---which one would think is a very clever and useful streamer preamp----one would be wrong. I am being distressed by the horrid performance especially with being forced to stream via BT siriusxm and stitcher(a tradeoff I am okay with but would prefer a chromecast module to have cloud server which hardware manufacturers would be better enabled) and the performance to date has been unintelligible  playback ( enough that my wife said I can stop the testing). This has persisted thru factory reset and firmware update. 

    Presently ascribing this to a faulty bluetooth set up on the sound hub as the coveted BT remote is as jancky as the BT playback of these services and individual music files. If you have suggestions please let me know as DALI is not showing itself  to be premium priced audio equipment worth!!!!!

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    Update from Lenbrook this morning. Here is the press release. 

     

    Neil Young Archives –High-Res Streaming Content Added to BluOS Devices in
    Canada and the United States


    Unique fan-focused service comes to BluOS enabled products via previously announced
    adaptive streaming protocol


    PICKERING, CANADA, MAY 26, 2020 – Lenbrook International, developer of the BluOS hi-res wireless
    premium distributed audio and music management platform, proudly announced the integration of the Neil

    Young Archives (NYA), the high-resolution, studio-quality streaming online archive of famed Canadian-
    born rock icon, Neil Young, into the BluOS platform.

     

    Effective immediately, Canada- and US- based users of BluOS Enabled products from NAD Electronics,
    Bluesound, and DALI Loudspeakers, will be prompted to update their players for the unique opportunity to
    freely sample Neil Young Archives’ “Song of the Day” and “Album of the Week” in high-resolution, with a
    tap of a button in the BluOS Controller app. Existing subscribers of the Neil Young Archives can simply
    enter their credentials into the “Add Music” area of the BluOS app to access the service, and those who
    wish to become a subscriber will find a link to the sign-up page on NYA’s website.


    This integration is possible due to the addition of OraStream’s adaptive streaming protocol utilizing the
    MPEG 4 SLS codec in BluOS, introduced late last year as part of BluOS’s goal to maintain its leadership
    in offering high-resolution music content options for its users. Music files are encoded and delivered in their
    native resolution, thereby retaining and preserving the nuances and details of the original source file.


    ALL-CANADIAN COMMITMENT TO HIGH-RESOLUTION AUDIO


    In 2018, Canadian-born Young launched his Neil Young Archives, an ambitious project that models a novel
    way for artists to distribute unique content to their fans without the damaging compression so prevalent in
    today’s mass market streaming music world. His website and app provide access to all of his audio, video,
    memorabilia, notes, lyrics, original manuscripts, and news.


    Meanwhile, Canada-based Lenbrook International was in the midst of growing its reach with a new and
    modern audiophile customer seeking a completely new performance standard and user experience
    supporting high-resolution 24/192 audio streaming, layered with multi-room music capabilities. Such an
    innovative solution had never before been made commercially available and the Bluesound brand, with
    its BluOS operating system, had been setting new standards and winning awards worldwide since its
    launch in 2012.

     

    This “Canadian connection” around high-resolution audio has been developing over a number of years,
    with Young even mentioning Lenbrook as an example of hardware manufacturers who remain dedicated
    to hi-res audio in his 2019 book co-written with Phil Baker, “To Feel the Music.”


    “Perhaps an underappreciated point for those who want to experience hi-res audio is that it takes two
    elements working together to achieve the optimal outcome,” explains Gordon Simmonds, President and
    CEO of the Lenbrook Group of Companies. ”Hi-res audio is only possible when both the content is offered
    in hi-res and the audio equipment that music lovers use can decode that content in its highest quality. In
    this integration, we have put these two pieces together for the end consumer to enjoy, simply and
    elegantly.”


    A CONTENT AND HARDWARE PARTNERSHIP TO MODEL


    Beyond just the technical integration of Young’s service with BluOS, the agreement also demonstrates
    how a content creator and a home audio equipment provider can collaborate and model an effective and
    simple solution for music lovers to access and enjoy a unique and fully high-resolution streaming
    experience.


    “It is important to me to be able to offer my life’s work to music lovers in its highest resolution. I want
    them to experience my music in the absolute best quality possible on their devices,” says
    Young. “Creating Neil Young Archives has enabled me to support and partner with established hi-res
    audio brands using BluOS to achieve great improvement over mainstream consumer devices and bring
    the true beauty of music to you.”


    “Although my music already sounds better on all devices because our master’s high-resolution source is
    so pure,” Young continues, “to reach its true potential, it will sound even better with BluOS Enabled
    products!”


    “This is how the hi-res masters enable the very best quality for all music lovers, combining the best
    source with superior playback of devices using BluOS, designed to provide all the music and easily
    unwraps the true emotional hit from my hi-res music.”


    ABOUT THE NEIL YOUNG ARCHIVES


    The Neil Young Archives (neilyoungarchives.com), described as a “Revolution in fandom” by The Guardian,
    is a website and app where fans have access to Neil Young’s audio, video, memorabilia, notes, lyrics,
    original manuscripts and an eight-page newspaper. It’s where Neil is continually adding new content and
    where his fans and he communicate with each other. It went live a little over a year ago and has tens of
    thousands of paid members. A subscription costs $19.99 per year.


    ABOUT BLUOS


    BluOSTM is a premium multi-room audio ecosystem that manages stored and cloud music sources and
    playback, with support for high-resolution audio streams up to 24/192. Adopted by some of the most
    renowned hifi audio brands and integrated with numerous smarthome and voice control systems, BluOS
    allows for interoperability among enabled devices across brands for maximum versatility and use

    cases. Integrations with popular streaming music services like Tidal, Spotify, Amazon Music HD, Qobuz,
    and Deezer, as well as featuring support for FLAC, WAV, OraStream, MQA, and other high-resolution
    formats and codecs, BluOS offers virtually unlimited access to music of all genres for any occasion.
    Made up of an operating system and a control application for smart phones, tablets, and PC desktops,
    BluOS is the ultimate choice for the modern audiophile.


    ABOUT LENBROOK INTERNATIONAL


    Lenbrook International, a subsidiary of the Lenbrook Group of Companies, is the owner and manufacturer
    of award-winning brands for home audio and residential install applications. Its full suite of products from
    NAD Electronics, PSB Speakers, Bluesound wireless multi-room players, and Bluesound Professional
    commercial audio, are distributed in over 80 countries, while its BluOS hi-res distributed audio platform
    continues to be adopted by some of the world’s leading premium audio brands.

    NYA BluOS Integration 26MAY2020 FINAL.pdf

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    Hi BluOS users. I recently purchased a Vault2i. I am having difficulty finding any detailed tutorials on some of the functionality of the OS. Perhaps I can get some help on this string.

    1) Am I able to use the USB ports on the back of the unit to import music from a USB device? (Thumb drive etc.) Is it as easy as plug in a thumb drive and the system does the rest? 

    2) How do I use the "genres" tab in Library? With iTunes, music is automatically dropped into the appropriate genre (rock, classical, country etc.) 

    3) How are folders created?

    Seems to me Bluesound could make the OS far more intuitive, but enough of my complaint. If I can find some answers to these questions, fo now I would be a happy camper! Thanks for any help and advice

     

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    Thanks so much for the very informative review of BluOS. I'd been looking for a decent review for ages. I spent a long time researching this area in the past year or two as I wanted to upgrade from 25 yr old setup of Denon Amp, Aegis AE1 speakers and Technics CD player and Technics SL1200 turntables. In the end I went for the NAD C658 with Acoustic Energy AE1 Active speakers, Planar 3 record player and marantz cd006. A no-amp setup that I'm really happy with. Apart from one little niggle - I just can't get the 'Bluetooth Headphones' option to work. I have Sony WH1000XM3 wireless headphones which work with everything else but not the C658, any ideas?

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    7 minutes ago, rherron said:

    Thanks so much for the very informative review of BluOS. I'd been looking for a decent review for ages. I spent a long time researching this area in the past year or two as I wanted to upgrade from 25 yr old setup of Denon Amp, Aegis AE1 speakers and Technics CD player and Technics SL1200 turntables. In the end I went for the NAD C658 with Acoustic Energy AE1 Active speakers, Planar 3 record player and marantz cd006. A no-amp setup that I'm really happy with. Apart from one little niggle - I just can't get the 'Bluetooth Headphones' option to work. I have Sony WH1000XM3 wireless headphones which work with everything else but not the C658, any ideas?

    Can you get it to work as a Bluetooth receiver (reverse of headphones mode)?

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    I can't seem to find that option, on the android app or the desktop app. All I can find is the 'Bluetooth Headphones' option under Home / My Players ...

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