Bluesound Node 2

[MrSprout]

So the reclocker with the Bluesound Node 2 isn't as essential as with a Sonos or Chromecast Audio it seems. That's good to know.

 

The Node 2 is one of the best sources I've found, so although I've tried it with a Monarchy DIP the difference isn't huge. It may just be the result of using the better interface on the DAC.

 

I don't think there's much discussion of it here as it 'just works', no tweaking required. I've dismantled my audio PC now as I don't need it.

[asdf1000]

The Node 2 is one of the best sources I've found, so although I've tried it with a Monarchy DIP the difference isn't huge. It may just be the result of using the better interface on the DAC.

 

I don't think there's much discussion of it here as it 'just works', no tweaking required. I've dismantled my audio PC now as I don't need it.

 

I think you're right. Still waitiing for my Node 2 to arrive. Hoping it's here before the weekend! In comparison, I've also been interested in the microRendu so I've been looking at all the tweaking with that - and there's a lot that can be done. Not only in the renderer's output mode but so many different power supply upgrades. And different softwares (Roon, JRiver etc) and different controller apps.

 

My Peachtree 220se supports USB input (24/192), coax (24/192) and toslink (24/96) but I think their USB input might be their strength, given their long history with integrateds with DACS - also personal experience listening. So I'm keen to try out a microRendu's USB out and compare to the Node 2 via coax out... Ease of use and reliability is important to me too, so I don't think I'll have any complaints with the Node 2. Price point's are similar-ish, so should hopefully be a fair comparison.

[chilledbongo]

I think you're right. Still waitiing for my Node 2 to arrive. Hoping it's here before the weekend! In comparison, I've also been interested in the microRendu so I've been looking at all the tweaking with that - and there's a lot that can be done. Not only in the renderer's output mode but so many different power supply upgrades. And different softwares (Roon, JRiver etc) and different controller apps.

 

My Peachtree 220se supports USB input (24/192), coax (24/192) and toslink (24/96) but I think their USB input might be their strength, given their long history with integrateds with DACS - also personal experience listening. So I'm keen to try out a microRendu's USB out and compare to the Node 2 via coax out... Ease of use and reliability is important to me too, so I don't think I'll have any complaints with the Node 2. Price point's are similar-ish, so should hopefully be a fair comparison.

I don't believe the microRendu is wifi capable, either, unlike the Node 2. I use wifi w the Bluesound and I'm perfectly happy with its performance. I've tried getting JRIVER to work with it and I'm sure that it does, somehow, but I still haven't figured out exactly how.

If anyone can give some simple directions, much appreciated.

 

Sent from my SM-T810 using Computer Audiophile mobile app

[asdf1000]

Just posted this on another forum but thought I'd grieve over here too. Node 2 arrived today. Only 1 issue but it's a major one.

My integrated's DAC (Peachtree 220se) supports 24/192 over coax and 24/96 over toslink. And with my old Oppo 103 I played 24/192 over coax with no issues.

Anyway with the Node 2, 24/192 FLACs and ALACs (both) aren't playing over coax - there's a faint cracking through the speakers. I switch to toslink and 24/192 files play fine (even though my amp/DAC only supports 24/96 over toslink).

24/96 FLACs and ALACs play fine over coax though.... only 24/192 is the issue....

It's an Analysis Plus coax cable, which was fine with my Oppo 103. Before anyone asks - no I haven't tried another cable yet. Don't have one around tonight so will try and borrow one tomorrow night.

I've raised a support ticket with Bluesound so we'll see what they say. They're pretty quick and helpful.

I hadn't read anything about limitations with 24/192 over coax for the Node 2, so I'm guessing something in the system (amp, cable, or Node 2) isn't right.

Annoying because I quite like the app and speed of browsing. It indexed my 80,000 + collection in a couple hours (QNap 251+ with SSD drives, over ethernet) which was awesome.

[Melvin]

@Em2016 .. coax is not limited. 24/192 works over both coax and optical (with a Lifatec glass cable in my system). I would do the same as you and try a different cable. Hope it works out. BTW, I use a Black Cat Silverstar! coax.

[asdf1000]

@Em2016 .. coax is not limited. 24/192 works over both coax and optical (with a Lifatec glass cable in my system). I would do the same as you and try a different cable. Hope it works out. BTW, I use a Black Cat Silverstar! coax.

 

Thanks Melvin, I almost broke down in tears. Slight exaggeration there but you know what I mean. Day 0 issues are the worst.

 

I'm borrowing another coax cable tomorrow. I would have thought if it's the cable that nothing would work - 24/96 files work fine over coax though.

 

When I first setup the Node 2, it did an update and then I synced my library. So I've just 'factory reset' the device and will re-try, on the odd chance it was a software thing.

 

Once the indexing is re-done in the next half hour or so (I can't believe how quick it's going) I'll move the Node 2 to my Denon 4520 receiver and try with my existing coax there.... If that works then I've isolated the issue to my Peachtree amp/DAC. If it doesn't work with the Deon then I'll be pretty sure it's either the coax cable or the Node 2 itself...

[asdf1000]

Thanks Melvin, I almost broke down in tears. Slight exaggeration there but you know what I mean. Day 0 issues are the worst.

 

I'm borrowing another coax cable tomorrow. I would have thought if it's the cable that nothing would work - 24/96 files work fine over coax though.

 

When I first setup the Node 2, it did an update and then I synced my library. So I've just 'factory reset' the device and will re-try, on the odd chance it was a software thing.

 

Once the indexing is re-done in the next half hour or so (I can't believe how quick it's going) I'll move the Node 2 to my Denon 4520 receiver and try with my existing coax there.... If that works then I've isolated the issue to my Peachtree amp/DAC. If it doesn't work with the Deon then I'll be pretty sure it's either the coax cable or the Node 2 itself...

 

Just tried it with the Denon and same coax - I can now rule out the Node 2 and the cable. 24/192 flacs and alacs worked fine with the Denon receiver.

 

I'm quite surprised it's the Peachtree 220se. That was the last thing I expected to play up because it's been rock solid for a year now.

 

Must be something with the DAC over coax, over 24/96. It sounds a little too specific but it is what it is. I'll get in touch with Peachtree.

[adolph.hernandez]

It could be a compatibility issue between the two devices. I different cable might resolve the issue.

 

Sent from my SM-G920I using Tapatalk

[asdf1000]

It could be a compatibility issue between the two devices. I different cable might resolve the issue.

 

Sent from my SM-G920I using Tapatalk

 

I'm sceptical but I will try this tomorrow, just to dot the i's and cross the t's. I know what you're saying though - stranger things have happened in the audio world

[chilledbongo]

In regards to indexing your library, I have had an issue with the Node 2 duplicating files multiple times and don't how to solve it.

I don't have a large library and mainly stream Tidal. However, every time I unplug my USB hard drive from the Node 2 and then replug, the Node adds another copy of the files. I've done this three times and now see 3 copies of each file on the Blue OS app.

Solutions? I've tried reindexing.

 

Sent from my SM-T810 using Computer Audiophile mobile app

[Melvin]

In regards to indexing your library, I have had an issue with the Node 2 duplicating files multiple times and don't how to solve it.

I don't have a large library and mainly stream Tidal. However, every time I unplug my USB hard drive from the Node 2 and then replug, the Node adds another copy of the files. I've done this three times and now see 3 copies of each file on the Blue OS app.

Solutions? I've tried reindexing.

 

Sent from my SM-T810 using Computer Audiophile mobile app

 

The answer to this issue may be hinted at here and in their own documentation which is linked to in the thread:

 

https://helpdesk.bluesound.com/discussions/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=338&sid=baa04e10081051f303302f14e5f92787

[asdf1000]

It could be a compatibility issue between the two devices. I different cable might resolve the issue.

 

Sent from my SM-G920I using Tapatalk

 

You can add this one to the list of "stranger things have happened".

 

I replaced the $100 Analysis Plus coax (which works fine with my Denon receiver) with a cheap coax and it plays 24/192 music no issues.

 

Lesson learnt - even if you're sceptical about trying something basic, just do it anyway to properly rule it out - you could be surprised.

 

The good news is music is flowing through the Node 2 :-)

 

Now the head scratching part - what the the Analysis Plus's problem? Why doesn't it like my Node 2 and/or amp's DAC?

 

The only difference I can tell between the expensive cable and the cheap is the former has excessive shielding. Could that be the issue?

 

Now to find a better coax - although this cheaper one is 75ohm and already doing a decent job.

 

I'm thinking of just getting a better build cable, not necessarily with all the fancy shielding.

 

Appreciate any opinions.

 

Did I mentioned I love the Node 2? :-)

[asdf1000]

Been doing some extensive listening this weekend. I'm preferring the DAC in the Node 2 compared to the one in my Peachtree 220se (ESS Sabre) integrated amp. Via the Node 2's RCA outs, music sounds more fun and 'musical' and less analytical and fatiguing than my via the coax out into my dac/amp. More toe-tapping going on using the Node 2's DAC.

 

I also did some comparing against USB out from a PC, with a iFI USB Purifier 2 and still prefer music from the Node 2's DAC into my integrated.

 

Switching between coax, toslink and RCA out of the Node 2, I also found the music played loudest via the RCA outs (Node 2's audio set to fixed volume output). What could be the reason for this observation?

 

Highly recommend this product.

[Melvin]

Roon news .. apparently Bluesound will be integrating Roon into their platform in an upcoming release.

[MNG]

Roon news .. apparently Bluesound will be integrating Roon into their platform in an upcoming release.

 

Hey, that is very interesting, thanks for mentioning. I'm fed up using different apps for different devices and Roon, amongst its many strengths, appeals because I only need one control app for everything.

 

I was looking at an Aries mini for my gym but they don't do Roon. Not sure why as the Aries models do. I may get a Bluesound if this is true. Currently using a Sonos in that room.

[Melvin]

Hey, that is very interesting, thanks for mentioning. I'm fed up using different apps for different devices and Roon, amongst its many strengths, appeals because I only need one control app for everything.

 

I was looking at an Aries mini for my gym but they don't do Roon. Not sure why as the Aries models do. I may get a Bluesound if this is true. Currently using a Sonos in that room.

 

I first saw mention of it on the Bluesound Forum and now Roon Labs have Bluesound listed on their partners page as "coming soon":

 

https://roonlabs.com/partners.html

[MNG]

I've also been interested in the microRendu so I've been looking at all the tweaking with that - and there's a lot that can be done. Not only in the renderer's output mode but so many different power supply upgrades. And different softwares (Roon, JRiver etc) and different controller apps.

 

You don't have to do any tweaking at all with the mRendu. Just select the mode that suits you and off you go. Sure, you can then get into cables and power supplies, but that is really true of any device.

 

Then there are all the software tweaks. Great for some, not necessary for others. The mRendu can just be seen as a very solid, straightforward device for those that want it that way. I'm sure all the talk of tweaking must put some folk off as much as it excites others.

[MNG]

I first saw mention of it on the Bluesound Forum and now Roon Labs have Bluesound listed on their partners page as "coming soon":

 

https://roonlabs.com/partners.html

 

Great, thanks very much Melvin! You've just cost me some money, or saved me some - depending upon how you look at it. I was considering an Auralic Altair, but that is really more than I need in that room. I'll probably order one later today.

[Kelly]

I first saw mention of it on the Bluesound Forum and now Roon Labs have Bluesound listed on their partners page as "coming soon":

 

https://roonlabs.com/partners.html

Woo-hoo!

 

Sent from my SM-T350 using Computer Audiophile mobile app

[Melvin]

It's official:

 

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/lenbrook-annouces-roon-ready-partnership/

[Melvin]

Just an FYI, an update landed today. Mobile apps got updated too.

[bakalovb]

I have Node 2 . So far I was streaming Tidal only. I have a large library on a hard drive that I was playing via Olive one from an old Mac. I'm planning to copy it and play it via Node 2. What is the easiest way to do it? Thanks in advance.

PS. I'm using smsl Dac, connected to Kitoki tube amp and Omega single driver speakers

[MNG]

Any feedback on the Roon integration?

[chilledbongo]

Just an FYI, an update landed today. Mobile apps got updated too.

What did the update do, exactly, if you know. I'm not noticing anything different.

 

Sent from my SM-T810 using Computer Audiophile mobile app

[Melvin]

What did the update do, exactly, if you know. I'm not noticing anything different.

 

According to Bluesound:

 

https://support.bluesound.com/hc/en-us/articles/230892808