Bluesound NODE 2i Reviews

This is a review of the 2020 model Node N130. This model sports a little nicer look on the top panel with the standard previous, play, pause, next buttons with are back-lit and a volume slider.

Looks and physical ergonomics.

The Node is a handsome piece of gear, it is likely to fit into any decor, small and sleek in appearance. Its single blue light on the front indicates network connectivity, while the top display provides controls. On the rear are all of the connectivity options nicely laid out and easy to use. The top controls can be dimmed and respond by lighting up with proximity detection. In normal operation I find that the only useful buttons on the top are the play/pause and volume. The forward and previous are not likely to be used unless I know for sure whats going to be next or what was previously playing. Otherwise using the forward and previous are a 100% guess. The Node comes in Black or White which further helps it to blend in with a users home decor.

Connectivity

The Node has an abundance of connection options. SPDIF via coax or optical, newly implemented USB output and HDMI for TV hook up. There are also analog inputs and outputs as well as a sub output. Its really a swiss army knife when it comes to connectivity. The Node uses a Linux operating system and the standard ALSA audio-stack. Being the case users might expect to see the usual Linux-like functionality found in other Linux software players. This is not the case though, the Node can only output at Max volume for USB and is not adjustable, however some users have notices that this functionality is reversed for them and they can only use adjustable volume and no fixed volume is available. Inconsistent behavior in the USB output can be frustrating to some users, this is also the case with DSD and MQA output, there might be some issues. However USB output is your standard far is is never worse nor better than a normal RaspberryPi or other standard USB output. In addition to the physical outputs the Node also has BlueTooth output functionality for BT headphones. The Node can also be connected to wifi and standard Ethernet. The wifi is actually 2Ghz only, and will connect to 5Ghz only if it is the only network available in the home. This is to say if your home has both 2Ghz and 5Ghz available it will default to 2Ghz and can not be overwritten to connect to 5Ghz. This is by design according to the Bluesound tech team.

User Interface

The user interface is sparse with basic functionality for browsing music files and connecting to a variety of music providers. This however is very inconsistent. The node does serve as a Spotify connect client, but no browsing or viewing of Spotify content is available. Tidal on the other had is integrated into the BlueOS user interface. For Internet radio the only choice is to use the built in Tunein radio functionality and browse then save stations. You can not input your own Internet radio stations. Artwork is very inconsistent throughout the user interface, some artwork is small, some is very large as seen in the presets section. Playlists can be imported from your library but can not be created and stored on the Node. The user interface comes in one color [black] no light or dark is available. Note that if you are a Chromebook user the user interface will crash and is non-functional and freezes when selecting anything on the left side like Tunein, Tidal etc. In addition to very large preset icons they also by default have numbers on each preset, these numbers are by design and are for users who may use Alexa etc. so a user can just call out the preset number, according to the Bluesound help desk. All configuration of the Node can be done within the user interface within the settings menu pick. Sub-woofer settings, USB, bass and treble are just some of the many options.

Sound

The new version of the Node comes with upgraded Dac chips and can stream HiRez without issue. The sound is very good but not exceptional. However for the price its seems to be on par with what someone would expect, considering the Node is not only a hardware device but also a streamer with its on software. Sound via digital outputs are very good, no strange artifacts are present, USB is also very good with no drawbacks. The analog outputs which come from its internal Dac also provide very good sound and would easily be satisfying to your normal user. Only those who seek over the top performance might have issue. Even still, the sound is always acceptable.

Overall the Node is a very good deal for the price and is in many ways middle of the road, not being exceptional but providing a good all around experience that would satisfy the majority of users. Lots of work can be done to the user interface to make it on par with competitors and the USB functionality can also be improved. I would say a solid 8/10.