2. digital
  3. 138729-79323

Blue Node 2 ... ???

I've been thinking of adding to my system and ran across this advertised in Stereo Reviews latest and they also had it listed as a Class B item. Stream from internet radio to RCA to pre.  ...  would be the application I am interested in.  Current system FWIW, Sansui TU 9900 fully modded by Mike Williams at Radio X into an Audio Research LS2M MKII remote to two Sumo Andromeda II A which are run one a side, one channel for the Acoustat panel and one for the base module. Sony ES 5400 Super Audio player balanced through the pre into the power amps.  All cables are Straightwire, silver on the Sony the rest Maestro IC and speaker most custom cabled and terminated as they are local guys and really help with your specific needs.  Dedicated room fully treated by Acoustic Sciences Corp.

I contacted BlueSound who referred me to Magnolia, who can't seem to find a unit to demo I can hear in store.  I am VERY happy with my systems performance and just looking to add capability, not replace or upgrade anything.  Last guy I talked to suggested I just buy it and if I don't like it return with a 15% restocking fee deduct....  are they crazy?  Most of my system was put together near 25 years ago and I have auditioned equipment, cables, power cords, and you name it (especially vintage tubes) on and off for at least a decade. Last equipment change was the Sony ES5400 ran a $3500 Marantz player out the door, which wasn't a big deal since the Sansui did that too.
Anyone have any experience with the Blue Sound Node 2?.
midareff1
gdnrbob
4,447 posts
 
+1 Maritime.
I own the original Nodes and use an Ayre Codex as DAC.
The Nodes work as they should and the outboard DAC enhances sound quality.
I don't think you will be disappointed with the onboard DAC, but you can always plug in a better one, like the Ayre Codex or a Schiit Gungnir or Yggy- which aren't a lot of money used (Well, under $2K used), but give outstanding performance.
Bob

yashu
196 posts
 
Wonderful little piece for $500.  While the capabilities are many I use mine primarily to stream Tidal, and some favorite internet radio stations.
 
While it sounds very good on its own it becomes outstanding when run through the DAC on my ARC CD9.
maritime51's avatar
maritime51
1,288 posts
 
I make the same uses. I’ll have a NuPrime DAC 10 soon, and suspect it’ll be even better.
wtf's avatar
wtf
307 posts
 
Bluesound has managed to create a terrific platform that is also easy on the wallet. I’ve had my Node 2 for 2.5 years and I can honestly say I’m still very happy with my choice. It’s versatile, sounds good (even better feeding a nice DAC), and is affordable. Bluesound also offers free firmware and app updates on a fairly regular basis enhancing functionality/services.
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 
Hands down the best streamer for under $500......Bluesound Node 2 all the way!
More to discover