OP sorry for hijacking your thread but at least you'll know whether to ditch your transparent cable in favor of usb :-)
Bluesound Node 2 vs. Node (2021)
I am currently enjoying an older Node 2 and wondering if I my sound quality might benefit from an upgrade to the new, 3rd generation, Node (2021). My system: Network > Node 2 (via Cat5e) > Chord Qutest DAC (via Coaxial) > Hegel H190 (via analog) > Magnepan 1.7i. I'm only using the Node's WiFi for control via the Blue OS app on a tablet.
Thoughts?
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After watching numerous YouTube reviews of both of the Node 2i and the newer "Node", it seems that any upgrade would be slight. They all tout that the new Node has eARC, is built more modular (probably makes it cheaper to manufacture and service), has a slightly better power supply, and a different DAC implementation. |
@MoonWatcher - Thanks, I think I'm coming around to the same conclusion that any improvements coming from switching to a new Node from the Node 2 would be slight, considering my current setup/use. I don't need eARC or AirPlay. Better response time would be nice (although I have no complaints currently) but I'm guessing the extra $s would be better spent elsewhere. However, I might try to audition a new Node from a local dealer just for the hell of it. |
@skirescue911 Hi, I’ve just started using the USB output on my Node "3" to a new DAC I’ve had for around a month. While for me it works flawlessly streaming natively from the Node/BluOS, Roon/USB has issues in the form of pops and crackles. This has been acknowledged by Bluesound and discussed on Roon forums. Bluesound say the Roon integration is still in Beta and will be addressed by future updates. If you don’t use Roon, you shouldn’t have issues. USB out has provided a greater clarity and detail for me, but that maybe due to the way USB is implemented in my DAC. But, the greatest improvement I made was modding the Node with the replacement PCB and external LPS from the Polish company someone linked above for you. The cost is extremely reasonable for the improvements gained; it cost me around £200, which was eyebrow raising personally, as I wasn't expecting such an improvement for that kind of money.
Hope this helps; good luck and happy listening 👍 |
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