Bluesound Powernode 2

I've played with a Powernode 2 for a couple of days now and, while not in the same system as I had the NAD 7050 (to be honest it's in quite an idiosyncratic one!), I'd say that it's a better amp. Not as joyful or involving as the kit it's replacing (an SB+ (modded squeezebox) and Thorens TTA2000) but I have to remember that this is just the kitchen!

willemj's comment re. Chromecast set me off on a google search and have to say that, should it ever be supported by Roon, I'll be sorely tempted if I ever see a used Densen CastAMP for sale....

Many thanks all.

I have the Powernode 2 on my A/V system, a Node 2 in my 2 channel system and the Pulse Mini for portable music around the garden.

I first bought the Node 2 and was so impressed with the interface and sound quality, that I went out and bought the PowerNode 2 for my A/V system. Last was the Pulse Mini.

I love the interface, I can stream from all the major services, I can stream from my NAS drive, They work from my iTunes music library. I can pair devices or run each with different tracks indepently

I run all the devices from either my Android devices or my windows computer
- Apple computers require a specific wireless router setting to connect properly

I have experienced wireless issues playing 24/192 tracks, but that’s an issue with my router.
Ethernet connections do not have any playback issues

I cannot comment on the other devices mentioned - I’m a "blue guy" all the way

BTW: All of the units I have improve their sound quality when treated to great cables.

Hop that helps

Thanks williewonka.

I don't really have anything of a similar price to make a meaningful comparison with but I'm almost certainly keeping the Bluesound 2 which is a thumbs up of sorts.

Interesting you should say that about cabling as I was quite surprised by the improvement in body that replacing the supplied power cable with a fairly modest upgrade (the always excellent and sensible "Mark Grant") made. I was dubious about whether it would make much difference on such a device but I guess it is plugged in next to the refrigerator!

@egertmic It’s quite understandable that power cables would make such a significant improvements because the Node 2 is so small and therefore, so is its power supply.

A good power cable definitely augments the abilities of the Node 2 power supply.

Good IC’s will also make a significant difference. But it then becomes an issue of how much does one spend on a $600 box.

I had some very expensive IC’s attached and the improvements were amazing,

But where does one "draw the line?
- Is it prudent or sensible to spend 3 times the cost of the box on cables?

Personally - I like to squeeze every ounce of performance out of each component in my system. I also tend to view my cables as components.

Fortunately I am a DIYer so I can afford to have the best cables attached to the Node 2 for a very reasonably priced solution.

Regards - Steve

I just bought a used v.1 powernode for dirt offa eBay and found it to be a decent enough temporary addition to my two-channel setup - rather, a replacement for my former two-channel setup since I sold all of it off to satisfy various unexpected bills of the sort we all loathe.  

I accepted my gf’s offer to take her Marantz 2250b receiver and a pair of Meadowlark Kestrels until such time I am in any position to return to a bonafide “hi-fi” setup.  (I had gifted her both of the above about 6-7 years ago.)  As a stop-gap system it was quite okay but nothing special.