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[help] I'm too Boomer to stream. :-(

So I purchased a Bluesound node 2i after a previous discussion here. Now I can't get the node or BluOs program to recognize my music on other laptops that are on my same wifi.  When my laptop and hard drive was connected to my Parasound Zdac, I could usb the computer into the dac, and use an optical cable from my tv out to the dac.  The node doesn't seem to have a way to allow my tv into the node's dac (my tv only has optical & hdmi out for sound) & node has no inputs for hdmi or toslink) so I'm stuck with the dac of the node for streaming music and the zdac for tv audio with the two different analog outputs from 2 different dacs going into my integrated amp. I'm frustrated and feel like I spent this money for a ghetto rig, plus I can't even make libraries , etc. Totally confused and have tried making everthing "dicoverable " on network setting to no avail. So lost, angry, sad, confused and frustrated. And I swear to god if millerwhoever says I should have bought a tricked out fuse or dumb little cone, I'm gonna lose my s***.
128x128labguy
melvinjames
416 posts
 
First, the Node 2i does indeed have Toslink input .. it’s a combo 3.5mm/mini-Toslink port. You’ll need an appropriate cable like this one:

https://www.amazon.com/C2G-Cables-27016-Toslink-Cable/dp/B0002JFN1A

or get an adapter for one end of a standard Toslink cable.

There’s a setting in the BluOS app for allowing/disallowing auto-detect of an Optical-in signal.
djones51
4,947 posts
 
Yep melvinjames is right I  forgot about that mini port.
melvinjames
416 posts
 
Second, there is a bit of a learning curve so you need to take a deep breath Boomer. (I'm also a Boomer and have had plenty of frustrations with computer/digital audio over the years.)

Now I can't get the node or BluOs program to recognize my music on other laptops that are on my same wifi.

The setup for NAS is a bit finicky on the BluOS platform and was the cause of most of my initial frustrations with the Node. Once you get it sorted you'll find it to be quite a nice product. Bluesound Support is very responsive and helpful. If you haven't contacted them yet, now might be a good time to do so. Their support forum members are helpful as well:

https://helpdesk.bluesound.com/discussions/index.php?sid=7ea3bc140f8802aae4fe62cff2e9eabb

Generally speaking, you would locate your music library on the network in some way, whether a simple hard drive connected to your router or a full-blown NAS solution like QNAP. What exactly are you trying to do with your other laptops in the mix?

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,571 posts
 
@labguy,

We understand your frustration. As others have pointed out, there is a bit of learning curve with Node 2i.

If the idea behind Node 2i was to eliminate laptop from your system, then Node 2i makes perfect sense. I would connect Node 2i using its RCA out to your Integrated. Secondly, I would transfer all the music from your laptop to NAS and connect the NAS directly into Node2 USB input. The default password for external NAS access is ‘admin’.

And lastly, download the Bluesound iOS app on iPad. You can sort your library by 7 different categories (all listed under Library icon).

If you plan on streaming from Tidal or Qobuz, I would recommend a wired Ethernet connection to Node 2i over WiFi. The hardwired connectivity does sound better to my ears over WiFi. BTW, I own Vault 2 so feel free to PM me if you have any further questions. 
PS: Sorry, the node 2i internal DAC cannot be used with external devices. 

Good luck!
ml8764ag's avatar
ml8764ag
502 posts
 
I got a node 2i and absolutely love it... Initially had difficulty connecting to my existing library... And grudgingly put in an email to Bluesound tech support (I say grudgingly because I had low to no expectations)... Turns out they were awesome and got me all fixed up (my Jriver (which I loved) is now obsolete) . 

If you allow them to... They will remotely control your computer to resolve... so less need to worry about your technical prowess. 
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