Class D audio vs James Romeyn

portlanlay,

The Bluesound Powernode 2 is a multi-room audio system that is a separate product and category than the class D power amps that bakalovb posted about. I believe it’s a higher end version of multi-room systems like Sonos. Bluesound claims it’s audiophile quality but I have no opinion since I have never used any multi-room systems. From reading about the system, I do know it’s a multiple component system based on updated bluetooth technology that’s capable of streaming high-res music files.

The only relevancy the Bluesound system has to bakalovb’s post is that one of its components contains a low powered (60 watt @ 8 ohm) Hypex class D amp. A good sign of higher quality for this system but I’d suggest you’re better served googling for reviews on this system than looking for opinions on this thread.  Or, you could always start a new thread here on Audiogon  requesting input on the Bluesound system.

Tim

Thanks Tim.  That basically what I understand too.  However, the amp portion does have outputs so I can pair it to some speakers I like.  I think they use Wifi for streaming to avoid the bluetooth limitations.

I believe the powernode 2 allows you to stream from USB, a cd player, their cd ripper etc and then had the amp section.

portlandlay,

     I think you're right on all counts.  I don't have a need for this type of system and don't completely understand how it functions.  I think you locate  the amp, dac, computer file storage and cd ripper sections in the same room as your main speakers.  I think speakers can then be placed in other rooms in the house with signals sent via wifi but I'm uncertain if the signals are sent to powered speakers or system modules/amps that regular speakers are connected to.  I'm also curious about whether the rooms utilize a stereo pair of spkrs or just a single mono speaker.

     However, I don't think we should hi-jack bakalovb's thread so please respond and then you can seek input elsewhere or start your own thread.

Thanks,
  Tim

Spkrplus, I apologize for comparing my shade tree assembly of a pair of nC400 kits to your impressive build.

I too heard a substantial ability to hear into my modest recordings just as your recording engineer customer compared to the linear solid state amplifiers I was using prior to the Hypex products.

m-db,
That's very kind of you to mention, but I took absolutely no offense. 

For the record, there are a couple fine points Re. NC400 assembly.  On at least six occasions, clients hired me to re-wire the same subtle assembly error for NC400 built by persons not me.  The symptom of this error is NC400 works perfectly fine in one system, then moved to another system NC400 mutes, playing no music.

Again, please allow me to repeat this performance advice for all applications w/unbalanced source > NC400.  Any use of unbalanced IC unnecessarily and audibly degrades performance of this fine amplifier.  Instead, follow this IC method:
Unbalanced source > Quasi-Balanced IC (RCA/balanced cable/XLR) > NC400 XLR, or close second choice...
Unbalanced source > RCA/XLR adapter > balanced IC > NC400 XLR

The worst application, w/the greatest magnitude of AC mains noise, is the following:
Unbalanced source > RCA IC > NC400 w/RCA input and "earthed" chassis