Bluesound Node 2


I'm a complete newbie in the digital space, not counting CD players of course. I'm also on a path to upgrade my system from other various angles, mostly preamp and speakers. All that said, I'm currently using a Bluesound Node 2 with a hifi Tidal subscription. No computer files or hardwired USB connections. My first question is where does Bluesound fit in the digital wireless streaming quality hierarchy. And a related question is what would be a good upgrade path, again assuming only wireless streaming as the source. I see a lot of high end DACs out there, some several thousand dollars and wonder if those are only used for connection to a laptop and running computer hirez files, etc. Not a whole lot about wireless streaming. All in all, some guidance in the digital wireless streaming space would be appreciated. Thanks.
128x128kalali
Hey williewonka - exactly which power cable made such a difference in Bluesound output quality?  
@wgutz - the cables I use are a DIY cable with a Helix geometry that I have perfected over the last couple of years - see link below

http://image99.net/blog/files/be8de0c383c5434907610d6b55049e69-75.html

If you are not into that level of DIY you could simply take a piece of 12 or 14 guage extension cord, remove the outer sleeve and then braid the three internal conductors and add IEC connectors - that works much better tan the stock cable.

I use the IEC C7 figure 8 connector below on my cables - it should make some improvement on a standard power cord
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/one-pieces-Gold-Plated-Figure-8-IEC-C7-AC-Power-Plug-Female-Connector-Audio-/...

Otherwise you could simply buy a cable from one of the reputable cable companies.

- Signal Cable
- Pangea does a nice one with the C7 plug - see
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PGAC14C7
 
Whats the difference?
- The HELIX Power - provides superb imaging, deep controlled bass, exceptional clarity.
- The braided extension cord - is better across the board than the stock cable, but lacks the finesse of the helix geometry
- A larger gauge power cord with the IEC above should also provide some benefit - mainly better bass control

If you can find a cable with a similar helix geometry in a commercial product I'd opt for that, but the only one I know of that has a variation on the Helix geometry is from Nordost and costs more than the Node-2 :-(

Anti Cables does a braided cable, but it does not come with a C7 Figure 8 connector

I would recommend not using an IEC - C7 adapter they are OK in a pinch to try different cables, but not a final solution
 
Hope that Helps
 



I will give it a try (DIY) as soon as I finish my re-tile of the shower, a non-audiophile endeavor. Thanks for your thoughtful response. 
I have a Bluesound Node 2. It replaced an older Logitech Squeezebox that was glitchy but worked fine. I like the sound of the Node 2 and with it:
1. I can bypass using my Macbook Pro computer to play music stored from Itunes on my HDD. Now I can play that same stored music directly streamed to the Node 2 into my stereo and use my Iphone as the controller.
2. Additionally, I can stream music from Spotify or Tidal
3. I can also try MQA files on Tidal.

2psyop:  Did you use the DAC in the SBT, or anexternal DAC?  Do you use the Node 2's built-in DAC or an external DAC?  How would you compare the sound of the SBT to the Node 2 in your system?  TIA.