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Bluesound Node 2 as a preamp?

Source: Bluesound Node 2
Amp: Belles Aria Integrated
Speakers: Vandersteen 2ce Sig II’s

Prior to last night I had been taking the analog outputs of the Node 2 and plugging them into 1 of the 3 stereo inputs on the Belles. I had read a thread here about bypassing the preamp and plugging the Node 2 directly into your amp. I did that last night by using the Bypass input on the Belles, using the volume control on the Bluesound OS app to conrol volume.

I don’t know if it’s expectation bias or some other phenomenon, but I swear my system has never sounded sweeter. More bass extension, more defined sound stage, better detail.

Has anyone else tried this experiment? What were your findings? Am I losing it?

Thanks!
Joe

128x128audionoobie
wtf's avatar
wtf
307 posts
 
I go direct with great results as well, however, I also think it's system dependent. For me the Node 2 has worked well as a preamp of sorts. I've used it this way with several amps, all without issue. In fact, I just took delivery of a Decware SE84UFO a couple days ago and once again, no issues and sounds fantastic.
samac's avatar
samac
492 posts
 
@dgarretson 

I've had an aftermarket power cord on my Node 2 for two months now. Adding the cord resulted in a quieter more relaxed sound; tone, detail and resolution all improved. I also had the C7 inlet on the Node 2 replaced (the prongs on the Node 2 are woefully undersized). This enhanced the improvements that the power cord made.

Cullen Cable made the power cord as well as replaced the C7 inlet. Here's a pic of the cord and the C7 plug with the Node 2.

http://https//www.audioasylum.com/forums/pcaudio/messages/16/169658.html

http://http//www.cullencable.com/avius-series/

Cheers,

Scott


gdnrbob
4,417 posts
 
I  use an Ayre Codex as DAC. Much better than the BSound. And, it can perform as a DAC.
B
samac's avatar
samac
492 posts
 
The dac in the Node 2 is very good. I really enjoyed listening through it; but I do find I enjoy the dac in my integrated amp a bit more.

Cheers,

Scott
randyhat
156 posts
 
I just replaced the Bluesound Node2 in my main system with a Lumin T1 and yes the T1 is better (as it should be for the price) but the Bluesound Node2 has to be one of the best bargains in Hi Fi.  I love it.  I have moved it to a second system in a bedroom and I am running it directly into an Audio Research 100.2 power amp.  I just set it up yesterday so I haven't had time to do much listening but my initial reaction is that it is ok but I think it would probably sound better running through a preamp.  Down the road I might try it with a preamp in this second system.  I always ran it through a preamp when it was in my main system.  
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