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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

audionoobie
elloyd24
8 posts
 
I go Node 2 optical out into KEF LS50W. I max the volume on the KEF and use the Node’s volume control. This combo sounds much better to me than the WiFi of the LS50W and allows me to group it into house zones. 
mr_m
1,900 posts
 
I use a Node 2 connected to an Ayre Codex via a high quality glass optical interconnect. The sound of this combo is stunning for the price. Much, much better than the Node 2 with it's own Dac. Although there is nothing wrong with it's on board Dac. One other thing I did that was recommended was to connect the Codex to an amp with XLR's if said amp has balanced input capabilities. The SQ took another leap forward. I pretty much listen to this pairing more often than my CD player or my turntable. To me, it's that good. IMHO.....YMMV.
ediaz3
21 posts
 
I was tinkering this morning took my tube pre out of the loop and immediately changed my sound, better bass, even the treble came to life without harshness. i cannot understand this, lol
arcstarter's avatar
arcstarter
1 posts
 
Late to the thread party and first time posting. I've used the Node 2i directly into a power amp with excellent, even improved results. The sound is excellent when considering the cost of the Node 2i, but it will be not unexpectedly lacking slightly compared to a dedicated DAC. However, if you have a tube based amp with high efficiency speakers, the preamp is definitely helpful to reduce any noise or hum. This can distracting depending on the amp.
buddy1234's avatar
buddy1234
7 posts
 
I have the Nodi 2i and have tried using this directly with powered monitors. I have a pair of KRK G4's and and went directly into the Nodi as my pre-amp.  WOW, I was really impressed. The sound was a bit forward, but that was the monitors. Sound stage was great!   I feel the bass was better than my Peachtree Nova 125 with a pair of Legacy Audio Monitors. I am reaching out to XTZ A2-300 tech to see if I can use these directly with a pair of Thiel's CS 2.3's and the Nodi as my pre-amp.  Should be worth trying.
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