@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!
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!