2. amps-preamps
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Can I use a Bluesound Node 2i as a Preamp?

I just recently purchased a Bluesound Node 2i to use with my CXA80 integrated amp. However in future  I’m looking at upgrading to a high end power amplifier. As I’ve had the CXA80 for years I want to try a few different DAC’s etc. So in future I’m looking at buying a high end power amp I can plug some RCA cables into and use some different bits of kit. 
Whilst I was on the phone to the guy from the audio store, whilst purchasing the Node 2i I asked about connecting the Node 2i to an NAD M22 as an example. He warned me not to do that for too long, as I’d need a proper Preamp, he was warning me that the Node 2i is not a Preamp. Fair enough but I am a bit confused, what does a Preamp have that the Node 2i does not? How do you define what a Preamp is then? What is the risk of connecting a Node 2i to a M22 directly via RCA? Or is this just a traditional thing that you need a big preamplifier for a big amplifier? I can’t figure out what the reasoning is. Is this to do with grounding of the preamp? or something else? Any feedback would be appreciated. 
andyboom
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
Technically yes, the Node2i will work using the app volume slider while plugged directly into an amp. For kicks I tried this one day while waiting on an integrated amp to arrive. I plugged it into a Class A tube amp and it worked but didn’t sound nearly as good (in fact it was pretty bad) as after connecting to the integrated and using the integrated’s volume control. Night and day difference.

Also you need to be careful. I started with the volume slider all the way down and gently nudged it up to obtain volume I wanted. I could imagine someone through fumbly thumbs or by omission hitting play while slider is all the way up at 100% and blowing out a speaker driver.
andyboom OP
7 posts
 
Hi Guys, thanks for the feedback I appreciate it. Makes sense, I now understand the Node 2i is a source and not a proper Preamplifier and the reasons why. 
Based on this I’ll use the CXA80 as the Preamp for the Node 2i for now and look at some options for a new Amp and Preamp/DAC in future.

Thanks again!
jetter
3,033 posts
 
andyboom, yes it is best to buy a separate preamp for sure. Those streamers that are good enough to also serve as a preamp usually cost as much buying a separate streamer and preamp. And I am not positive of this but I believe they may have limited inputs for other sources. Don’t forget you can get a Schitt freya+ for under $1k, or an Aric Audio remote unlimited for about $1,165, both brand new.

If you can’t tell, having a tube preamp is my preference.

Also, if you really get hard up for a volume control for up to two sources, you can pick up a passive Schitt SYS for $49.
soix
9,456 posts
 
Don’t underestimate the importance of a preamp. IMHO it’s at least as important as an amp in contributing to the sound you ultimately hear.  So if you buy a good amp make sure the preamp — whether integrated into a DAC or not — is of similar quality.  Best of luck. 
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