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BlueSound Stinks(!), anyone?

I am looking for your help.  We recently switched from Sonos to BlueSound to get higher streaming rates.  So far we have had consistent problems and issues(!!).  Specifically, about 50% of the time my and my wife's BlueSound app does not recognize the Node 2i's.  When I delete the app, reinstall it and reconnect the Nodes, we again have the same problems at least 50% of the time.  It is simply a joke of a product and I find we are not alone.  I have tried just about everything.

Also, when I go online to get help, I find that I am not alone and there is a tsunami of negative (to the degree of very hostile) comments about BlueSound and for the most part it is the same issue.  I have tried just about everything and I am about to simply trash/sell mine and go back to Sonos.  If I do go back to Sonos, I will also leave a stream of bad comments on every forum I can since going back to Sonos will represent a big financial loss to me simply because Bluesound is an irresponsible/deceptive company at my expense.

Alternatively, I just want it to reliably work.  Do you you have and advice and/or guidance to get Bluesound to reliably work?  Is there a better alternative to to get higher bit rates thank Bluesound?

Thank you in advance for your help.  Dave


butterman
geof3
1,129 posts
 
Interesting discussion. Reality, Sonos has the connectivity and interface nailed. I’ve been using Sonos products for quite some time. Recently, I think the software has become clunky. To some degree, I think Sonos is trying too hard. But, in the end, the interface software is still the gold standard of multi room systems. Having said that, SQ isn’t the best, but not horrible. Their speakers are ok too. I am looking into a Bluesound Node 2i currently, as it seems, overall, the reviews are very good. Pretty much a given the SQ on the Node 2i is better than the new Port, which I currently have. What really is leading me to something new is Sonos lack of high-res playback ability. I have added a ton of Flac and other high res files on my NAS that I cannot access via the Port. That has become a deal killer for me with the Sonos, I’m going to give the Node 2i a shot. I don’t listen to streaming music critically, but I would like to be able to play all the music I have stored, as well as use the various services I subscribe to. Fortunately, I will be using an Ethernet hardwired connection with Apple products.
skoczylas's avatar
skoczylas
240 posts
 
My experience is that bluesound only works reliably if you have very good wifi or if it’s hardwired to the internet. The wifi reception is terrible. I would try that just to see if that fixes it. Of course many of us don’t have the option of using Ethernet where the stereo is. Pretty frustrating to purchase a streamer with iffy wifi reception. Even my Apple TV in a very small box has better reception. 
melvinjames
416 posts
 
My experience is that bluesound only works reliably if you have very good wifi or if it’s hardwired to the internet. The wifi reception is terrible. I would try that just to see if that fixes it. Of course many of us don’t have the option of using Ethernet where the stereo is. Pretty frustrating to purchase a streamer with iffy wifi reception. Even my Apple TV in a very small box has better reception.

This. I've had a Node 2 since it was released and when I moved to a mesh router all connection issues vanished, as did wired vs. wifi sound quality -- no difference to my ears.
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
Bluesound is a great product.  I use a vault and 2 Nodes.  My Vault is wired near my main system...running an Ethernet connection is simple and preferable.  I use external DAC’s on my amplifier’s...Krell Vangaurd Digital or my McIntosh MA8900 DAC.  No issues for 2 years now!
rhljazz
1,253 posts
 
I have a Vault 2, a Node 2i, and a Pulse Flex 2i.  I use an iPad for control.  I have no problems in two different residences.  All but the Vault are set up wireless.  I run the updates when notified.  I have no complaints with the BluOS app.
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