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
Node 2i here. Had a problem after one of their updates with my PC's app.  Sent them a help request. Their service responses were ASTOUNDINGLY GOOD.  I know, all caps but it really was as good as it gets.  Stayed with me until we found a workaround.  Yes, my DAC sounds better than their built-in one and yes, the app could use some tuning. And yes, I'd like a "remote without a speaker" to use with my other audio systems.  But wow, great support when I was at wit's end.
I have a Vault 2.  Never had a problem with it.  My only gripe is that it only connects over wired network.  I had to get a wifi extender setup that offers an RJ45 ethernet port over at my stereo area. Other than that it's been great. Phone app works well too.  I tried a Sony player that connected wi-fi but it was not reliable. Eventually had to hard wire it too.  I sold it because the Vault 2 has a better app.
I would tend to think the naysayers are the minority.
I’ve been a happy BlueSound user for at least 5 years.  Good sound at the price point and the  ergonomics are great and app operation has been glitch-free wirelessly with my Node devices thru my apple iPad.
As others may have eluded to... your WiFi might be the issue.  If so consider going the hard-wire Ethernet cable route or address whatever shortcoming might exist with your router.
This is my Bluesound story.  I have owned one Bluesound Node 2 for about five years and it has always been hardwired for use in my primary hi fi system.  It has always worked flawlessly.  When we moved downsized to an old (130 year old) townhome with plaster walls about three years ago, I purchased another Node 2 and two of the Bluesound speakers to set up a system downstairs.  Bluesound wirelessly drove me nuts.  I finally got rid of the downstairs equipment about one year ago and went to Sonos.  I must confess that even the Sonos had flaws until I finally did two things.  First, I set my Linksys Velop Nodes to bridge mode.  That seemed to do the trick (and may well have done with my Bluesound stuff).  I also got 1Gb internet and a faster modem.  That definitely solved the problem.  My only conclusion is streaming wirelessly is always problematic and dependent on internet signal strength -- there are just too many gateways to a stable signal.  I am happy with Bluesound when hardwired and frankly believe that it's interface is now less cumbersome than even Roon (which I tried and gave up because it was buggy).  As for sound quality, I A/B'd it with an Aurender, which I very much wanted to like, in an apples to apples comparison using the DAC in my Hegel integrated amp.  After hours of listening determined that they sound no different, so consequently saved over $2000.  I now run my Bluesound Node 2 through a Chord Qutest DAC -- that does sound better than the DAC in the Bluesound.  Good luck.