Just got a new Bluesound Node. Very disappointed!

Airplay is not even remotely at the same level of performance.

I have to agree, I think you got a defective unit. 

If you don’t like it return it. It should sound good. If not maybe what was there before was relatively rolled off? Different strokes….. What sounds good or not is a highly subjective judgement. Or it could be defective. It happens!

Also I have started using airplay of late and that too sounds very good. Either to a Cambridge streamer or to a quite meager Roku stick. Pleasantly surprised! There is no technical reason I know of why it shouldn’t sound good if done well.

What do you expect rule of thumb 25% of the cost on average goes into the build including packaging $125  you truly need to spend at least around $1k at bare minim7m to get any respectable fidelity , the Denafrips Pontus 2 by far the best under $2k dac out there that is a very respectable Audiophile product .

buy a little green computer as your Roon ready device with a Solid state 1-2 terabyte hard drive , save until you can buy one these are very cost effective products that are excellent value.

Check the sound settings. It may be that you’re on the “subwoofers” setting which high passes your speakers. I had this problem as well. If it’s on turn it off

I have not heard such dramtic issues, whch suggests something else wrong. But its not good. I haveposted many times that the node << a $99 schiit modi 3 driven by FLAC+ USB PC.

and in context the Modi 3 is an excellent to outstanding entry level product, but 2-3 gradiations below what i use.

Mediocre. But solid mediocre....