2. digital
  3. 178490-46

Just got a new Bluesound Node. Very disappointed!

I got the BSN to run to my NAD M51 DAC and everything sound like the treble has been turned up +10db. The bass is also weak. I use Qobuz and Tidal and both sound the exact same way. I can listen to cd’s  is my Oppo of the same music with no problem. 
 

what gives, is it really this bad?

last_lemming
jl35
4,176 posts
 

long combative debate about importance of source (Streamer/CD Transport) vs DAC...I believe it all matters...not all do

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,791 posts
 

So as long as the data file is “true” shouldn’t the SQ be determined by my outboard DAC?

Yes…Maybe not 100% but  very close for all practical purposes. As long as everything is configured and operating properly. At least that is my experience to date after 15 years of streaming.

henry53's avatar
henry53
280 posts
 

I auditioned the Bluesound Node together with the Lindemann Limetree Bridge, I found the BSN did improve with better outboard DAC's but only marginally, with the Lindemann the better the DAC the better it sounded.

dgluke
101 posts
 

A lot of audiophiles buy and then sell these Node products because they don’t like the sound quality even after upgrading the DAC. Just a fact. Don’t shoot the messenger. 

mahler123
3,542 posts
 

The way the OP describes the problem makes it sound like a defective unit to me.  And transports do matter.  The DAC is the bigger determinant of the pairing, but the the situation is analogous to a disc transport DAC combination.  You wouldn’t pair a top notch DAC with a $20 DVD player as a disc transport, and a poor player streaming into a good DAC will sound similarly compromised .  I’ve used the Node 2 and streamers that cost 10 times as much.  The more expensive players sound better but the Node has a decent “floor” if not as high a ceiling

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