Just got a new Bluesound Node. Very disappointed!

Not to hijack this post, but obviously many of you on here have tried the gambit of low priced streamers up to ones far more than I could afford. 

My question is this:  How do you think the sound quality of an iPAD feeding an external DAC via USB compares to say the Bluesound Node feeding the same DAC via USB?  Would there be any noticeable or notable differences? 

Currently I use an iPAD to feed a Schiit Modi II but was looking at getting a Denafrips Ares II as my "end game" better DAC.  Would I hear (in theory) a better quality of sound, or does the limitation of the iPAD say I ought to get a better streamer as well one day to pair with the Denafrips? 

Thanks. 

To the original poster, I would return the B/S Node and perhaps try another one from another vendor to hopefully not get one from the same batch run. If it (the first one) is defective you’ll find out.

Sadly this goes for nearly anything in manufacturing the last two years. Manufacturing items in fits and starts due to Covid, supply chain issues, particularly the chip shortages, has lowered overall statistical quality of many items from streamers to cars.

Since we know many have the Node and are happy with it at its price point, this tone anomaly does seem to indicate something is amiss. Good luck!

And thanks to @Alvin1118 for the heads up about the Auto Clock on the BS Node. Something to keep in the back of my mind if I ever get one.

The only problem I’ve had with my node is tech support and that’s lately. 

@last_lemming 

Beyond the basic troubleshooting, there are plenty of threads here on how to get best possible sound from BSN. If you’re new to streaming, there is a bit of learning curve (probably not as deep as your analog) so you need to be patient and allow BSN to settle in your system. When using a external DAC, make sure you’re using a good digital SPDIF or USB cable. You mentioned hearing a slight metallic sheen in your music with BSN, here are couple of things you can do to restore naturalness to the music, 

1) Upgrade Ethernet cable to Supra CAT 8 (buy from eBay seller zendada)

2) Upgrade PC cable to Shunyata V14 - C7 or similar

3) Try a inline LAN filter like Acoustic Revive RLI-1GB-TripleC (buy from eBay)

All of the above tweaks + external DAC should help you get most out of BSN in its stock form. There is power supply upgrade as well for additional $258 but I wouldn’t go that far yet. 

Did you turn off the clock as another poster suggested?  This has a huge impact on sound quality.  It always makes a positive difference when you have an external DAC