Just got a new Bluesound Node. Very disappointed!

FWIW, I had the last iteration of the Node before this one. I would describe the sound exactly as you did, a slight metallic sheen over the music. I replaced a raspberry pi player with the node and although the user interface was much improved, the SQ took a half step backwards. The Lumin U1 mini I eventually bought was a pretty big improvement over the Node IMHO.

@ozzy62 

Funny how SQ improved with Lumin U1 over Node ….after all it’s a computer passing digital 1’s and 0’s 🤣

I also ran a Bluesound N130 with upgraded power supply via coax into originally a Denafrips Venus 2 then into a Terminator plus. I never had issues with the sound. Both DACs are obviously a big improvement over the internal one. I also very much liked BlueOS and the upgraded power supply improved performance slightly but not night and day.

I did upgrade to the full Lumin U1 and the improvement in sound was not subtle. But for what the Bluesound is, it’s a great device as a first streamer. Ears don’t lie, and in my system, streamers make a difference. But of course it comes at a much higher cost which comes down to what it's worth to each person.

I had tone control off, subwoofer off, fixed output, MQA external on.

Good to hear you sorted it out.  Bluesound is good for the money,  you need to spend a good amount more to better it in my opinion.   My next move will be something like a Lumin or Aurender , but that will have to wait until next year as I went a little overboard with upgrades this year.   

Glad to hear you figured it out. I agree with @oddiofyl… moving up in streamers will really help. I recommend Aurender… as high a level as you can afford. They are really natural sounding and get better and better in no small increment moving up their offering.