This is a review and detailed measurements of the 2021 Bluesound Node wired and wireless streamer and DAC. Featuring an array of analog and digital input and output options, the NODE 2i gives The new NODE carries over the TOSLINK and Coaxial digital outputs from the previous Node 2i streamer, but I was more curious about the addition of a USB digital output for the first time. Connect the NODE easily to your amplifier to unlock and discover a universe of audio streaming. Hello Herb, The Node 2i only outputs audio in 2 channel stereo and will not support multi-channel playback or passthrough. Output digital signal to external DAC, best is via i2S (that is HDMI output), or Coaxial (SPDIF). In fact, it fell out when I lifted the unit for dusting. It replaces the Node 2i which we looked at and enjoyed very much. I took delivery of a Bluesound Node 2i a few days ago and am so far happy with it apart from a few quirks with the software and how it works with Tidal. Available for pre-order now, they will begin shipping in June 2021. I have the latest firmware and I have tried resetting to the factory settings. IIRC the 24/96 limitation via digital-out is with MQA files (for DAC compatibility). The MQA limitation does not exist if you use the Node's on-board DAC and thus, analog out. I do want to clearly state that the Bluesound Node 2i sounds amazing with 16/44 Apple Lossless via AirPlay 2, which is how Im using it. This is a world class music player. The new NODE carries over the TOSLINK and Coaxial digital outputs from the previous Node 2i streamer, but were more curious about the addition of a USB digital output for the first time. Have a similar question on an MA8900 Integrated, the COAX seems to sound a little louder at the same volume vs USB I can't really tell a difference quality wise though. Bluesound and NAD have included USB on other components but theyve only been used previously for firmware updates. The Bluesound Node ( note that this is the successor of the Node2i!) For many years, the Bluesound NODE has arguably been the best value in mid to entry-level music streamers. With these digital outputs, the Node can be used as a streamer, for connection either to an external DAC, or another component with digital inputs, such as an A/V receiver. *NODE available for US sale only. As for the USB output of the Node [which I have] its default to full volume and has some known issues with Roon, if that matters. Are DACs that claim to have variable output not able to replace a preamp volume-wise? - The Node 2 has one USB input, COAX and TOSLINK digital output.

Bluesound's stand-alone NODE reliably streams high-resolution audio from your most-requested music services and outputs it digitally.

Link to comment. Sound quality with digital output - The Bluesound Support Neither use 'Audiophile' type of components ie fempto clocks etc. Please physically disconnect the cable from both the Bluesound player and the source, reboot the Bluesound player, and then reconnect both, and check to see if this resolves the issue. The Bluesound Node is an all in one Multi-Room HI-Res wireless music streamer that reinvents your HIFI systems and equipment. Bluesound NODE. The single ended analog outputs leave a lot to be desired for a serious music system. USB Host. This works perfectly fine on the Node 2i, but not on the new Node. SET YOUR MUSIC FREE. Location. Top Skip Navigation. Bluesound has opted to reboot the naming convention of the Node so this isnt a Node 3, simply a Node and it is likely that the Bluesound is proving to be one of those companies that rarely makes a misstep. The NODE will retail for US$549 and the POWERNODE for US$899. Bluesound Node Easily connect the Bluesound Node to any existing stereo or home theater system, to unlock and discover a world full of music streaming services and Internet radio stations. If you want 24/192 and DSD support with Roon, a USB streamer needs to be used that has Roon support, with a USB DAC that decodes 24/192 and DSD. Since Bluesound Node is a combination of streaming receiver and DAC, it was rated in both roles. As a complete unit, the analog output was listened to via a NAD C658 / C298 amplifier set. The Bluesound NODEnew for 2021unlocks the world of hi-res music streaming and multi-room audio to create a modern addition to existing HiFi systems or your favorite set of powered speakers.

The LED immediately turns Green and then Red. Discover all the music ever recorded with access to hundreds of internet radio stations, dozens of streaming music services, or even your own Bluesound and NAD have included USB on other components but theyve only been used previously for firmware updates. I set up my (brand new) Node 2i yesterday and was suitably impressed. Even a $250 DAC will yield benefits but has to have toslink or coax input as no USB digital output on the 2i. #1. Specs DIMENSIONS: (WxHxD, inches) 8.7 x 1.8 x 5.7 WEIGHT: (Pounds) 5 AUDIO INPUTS: HDMI eARC, combination mini-Toslink optical digital/3.5mm analog stereo AUDIO OUTPUTS: Coaxial digital, optical digital, analog stereo RCA, RCA subwoofer, 3.5mm headphone ADDITIONAL: USB type-A, LAN (Ethernet), IR repeater input WIRELESS: Dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, apt-X Products. It is the next generation from Node 2i which I reviewed a while back. Bluesound NODE. I have noticed that digital coax output doesn't work at all when using the optical input on the Node. Once the status indicator LED turns Red, press a) and hold the PLAY/PAUSE button. Or that one digital input of the ARES II is prone to lower quality than the other.

It might be possible that the Node digital infrastructure does not offer the same SQ as the analog output. Now in its third generation (actually fourth if you count the Node 2 and Node 2i as separate units), Bluesound has made some choice upgrades If not, please select Help > Send Support Request in the App for a closer look from our Support Crew. Filled with an array of analog and digital input and output options, the NODE 2 brings infinite playback choices into your very own sonic domain. Seattle Area. Access and stream Internet radio stations, cloud music services, and your own local music library to multiple Bluesound Players. The coaxial gave quite lower volume output while the Analogue one was almost exactly the same as the USB, loosing by just a little bit. The NODE has a sub output and along with BluOS, gives you real bass management, in the digital domain. You then connect your subwoofer to the subwoofer output on the NODE and that limits what the Ai6i has to reproduce below whatever crossover point you select. Using the NODE with a NAD power amp, Ive had it connected to the brilliant DALI Spektor 1 monitors, and the DALI C-8D subwoofer. The output level is fixed and MQA external DAC is on (the latter is irrelevant I think). Featuring digital and analog input/output options, headphone stereo mini jack, and subwoofer out. And to hear it as a pure streamer (without the built-in DAC), the optical output was connected to the digital input on the same amplifier set. Node Digital Out Low Volume Output. seems to be another example that DACs are still improving! The sound quality Since Bluesound Node is a combination of streaming receiver and DAC, it was rated in both roles. As a complete unit, the analog output was listened to via a NAD C658 / C298 amplifier set. And to hear it as a pure streamer (without the built-in DAC), the optical output was connected to the digital input on the same amplifier set. Filled with an array of analog and digital input and output options, the NODE brings infinite playback choices into your very own sonic domain. Regards, Sam R. I am getting a signal; however, the Type A cable end does not fit as firmly as I would expect. 8 months ago. THE NODE WIRELESS HI-RES MULTI-ROOM MUSIC STREAMER WIFI YOUR HIFI. The Bluesound NODE unlocks the world of hi-res music streaming and multi-room audio to create a modern addition to existing HiFi systems or your favorite set of powered speakers. The Node 2i also supports bit-perfect 192/24 through all outputs. Its a very resolute DAC and certainly up to the task of handling your high resolution audio with ease. Bluesound Node (2021) tech specs. TOSLINK digital optical output, trigger output. In the end, I preferred the sound with the $4,000 Norwegian integrated amp handling digital-to-analog decoding, but the Node's performance was nonetheless impressive given its $599 price. Lobbster. Good luck and stay safe The Bluesound Nodes back panel hosts (left to right) RCA analog outputs, a subwoofer out, coaxial and optical digital outputs, an analog/optical combo input, trigger out, It has offered the broadest mix of features, and functionality for the dollar, along with being extremely easy to use. High-end DAC technology built into every Bluesound Player allows the NODE 2i to decode and stream MQA files in all their lossless glory. From what I understand, the digital outputs are 24/96 PCM maximum. (Disconnect the battery pack ( BP100) as well for the PULSE FLEX) Reconnect the player to the electrical power outlet. Bluesound NODE comes in black of white.

IMHO the Bluesound products weakest link has always been its onboard DAC. I have also tried two different optical cables and two different 3.5mm adapters. If it helps, I route the digital output from a Bluesound Node 2i through the DAC in a Yamaha CD-S2100, and to my ears it has bigger and more defined bass than the line out from the 2i. I am using Node N130 with a devialet expert (connected via coaxial cable). Analogue output had better be good enough. The Node sets your music free by providing multiple analog and digital input/output options and allows you to connect to your high-res music streaming apps like Spotify, Tidal and Amazon Music. Both feature an easy-to-clean satin finish in either black or white. Should I replace the Bluesound Node with an Airport Express gen 2 that is compatible with Airplay 2 and an offers an digital optical out and hook that to a DAC such as the Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 and connect the digital out from my TV to the same unit. The Bluesound Node (3 rd Generation) is a network streamer with some additional features (which will be covered, worry not) to create a comprehensive digital front end. Or vice versa. Bluesound has announced that there will be USB audio transmission with a future update. At the time of this review however, there is no such update. We have no indication of when this update will occur, so we would recommend waiting for the update if you are primarily wanting to setup the Node for USB audio in your sound system. The Node costs US $549 and was kindly drop shipped to me by a member. This is a review and detailed measurements of the 2021 Bluesound Node wired and wireless streamer and DAC. It is the next generation from Node 2i which I reviewed a while back. The Node costs US $549 and was kindly drop shipped to me by a member. The Node is part of a family of Bluesound streaming- capable products that includes speakers, the Pulse Soundbar+, and the Pulse Sub+ subwoofer, all of which can be linked wirelessly and operated using the company's BluOS Controller app. Also a little disappointed that it doesnt directly support Bandcamp. AirPlay 2 Yes. I am curious if my Bluesound Node USB output connection is ok. Its coax/toslink outputs are standard, just like the Sonos connect. Dimensions 22 x 4.6 x I soon plugged in the coax to use an external DAC to test it against the RCA connection. The Bluesound Node utilizes a 32-Bit, 384kHz Differential Output design digital-to-analog converter. (Image credit: Bluesound) Inputs Mini TOSLINK/3.5mm Stereo combo, HDMI eARC. Bluesound's new Node is a highly affordable streaming DAC with plentiful connection options, including HDMI eARC for a TV and a configurable subwoofer output. To the right of the subwoofer output jack is an RCA coaxial S/PDIF output, and to its right a mini optical S/PDIF output. The Bluesound NODE unlocks the world of hi-res music streaming and multi-room audio to create a modern addition to existing HiFi systems or your favorite set of powered speakers. My samsung tv is also connected to my Node and I am sending PCM from the TV to Node (via optical). When using the Node as a central streaming hub, the BluOS platform permits simultaneous distribution of 24-bit high-res

Bluetooth aptX HD. You can adjust the crossover settings in BluOS and limit what the NODE outputs to the Ai61 loudspeakers (between 40Hz and 200Hz) with its subwoofer mode enabled. Aug 7, 2021. Disconnect the player from the electrical power outlet and wait for 30 seconds. Outputs RCA, coaxial, optical, subwoofer, 3.5mm. The Bluesound Node does have Coaxial output for external DAC, but that would not have MQA ability if you use another DAC which is not a MQA licensed device. Or that one digital out is more prone to lower quality than the other. It works quite well too. The NODE positively bristles with digital and analog inputs and outputs that offer maximum versatility.