A good budget streamer - Bluesound node 2i

#hifireview #bluesound #stereoreview #audiophile #hifi #streamer #dac #node2i
I wanted to try some more recent stereo streamers and got the Bluesound Node 2i. The Node 2i sound quality is apparently better than Node 2 based on what I read. The software does require a lot of patience to setup and there is not really a manual.
Having said that, this is one budget streamer that is pretty good.

[mdr]

Thank you Thomas for clarifying that the dac in the 2i can be bypassed in order to hook it up to a better day like the Schiit Gungner 2 multibit dac. I'm now a subscriber too.

[jastrel]

I think the Bluesound is such a great product for the price. You can connect it to a high-end DAC and use the Bluesound just for streaming and replace it every x years as the streaming world evolves.

[buttonman]

Funny thing, the higher end your system is the more you can hear the flaws. Resolution is a double edge sword.

[Cubo]

As an happy owner of Bluesound node 2i, with almost a year of use, I can tell You, couldn't be more objective your review!!

[dream_emulator]

I really like Bluesound. The sound quality is great and the prices are kind of the sweet spot. The combo with tidal it's just killer 👌

[costadelsolgolfer]

I'm a big fan of the BlueSound Node 2i; I do use it as a streaming transport only and feed the coaxial digital output into my Naim DAC. This gives high-res from virtual any streaming service. When combined with my nDAC the sound is amazing.

[mariosupa]

Hey Tom I actually own the Vault 2i and it's a great piece regardless of it's price. I have to also give a shout out to Bluesound customer support they are one of the best I've had the pleasure to deal with. Great company great value products.

[audiorick]

I run four of them in a multi room setup. THE main feature for me was that they are ROON Ready and use the robust RAAT protocol.

Also, I feel wired is much better for those although wireless is stable most of the time but not flawless.

I use almost every feature that it packs and that’s a lot. Very satisfied with both features and sound.

[hamidnia]

Hi Thomas, first of all, I'm glad you feel better. Second, I put together a system for my friend's 50th birthday including following: bluesound + KEF LS50W and stand + Focal Air sunbwoofer and Audioquest cables. Man! It sounded great when I did AB test close to my McIntosh + Focal Diablo + REL subs

[incursore]

Thank you so much! I just ordered the Node2i, your review is certainly the clearest and most well made on youtube, I do not understand English well but your review was clear and understandable by anyone. Thank you

[nacarp]

I use a Node2 as a pre-amp also. Direct into a David Berning EA-230. Very simple to use with presets, especially with the available wand remote for it. Any remote will work as the Nodes will learn commands, but the metal Bluesound remote is a nice extra. Use the trigger out to turn my amp on and off and I have a very simple solution for my family.

[matthieus]

Thanks Thomas. I am using the Node 2i with a Chord Hugo TT2 dac. I use it especially with Tidal and Spotify. I can only compare with my laptop and it is much better. I think it is good enough.

[artkulak]

Set up is very fast & easy if you use the Ethernet connection, pretty much "automatic" - plug & play. Setting up using WiFi it gets complicated.

[DBravoer]

I run a hardwired Ethernet Node2 (pre-i) via the coax S/PDIF out to a Levinson pre/DAC. With expensive RCAs there isn’t a ton of difference between the two. But the Node2 sounds identical to my Aurelic streamer when run via coaxial digital out.

It’s a value high point. There are better units. But to get a net better in every area of performance, you’re essentially looking at Top Line Aurelic, PSA DirectStream with Bridge, etc. all of which are roughly 10x the price of the Node2/i.

If you already have a solid DAC, grab the Node2/i and don’t look back for a few years. 👍😎

[rig]

Thanks for this Thomas. I have not entered the world of digital streaming but have been very curious about the Bluesound products. In my (mid-fi) system this may just be the way to go.

[bilbonanno]

Very useful review. I really appreciated Frederick as he offers a great "common man" view point!

[FND]

Im using the node 2i for about 6 Weeks Now. I was looking for a solid streamer with a Good UI, where i can maybe add a Multiroom Speaker later.
Currently the Node 2i is working as my Main Streaming Device and DAC, hooked up to a Shiit Jotunheim for balanced Pre amp Outs to 2 Shiit Vidars.

The Device is Not perfectly easy to setup but anyone will do it..

The App works Good to Perfect in My opinion and the Integration of Streaming Services, USB devices, NAS, bluetooth Is Self explained.

The build in Dac is really Good for what it is. And like you Guys mentioned. You Need to Upgrade a lot of Other components first until you Go for a external DAC.

Also the low latency of the Multi Room playback is nice and just Works well !

I use it with wired network connection and like it a lot.
Its really cool to just let a friend Play some tunes via Bluetooth in seconds.

If your looking for similar things its a no brainer at 550€. (Here in Germany)

Thanks Thomas and Fred for the nice Video. Keep it up !

[janerikborge]

Finally a straightforward discussion on the dac inside the blue sound. Thank you.

[gj]

I am so impressed with my Node 2i that I started ripping my CDs onto a USB drive and listen to them on the 2i. I do find the DAC in the 2i a little weak when compare to the rest of my setup that consists of Mac amp and pre, Cary 200tsDAC, Sonus Faber Sonetto 3 and Nordost Red Dawn power, interconnect and speaker cables. My biggest gripe was that $2 power cord that came with the 2l. And it doesn’t even come with proper HiFi receptor that allows me to use a half decent power cord. So I cut off the connector that goes to the 2l and soldered it to a Nordost Red Dawn. Wow. What an improvement, especially with music ripped from CDs. Bigger sound stage, more details, articulate bass. Mind you, the Red Dawn costs as much as the 2l. Lol. But well worth the money. Suggestion to BLUESOUND...sell an adapter that allow people to use a proper HiFi power cord.

[robertcowart]

Nice review Thomas. I took the plunge 2 months ago have zero regrets. I'm using a schiit gungnir dac and the node 2i streams music flawlessly. The internal dac is good enough given the price of the node 2i.