Blue Node...who is using one

heiney9

This is a very interesting product. It seems to be just what I'm looking for to finally replace my ancient Squeeze Box Touch.

Pro's - Con's - Tips discussion, etc. I'll most likely being using Roon with a networked NAS for a music server. I am excited to finally stream Hi Rez music via Qobuz, etc.

How is everyone using theirs? How is it configured? How does it sound? I will be using an outboard dac.

Discuss

H9

jbreezy5

I have a Blue Sound Node 2i. I like it a lot. I use mostly when I want to seek out new artists, or if I’m too lazy to locate a CD.

I usually just use Apple Airplay.

Haven’t tried getting it to communicate with my home PC network, or using streaming services yet, though.

VR3

@treitz3 is a fan

treitz3

Eh, I wouldn't say that. With a DAC, for sure. I have to head out right now but can add more information when I am done with my adult chores.

Tom

VR3

@treitz3 likes it more than auralic

treitz3

That, I do. You aren't a slave to Apple and at least the damned thing plays music.

Tom

heiney9

I pulled the trigger. I've been on the fence for awhile and for the $$ and how I'm going to use it, it appears to be a winning product. Streaming from my own music server and streaming hi rez music from Qobuz and others. I'll probably use both the Blue interface as well as Roon with EE Mini Max Plus dac.

heiney9

I bought the most current version (gen 3). It also has HDMI arc and a USB. It cost more the Raspberry Pi, but I feel this is going to give me less issues and should rock solid. My brother uses a Pi with Roon and he says it can be frustratingly buggy at times. He's in IT for a living so he can unbug stuff much better than I can.

H9

VR3

Make sure you pick up the linear power supply upgrade for it

heiney9

VR3 wrote: »

Make sure you pick up the linear power supply upgrade for it

This plugs into the wall via a removable C7 power cord.

invalid

You can get a linear power supply for the blue sound node

Clipdat

Yeah I don't think you can get LPS for this since the PSU is internal:

Clipdat

Nevermind, I guess you can https://teddypardo.com/product/bluesound-node2i-upgrade-kit/

heiney9

Damn you and thank you at the same time! I am a huge believer in a solid ps being the number 1 thing. I will most likely do the upgrade, but maybe after the warranty is up.....lol. I've book marked the info for later.

VR3

Yeah it definitely isn't a linear power supply

heiney9

All I need is the cable. I have the Welbourne Labs lps from my SQB Touch which is 5v 3A.

Clipdat

It actually replaces the SMPS inside: https://pd-cf.com/produkt/bluesound-node-2-2i-upgrade-low-noise-psu-interface/

heiney9

VR3 wrote: »

Yeah it definitely isn't a linear power suppl

Clipdat wrote: »

It actually replaces the SMPS inside: https://pd-cf.com/produkt/bluesound-node-2-2i-upgrade-low-noise-psu-interface/

I saw that one. About $75US. So then if I got this I would just need the 5v 3A lps, which I have?

Clipdat

Yeah, that's my understanding.

heiney9

I'll have to look into that

rooftop59

heiney9 wrote: »

I pulled the trigger. I've been on the fence for awhile and for the $$ and how I'm going to use it, it appears to be a winning product. Streaming from my own music server and streaming hi rez music from Qobuz and others. I'll probably use both the Blue interface as well as Roon with EE Mini Max Plus dac.

I will be very interested in your thoughts compared to the SBT, which is what I run, because I also have considered the NODE. Will you use an external DAC? With my SBT, I have WIFI turned off, the enhanced audio output applet installed, and a bolder external power supply, all of which improve the sound quality (the PS is definitely the most obvious improvement). I have compared my SBT to the Cambridge CXN and 851N, and honestly though an external DAC I cannot hear any significant improvements or advantages from either Cambridge...perhaps I'm just not a real audiophile lol...

heiney9

rooftop59 wrote: »

heiney9 wrote: »

I pulled the trigger. I've been on the fence for awhile and for the $$ and how I'm going to use it, it appears to be a winning product. Streaming from my own music server and streaming hi rez music from Qobuz and others. I'll probably use both the Blue interface as well as Roon with EE Mini Max Plus dac.

I will be very interested in your thoughts compared to the SBT, which is what I run, because I also have considered the NODE. Will you use an external DAC? With my SBT, I have WIFI turned off, the enhanced audio output applet installed, and a bolder external power supply, all of which improve the sound quality (the PS is definitely the most obvious improvement). I have compared my SBT to the Cambridge CXN and 851N, and honestly though an external DAC I cannot hear any significant improvements or advantages from either Cambridge...perhaps I'm just not a real audiophile lol...

It's been a while since I used the SQB Touch. I will be using an outboard dac just like I did with the SQB. I am excited to get something new and try it out.

I will be doing the upgrade to get rid of the switching power supply, but best to wait until the warranty is up or at least 90 days to make sure there are no issues.

I have been trying to find something less expensive than the Node, since I have my own modded dac and ripped music. But I am very curious about the hi-rez subscription streaming services like Qobuz. There were definitely others in the running, but those I felt like I'd be paying for features I didn't need. Arcam, Cambridge and Aurilac?

It will be here tomorrow and over the weekend I'll at least get the hi-rez streaming going.

H9

tratliff

I will be interested in your thoughts once you get it going.

Just this week I picked up a Lumin U2 Mini and have it being fed to the DAC in the Norma integrated. Configuration was a breeze. I currently have a 30 day trial of Tidal and also NAS and USB hard drive. I only have about 8 hours on the DAC, streamer and cable. So, I’m letting it play 24/7. Looking forward to getting some hours on it and then some critical listening.

VR3

@tratliff pick up the s booster and don't look back... Huge gains in that with the lumin

tratliff

VR3 wrote: »

@tratliff pick up the s booster and don't look back... Huge gains in that with the lumin

Not sure that is designed for the U2 Mini. The U2 Mini does not use a wall wart. Am I missing something?

VR3

The u2 mini has an internal switching power supply just like the u1 mini.

The s booster is a substantial improvement.

Looks identical to the u1 mini, the same conversion kit should work

nooshinjohn

I am liking how Qobuz sounds with my revamped setup. The musicality of the Arcam/L800 pairing continues to put a smile on my face, and with the limited time I get in the sweet spot these days, the convenience of turning things on and listening is priceless.

Clipdat

VR3 wrote: »

The u2 mini has an internal switching power supply just like the u1 mini.

The s booster is a substantial improvement.

Looks identical to the u1 mini, the same conversion kit should work

LOL. The man has just dropped a lot of coin on some high end components. Let him get used to the U2 Mini stock for a few months at least. Sheeeesh!

jbreezy5

Clipdat wrote: »

VR3 wrote: »

The u2 mini has an internal switching power supply just like the u1 mini.

The s booster is a substantial improvement.

Looks identical to the u1 mini, the same conversion kit should work

LOL. The man has just dropped a lot of coin on some high end components. Let him get used to the U2 Mini stock for a few months at least. Sheeeesh!

That’s not how we roll on this forum! 😂

tratliff

VR3 wrote: »

Hmmm, I get it now. Rather interesting and not much $$$’s. I’ll do more research.

VR3

I had the u1 mini with the s booster and went to the u1 and there was virtually no difference.

U1 mini stock to the s booster, night and day, well worth the 500 dollars or so