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Bluesound Node 2 as a preamp?

Source: Bluesound Node 2
Amp: Belles Aria Integrated
Speakers: Vandersteen 2ce Sig II’s

Prior to last night I had been taking the analog outputs of the Node 2 and plugging them into 1 of the 3 stereo inputs on the Belles. I had read a thread here about bypassing the preamp and plugging the Node 2 directly into your amp. I did that last night by using the Bypass input on the Belles, using the volume control on the Bluesound OS app to conrol volume.

I don’t know if it’s expectation bias or some other phenomenon, but I swear my system has never sounded sweeter. More bass extension, more defined sound stage, better detail.

Has anyone else tried this experiment? What were your findings? Am I losing it?

Thanks!
Joe

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mr_m
1,900 posts
 
I use a Node 2 connected to an Ayre Codex via a high quality glass optical interconnect. The sound of this combo is stunning for the price. Much, much better than the Node 2 with it's own Dac. Although there is nothing wrong with it's on board Dac. One other thing I did that was recommended was to connect the Codex to an amp with XLR's if said amp has balanced input capabilities. The SQ took another leap forward. I pretty much listen to this pairing more often than my CD player or my turntable. To me, it's that good. IMHO.....YMMV.
ediaz3
21 posts
 
I was tinkering this morning took my tube pre out of the loop and immediately changed my sound, better bass, even the treble came to life without harshness. i cannot understand this, lol
arcstarter's avatar
arcstarter
1 posts
 
Late to the thread party and first time posting. I've used the Node 2i directly into a power amp with excellent, even improved results. The sound is excellent when considering the cost of the Node 2i, but it will be not unexpectedly lacking slightly compared to a dedicated DAC. However, if you have a tube based amp with high efficiency speakers, the preamp is definitely helpful to reduce any noise or hum. This can distracting depending on the amp.
buddy1234's avatar
buddy1234
7 posts
 
I have the Nodi 2i and have tried using this directly with powered monitors. I have a pair of KRK G4's and and went directly into the Nodi as my pre-amp.  WOW, I was really impressed. The sound was a bit forward, but that was the monitors. Sound stage was great!   I feel the bass was better than my Peachtree Nova 125 with a pair of Legacy Audio Monitors. I am reaching out to XTZ A2-300 tech to see if I can use these directly with a pair of Thiel's CS 2.3's and the Nodi as my pre-amp.  Should be worth trying.
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