Bluesound Node 2 vs. Node (2021)

@marco1 - No problem, good conversation regardless.

After watching numerous YouTube reviews of both of the Node 2i and the newer "Node", it seems that any upgrade would be slight. They all tout that the new Node has eARC, is built more modular (probably makes it cheaper to manufacture and service), has a slightly better power supply, and a different DAC implementation.  

I would think that your Chord Qutest DAC is a step up from either one in quality. 

The main difference is the processor in the newer Node is faster, for a snappier response when you are controlling it. 

If you are happy with your Node 2 I don't think you'd gain much from the new Node - unless eARC is something you want - especially since you have the Chord Qutest DAC in the chain. 

It isn't like they are touting the new Node as having super better jitter specs or anything, so as a source, your Node 2 is likely just as fine and capable for feeding an external DAC.

I'm looking to buy a Node, use it for a while, but save up for a better external DAC like the Denafrips Ares II or maybe even your solution, the Chord Qutest.
 

@MoonWatcher - Thanks, I think I'm coming around to the same conclusion that any improvements coming from switching to a new Node from the Node 2 would be slight, considering my current setup/use.

I don't need eARC or AirPlay.  Better response time would be nice (although I have no complaints currently) but I'm guessing the extra $s would be better spent elsewhere. 

However, I might try to audition a new Node from a local dealer just for the hell of it.

@skirescue911 Hi, I’ve just started using the USB output on my Node "3" to a new DAC I’ve had for around a month. While for me it works flawlessly streaming natively from the Node/BluOS, Roon/USB has issues in the form of pops and crackles.

This has been acknowledged by Bluesound and discussed on Roon forums. Bluesound say the Roon integration is still in Beta and will be addressed by future updates.

If you don’t use Roon, you shouldn’t have issues. USB out has provided a greater clarity and detail for me, but that maybe due to the way USB is implemented in my DAC. But, the greatest improvement I made was modding the Node with the replacement PCB and external LPS from the Polish company someone linked above for you. The cost is extremely reasonable for the improvements gained; it cost me around £200, which was eyebrow raising personally, as I wasn't expecting such an improvement for that kind of money.

Hope this helps; good luck and happy listening 👍

I have no experience with the Node2, but I do have the new Node 3 and am running it into a H390. I also have a Pontus ll and an original Schiit Bifrost DAC. The Node 3’s DAC is actually not all that bad. During the last few days I’ve been mixing and matching and the H390’s DAC is only slightly better and the Bifrost is only slightly better. The Pontus ll however is a bunch better. I’d hope so considering it cost almost 4 times as much as the Node.

All the best.

JD