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Bluesound Node 2i , Azur 851n or ...

I’m building a streaming system to compliment my Ascend Sierra 2 speakers and Odyssey Kismet in Khartago amplifier. 

Bluesound Node 2i ? Used Cambridge Azur 851n ? Used Sony Hap-z1es ? Others?

 I would like to control the system using an iPhone or iPad and don’t want to use a computer. 

I’m looking most especially for ultimate SQ (MQA? DSD? Etc.) via Tidal, Deezer and Apple Music and/or hard drive (but not having to use a separate computer). 

I think that I may eventually add an external dac such as PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell DAC etc. 

I will also probably eventually add a tube preamp such as Odyssey Candela etc. and probably also (rather soon) add a subwoofer by Rythmik etc. 

Would a connection via AirPlay 2 and Ethernet be my best option and if so, is there a easy way to use a second router and / or modem so that I don’t have to run a twenty foot run of Ethernet chord? 

Finally, I have listed similar posts in the past but still don’t know exactly which way to go regarding this , so , please no roasting me! Ha 

thanks!!! 
bacchus1234

Showing 2 responses by toneranger58

toneranger58
128 posts
 
I have had the Node 2i for a couple weeks. Mainly for Tidal MQA. It sounds very good with good cabling and a good system. Performs best in my main system, but also sounds very good in my secondary system. BlueOS navigates well and it also sounds great through my DAC, when running Tidal MQA and non MQA. The internet radio stations are fun to have immediate access to and a number of them sound very good. I think it’s a great bargain at 500.00.
toneranger58
128 posts
 
You can connect an external hard drive to the a/o input on the back of the node2i which then allows you to access the hard drive through the BluOS app, via an iPad etc. The cables and adapters are included in the Node box. The tracks then play through the node 2i and it’s own DAC or you can bypass the DAC to a outboard DAC. Lots of options. However you should talk with a Bluesound rep to assure compatibility on how you wish to access the various sources of data. I have read reviews where some had trouble with initial setups. I did not have any of the issues they note. There also is a Bluesound Node 2i forum that you can refer to for other questions you may have, it’s a good read on the product usage and capabilities. I really like mine and it sounds great on its own and with my Schiit Yggdrasil DAC.
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