Bluesound node 2i question

I have the node 2i, and the sound is much better hardwired with an ethernet cable than using wifi. Its an easy test to do.

A 5gHz capable router is a must. I realised this as soon as I hooked up my Node 2i. I
bought a new Verizon router on Ebay and now there's no more buffering and no dropouts.

Wifi Analyzer app is a handy tool to check signal strength. It also indicates if you need to set your router to a channel with less traffic in your neighborhood.

I currently have a Node 2i in my main rig, and prior to that had one of the original Bluesound Nodes (which is now in my office).   My experience was that via WiFi that it was more stable for CD quality content streamed locally from my NAS than it was for CD quality content streamed from TIDAL.  My decision was to go with a hardwired connection using power line Ethernet adapters (in my case net gear).  These are relatively inexpensive, and in my case very effective.  They provided a rock solid connection with improved SQ to boot.

Music Direct will giv me thirty days to try it out,  I’ll likely go that route..

I'd give it a try.  Can you return the Bluesound if it doesn't work out?

I have a Node 2i, it works very well with my WiFi. I recently upgraded my router and modem to gigabit (I prefer separates) level, but that was more for streaming video. Never had a single hiccup with the Node on my 5 year old Netgear equipment. My router and modem are in the basement, the Node 2i has been used all over the first floor.
I also upgraded my service to 500 Mbps.

Thanks.  Per iOS App my Download Speed is 19.6 mbps  Upload is 1784.......

Out of curiosity I just ran a speed test using my D-Link DIR-890L wireless router and the one in my Crapcast (Xfinity) router.  The D-Link was 68 mbps and the Crapcast was 26 at the location where my Bluesound is.  Mine is only about 15 feet away from the router.  It's possible you could have problems. 

I've found that the only time I have dropouts seems to be with Radio Paradise.  I stream hi-res Qobuz and Tidal as well as FLAC files from my computer to that Bluesound as well as the one in my bedroom which is about 25-30 feet away with no issues.  I also watch 4K TV shows on Netflix on my Roku with no issues.

I have a wireless repeater in the bedroom and a wireless access point for the one in my living room.  Neither of those are too difficult to setup. 

Your main problem may be that you're on DSL.  My girlfriend is on Centurylink and even from the wired modem her download speed is only about 5 or 6 mbps if I remember right, while I get 70 from Comcast.  

You should be able to download an app for your phone or tablet to test your wireless speed.  I use Meteor for Android.  There are many others.  You could also just consider getting a long ethernet cable.

something to consider is using an excellent router like a NetgearNighhawk

Thanks everyone.. appreciated.  A friend will bring her computer so we can check signal strength.  The router is about thirty feet away in another room...

I use the original Node (Square boxy shaped one) that I bought used on Ebay.
One is wired, the other is Wifi. I added a Netgear router to bump it to 5ghz channel. I never had a drop out.
I also use Verizon Fios Gigabit service, but it is routed through my Watchguard Firebox-which supplies the wifi for my network.
A bit complicated, but I like my privacy.
I don't know anything about your service provider. Can you offer any details on what speeds the offer?
Bob

Do you have a laptop computer? Take it to the location where you would be placing the Node 2i and check your Network settings for signal strength. Also, run a speed test from your internet browser, at that location, an see what kind of download speed you are getting. If you have good signal strength and good speed, you should be fine. You may get occasional dropouts, just due to the nature of wireless. But it should be good enough as long as you have good signal strength and decent speed. Lastly, where is your cable modem/router compared to where you would like to place the Node? If they are close together, you might be able to hard wire the Node to your router.

My question:  is anybody using a bluesound node 2i with the basic set-up received from your internet carrier ?

Yes, I'm using the Node 2 connected by wifi to my Fios system router which is upstairs. Most of the time the streaming is excellent, uninterrupted. Occasionally though I do get dropouts or sometimes the music just stops. However, in defense of the Bluesound streamer, I ALSO get freezups and dropouts on my TV which is hardwired via 75 ohm cable to the Verizon set top box. So, I can't blame the Node 2 or my router if the TV is doing the same. Verizon has been of little help so far.

I think you'll be fine with a good quality high-speed router.

Best, Fred