Bluesound node confusion

To get one’s feet wet, and to be streaming on a budget, this is a good way to start. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HC5GRKY?ref=emc_p_m_5_mob_i_atc
 

The Nodes have evolved over time as most audio products do.  The biggest difference that you will likely hear will be from the DAC section.  The DAC section in the newest release, the Icon, is quite good and much superior to earlier gen Nodes.  

The icon is nice I’m sure but I’m looking for hapless streaming for five hundred dollars or less. If the dac performance is good enough for now I can always add a better dac later. I was trying to differentiate between the standard versions of the node because there might be a feature that might miss. And also the best performing internal dac in that range.

Gapless streaming. Auto correct got me again!

I needed something to break in an amp. So I bought a 2021 Bluesound Node...

https://www.amazon.com/Bluesound-Wireless-Multi-Room-Hi-Res-Streamer/dp/B0937GTQ78/ref=sr_1_3_pp?crid=2XC3IXURMNNIX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._yGgKgwX75uiLaJXrgJoGhOUXo9OR7lZsIO_cmJDLThCr785RpqULIcYpKKaiIGLAQ1sDrjLfIOjXO7NkL-KFDlkUtBU6QsvjtLqGn5KSa2oNzuWu5T_WOlcterGrBFHzORD7Z3KvuPR5h5s0URKOmdH6ssMufXTRVGqUOgB60tR1rdT7F7CQB3fa3TvQPiParccLk7dsF9H5FlNiZQ5s1BCefspCrnmPbJQQ5rZh7A.oeY3zpA-FiJzf8Z60Zz9wojOrUfiS3aistn-4UzmVrk&dib_tag=se&keywords=bluesound%2Bnode&qid=1747848934&sprefix=bluesound%2Bnode%2Caps%2C204&sr=8-3&th=1

I have it attached to a $10K amp and $34K speakers. It sounds surprisingly good. For $349 it is hard to go wrong. I would not think there are any features missing. It is controlled but the Bluesound app which works very well. 

Thanks for that

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No affiliation, just a satisfied customer.

WiiM Ultra……😎

Just went through all the Node models/differences thing.  Google "bluesound node models by year" and/or "bluesound node model differences". I ended up picking up a Node with a custom power supply and internal power supply board of A-gon..sounds terrific.

The short version..get at least a Node 130 (2021 launch to more recent).  You can find them used on us audio mart or here on A-gon for $250-$300.   I think(my memory isn't great..I've gone through a ton of info) the N130 features an optical out(not on previous models) for connecting to an external DAC and a little better internal DAC. The most recent/current model has a much improved DAC. 

Google the specifics I mention here to be sure, but this should get you on the right track. 

Thanks for all the info! I didn’t know the 130 referred to the 2021 version. I was planning on getting no earlier than that so that helps me a whole bunch. Thanks for the source references too. I was watching a YouTube video about the node that the guy was explaining that gapless streaming is not a given for all devices and the blue Sound node was one of the best at achieving that.

Cheer's 

I've used a Bluesound Node 130 for several years with a system that some here would say deserves a much more expensive streamer.  I did add an external power supply and use an external DAC, and it sounds very good.  The BluOS app is one of the better ones, and that is an important consideration in choosing a streamer.

You might find the internal DAC on the 130 or later Nodes quite acceptable.  I thought it was comparable to a Denafrips Ares II DAC, which many have raved about.

I have had several versions of the Bluesound Node over the years. Original Node, Vault, Node 2, Node X and I would buy the Icon without hesitation. I think with the level of customer service, dedication to the Bluesound family of streamers and great software, it’s a brand (Bluesound) that does not get the credit it deserves. The Node X with Teddy Pardo external Power Supply is killer. Add your best external DAC and you are golden!

+1 @ghdprentice 

That's a NODE N130, $349. Get that. I've got mine playing through some pretty nice gear and it sounds great. You can always add a better DAC later.

Also for later, an LPS is a great upgrade but the LHY LPS is a better deal and the vendor is great. Wait until your warranty expires though.

The 2i had better SQ than the 2

The n130 supposedly improved SQ a little, but it also introduced an HDMI input.

The n132 offers slightly better DAC, HDMI and DIRAC live support and they changed the headphones jack from 3.5 mm to ¼ inch.

I have a 2i on my basement system.

I have a n130 on my main system where the 2i used to be. I did notice a slightly more refined sound when I upgraded.

I've always used an external DAC so I can't speak to the DAC changes.

Had the 2i and didnt like it. Had an opportunity to get the N130 with upgraded power supply and its fantastic. Running it straight, no DAC. Added bonus is it can run Dirac room correction software. 

I use a 2i into a better DAC and get great results.

here's my question, I have a Bluesound Vault hooked up to my main stereo. want to be able to play this in sink with my new patio speakers running on a separate system. I tried using Y connecters from the bluesound to each system, get a ground loop issue. I could try removing the ground from one system, but also could get a Bluesound Node that would sync, am I correct? 

Also, I believe that from N130 (Node 2021) forward, USB 2.0 available as output.  This can be a big deal if your outboard DAC prefers USB over SPDIF or Toslink.

Dirac correction is probably worth it to me. Internal dad should be fine for the level of system I’m running it in. Thanks everyone for the input!

My situation has changed. My old Outlaw preamp/processor has died so now I’m going to have to use the standalone streamer dac as a preamp also so now I’m looking at the node icon, but there are some other ones out there that are comparable in price like eversolo so I’m still debating. I kind of like the idea of all in one. I really don’t have anything else I need to hook up except for a cheap Sony Blu-ray player, which doesn’t have an optical output only coax so that’s the one caveat with the node icon. Balanced outputs are a must! Any thoughts or feelings? 

Get the Bluesound Icon. Too many reasons which relate to the success and sound and evolution of this product. Plus probably the best user software and best customer support. 

Went with the Icon. Thanks! It does it have a coax input but I can use the HDMI audio out on my cheap Blu-ray if I wanna use it for SACD so I decided that that’s not a dealbreaker. Thanks for all the input and I will be following up!

Enjoy.   Bluesound is a great platform,  I've got a Vault 2i in my second system and its been great.   Much better choice than Eversolo , the WiiM is nice but no one has the resources in the streaming arena than Lenbrook / Bluos.  

Enjoy! Keep us posted on how much you like the Icon. Since it’s a newer product, your input and experience would be helpful too others.

Will do! Should be here in time for weekend setup.

Cheers!

That’s great.  Looking forward to you sharing your experience once you are up and running.  Happy listening this weekend! 

There’s definitely a learning curve to this! Still trying to figure out how to get sound through the HDMI port. Signed up for Qobuz. Glad the old outlaw pre/pro died. Just having the icon as a stand alone is a MAJOR improvement. If anyone has an idea of how to alter or set inputs on this thing I could use the help. Can’t seem to find it in the settings on BluOS. Sonically I’m sure I could improve on this but I have to move way up the food chain to get significant gains. It’s probably pretty compatible with the rest of the components.

Is it an hdmi arc connection on your TV? Is it marked that way?

It's a Sony Blu Ray player. It doesn't recognize the signal from the HDMI audio output for some reason. Just bought an HDMI audio extractor and using the optical output from that. That may be the only option for this situation.

Been streaming qobuz. Something sonically very cool happening there! Huge sound stage! Great dynamics. My second system may be my primary for a while. Love this hobby! Always surprises. Going to trial tidal also to see which one is a better fit for me. Not sure where roon plays into this but I’m going to look into it.

I think you will find the GUI and software of Bluesound to be very easy to learn.

Yes, getting the hang of it. Where does roon play into the whole streaming game? Is that for a separate server or another interface app?

Well the Bluesound has it’s own ecosystem where you can navigate and search almost anything you want through a music service app like Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify or whichever one you pick and pay for to use. You can use the Icon and Roon app as long as you have a Roon Core (running on a computer, NAS drive, or other compatible hardware) to the NODE ICON. Roon subscription is more expensive and very nice indeed. Roon gives history of artists or bios and will organize your music if you have some on a hard drive and other places. It’s more complex and comprehensive in what it can do. Others here can chime in. Most people I know like Qobuz but I have used Tidal and Roon and they are very capable and have tons of artists and songs to stream. Good luck and have fun.

Certainly am having fun! Thanks