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Bluesound Node Icon

I currently use Bluesound products because of their multiroom capabilities. 

In my main system I have a bluesound node N130 hooked up to a Mcintosh D1100 preamp dac.

Thinking about buying the new Node Icon but I would be by-passing the built in dual dacs so I am not sure if there is any reason to upgrade to the ICON?

If anyone knows the new ICON and can give me some advice I would appreciate it.

efoo

Showing 2 responses by ancient_tones

ancient_tones
16 posts
 

To my ears it is obvious that the Node Icon is a better streamer than the Node 2i. This is using a Denafrips Pontus 12th as a DAC. It was obvious immediately for me. The DAC in the Icon is pretty good too. It is close to being the overall quality level as the Pontus. So far it's more of a flavor thing with the two DACs. I just did hook the Pontus up to the Icon. It's different but does not blow away the Icon using it's own DAC. I've only used a Node 2i as a streamer so I can't compare the Icon to other brands of streamers.

ancient_tones
16 posts
 

efo. You may find that an Icon without an external DAC will be enough. 

rwmiller. I'll have to get back with you on that. I haven't done enough listening with both DACs yet. First impression is the Icon DAC is great. The Pontus 2 12th has a nice upper bass that gives a fullness to things like horns. It's close in that both are more than adequate. 

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