Bluesound Node2 with outboard DAC

I run a 2i with a Wyred4sound DAC1LE with femto clock upgrade in my main system. A 2 with an April Music Stello DA100 signature in my secondary system. I found external DACs can have a huge improvement in sound quality.

I use multiple Node2i's and run my main system through a McIntosh MCD500 (also plays CD's and SACD's). Sophisticated DAC in the that the MCD500 utilizes the ESS Sabre Reference 8-channel D/A converter in Stereo Quad Balanced mode. This basically means the DAC signal path is balanced twice. Perfect for me.

only God knows

Perhaps he can tell me what your referring to?

Everyone has different hearing, components, different room listening atmosphere … can you really tell the difference ?

only God knows

FYI, Have the current Node with Google Mesh wifi (older version) and the new Google Nest mesh. Flawless connection and no issues. I use an external DAC.

Joshindc has an issue but a mesh network does not seem like the culprit. Maybe a network or Node configuration problem.

Yes, me too. I recently installed Google Nest Mesh

system and the Node (2021) works great. Prior to

the Mesh I had a Netgear wifi extender wired to

the Node and I was getting intermittent audio drop outs.

I also use an external DAC.

Have a mesh extension router setup with node 2i and no issues, 

new DAC on the way.

Using a PS Audio DirectStream DAC Sr. with my Node 2i. Not gonna change a thing.

I have a Bluesound Node 2i and it's been nothing but trouble. When it works, it's find. Trouble is, the software doesn't work well with homes that have mesh internet (basically more than 1 source). Searches take forever (about 45 seconds or more) and frequently have to be repeated to be successful. I use it mostly to stream music from Tidal.

I've had several service calls with Bluesound and they still haven't fixed it - they always suggest resetting the unit and my wifi... and it never works. Look at the reviews in the app store and you'll see that I'm not alone - many others have rated their software as terrible. 

So, if you don't have a mesh router, you'll probably be ok using this product. But if you do, strongly advise looking elsewhere.

I recently moved overseas and my gear is coming in about a week or so. I have the Nodi 2i, but I’ve never hooked it up to a separate DAC.  I now have an audio GD NFB-1S DAC & also the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 2.  Not sure which coax cable I have as a friend gave me one.  I’ll see which DAC I like better and sell the other.  I  also just got an Audiolab 6000CDT for my cd collection.

Been here...Done all this! First streamer was Andover Songbird. I was totally blown away by the whole experience. I bought a Schiit Mode3+ not knowing that the Songbird actually degrades the bit count when using the optical or digital out.....But strange as it seems, it sounded better. I then moved the Songbird to my offioce and bought a Node2i.......HUGE improvement in SQ even with its own DAC....Hooked to the Modi3+ it sounded a tiny bit better but there was a strange interaction between the two. When a song changed and the resolution changed, there was an audible POP....I called Schiit and they were aware and said get a BitFrost!.....Just a few weeks ago I decided to take advantage of Amazons extended Christmas return policy and bought a Gustard X16.....HOLLY MOLLY! What an improvement! I couldn't believe a DAC to influence the SQ this much....Not sure how much better it would get with a multi thousand $$ DAC....Have I reached diminishing returns? (My equipment...Schiit Freya/ VTA ST120 Dynaco tube/ KEF LS50 Meta) 

I use my node 2i with my Ps Audio direct stream Dac with great results 

The on board DAC is so/so at best. MHDT DAC's with tube output give a lot of bang for the buck plus multiple inputs. 

Go outboard or go home!!!

mofojo1

Don't want to hijack this thread but...

I replaced Node 2i with optical Rendu package with linear power supply and FMC bundle.  It is superb.  I play only Tidal and control it using mConnect ($5.00) connected to the opticalrendu.  I could not find the definitive explanation but I got it to work with no problems.  I connect to my Pontus DAC using a USB cable.

So I just typed this whole thing out but I guess since I wrote the word s**t it was deleted?? 
 

my question was “dang this is annoying” Rendu or Sonic transporter from small green computer. It seems that they both can stream to a dac. I think. Ones called a player and one a streamer. I don’t get it? I was emailing them back and forth today and still can’t understand what is the difference between the 2. I need both? Don’t need both but both is better … why? Wow should just get into vinyl! Lol

A Node 3??? I don't think they make a Node 3.

Should I do that or get a node 3 and upgrade the power supply in that?  Is it even worth it?

IMHO, no.  Rather than polish the turd use the $ and save up for a better streamer that’ll already have a better power supply and other components that’ll improve performance.  

I am interested in upgrading the power supply in a node 2. Any recommendations which one where to go etc? Should I do that or get a node 3 and upgrade the power supply in that?  Is it even worth it? 
 

Like most others have stated, yes it can make a very big difference. I went with the Denefrips Ares II and the difference was night and day. Much wider and deeper soundstage Also, if you haven’t yet, upgrade the interconnects and power cord for your Node.

Yes, I use it with a McIntosh D150, and another improvement in the sound was converting it to a linear power supply. The kit sans the power supply is from Poland. 

IMO you don’t need to spend anywhere near 2-3k on a dac to see a massive improvement from the node dac. I’ve had RME Adi-2, akm dac inside Micromega m100, and now running a Burson Composer 3xp. All sound noticeably better than the node alone. I would think even on of the couple hundred dollar Chinese dacs would better the node easily. 

We have a Node with AVM 70 using its AKM

4490 this seems much better than the the Dac in the Node generation 3

I have a Node2 connected by coaxial to the DAC in my Marantz AV8805 preamp. It was noticeably better than using the internal DAC.  

The Node 2i DAC is OK but can easily be improved upon.  I had the Denafrips Ares II which s much better at $7-800. I moved up to the Pontus which is even better.

Just this week I replaced the Node 2i with an opticalrendu package from Little Green Computer which at $1500 is amazing.

You have lots of choices.  You're probably better off starting with a stand alone DAC and possibly upgrading the streamer later.  For around $2000 the Pontus is a superb DAC and there are others out there also.  

I have a BS Node (2021) going to a Denafrips Pontus.

before that I had a Chord Qutest with a Teddy Pardo Linear Power Supply.
Sold the Qutest when I got Pontus and put the TP LPS on my Node. That made a big positive impact!

Dont listen to those who bash the Node as a stand-alone streamer. The DAC…?…yes, it is just so-so and most here use a dedicated DAC. ButI chose Node over Lumin and others BecuAse:

1. Good interface

2. Can use it via Wifi (and Ethernet)

3. Has Tidal Connect, AirPlay 2 (for legacy Apple Music) and Bluetooth APTx (for guests and wife!)

4. good price point

5. great looking

6. app works with very limited bugs!

@mofojo  From the Bluos App go to the Home button, there it should show your Node 2i. Three dots on the side get you to Audio Setings where you will find those options.

I added a Gumby. Sound improved and I am very happy.

Ditto on the Schiit Bifrost 2...a great DAC.

I use a Topping DAC with my Node 2i. It definitely makes a difference.

@mofojo Well I just did a update and can't access my "audio" option (go figure) in settings in the Bluesound app. I believe it was at the last or next to the last setting you could choose. I am not positive if it actually disabled the clock in the Node but I had to tic that button to use a external DAC without glitches. 

@OP I am very happy with having added a Pontus II and bypassing the Nodes DAC. I was surprized at the added detail, very happy with going to a stand alone! 

Cheers.

My stuff is so rookie. One day I hope I can graduate into the big leagues where I can call other’s gear rookie. 

@verdantaudio ,

how do you turn off the clock on the Node2? I don’t recall seeing a setting like that? 
 

thanks

Buy better separates , unless spending at least $6 -7 k for a streamer,-dac . I don’t see how it can be up to the task , you need linear power supplies  Roon server is ok at best  having a separate dac you can continue to get better with technologies  or budget ,all In one very limited in brand choices dac- streamers.

Hey OP,

I use an external DAC with my Bluesound Node 2i. I use the Node for streaming and the Schiit Bifrost 2 as my DAC. I think it sounds wonderful. I have mine hardwired with ethernet. I also upgraded the power cable to a Shunyata Venom and the S/PIDF to a Shunyata Venom. 🤌🤌🤌 
Video Of All Of It In Action

I auditioned two DACs with my Bluesound Node 2. The Border Patrol DAC and the Mhdt Labs Orchid, Both presented a marked improvement over the onboard DAC in the Bluesound, After a couple days of A/B listening I gravitated to and purchased the Border Patrol. To my ears it has a more enveloping and analog sonic quality,  closer to vinyl which I listen to around 90% of the time. No idea how it would compare to a DAC costing two to three times more, but it works very well in my system. I like the Bluesound interface and since it supports Tidal I find I am all set...at least for a while.

I bypass the dacs in the streamers I own. I have Aurrender n100,BS node and Cambridge Audio Cxn v2. In my main system I use the CA hooked to an Audio GD 7r he mk2. Can't tell any difference between streamers but the dacs are night and day difference. 

Simple answer, an expensive DAC will improve it but it will hold it back.  The internal DAC is pretty good.  Against my Emotiva XDA DAC and my Rotel RC-1572 preamp's DAC it was better.  Not much, but slightly more open sounding.  When I hooked up it to my McIntosh C47's internal dac there was a major upgrade in sound quality, but it was still compressed sounding on the top end.  

Like mrklas, I got a Moon 280d.  It's a amazing DAC but didn't help the sound much.  Got more detail over my C47's DAC, but the Node 2i was still compressed sounding.  Now streaming with the 280d was no comparison.  More dynamic, more detail, better imaging, bigger sound stage, and just about every aspect was a major upgrade.  The only downside about the 280d is that you need to use the horrible app to stream tidal (no tidal connect) and even Spotify connect is rather buggy.  Roon works perfectly fine on both platforms.  Basically you're trading ease of use for far superior SQ.  

If you're looking to drop 3-3.5k then grab the 280d and don't look back.  The Lumin D2 is a bit cheaper, better app but is a streamer only with a bit warmer, less detailed sound.  Equally as good but you lose the DAC.  

I'm glad you asked this question because the very same one has been on my mind!

I just really got everything figured out with sub and speaker positioning, crossover settings and the like. It really is sounding fantastic now. I have the Node but I am using the built in DAC on my Parasound Integrated which has 

• ESS Sabre32 Reference DAC (ES9018K2M)

Now. I see the reasoning given for doing separates and it makes sense. I was researching Streamer DAC combos but they always had features that I don't really need like ripping and storage. I just want something I can put in the chain to give me an improvement on DAC capabilities sound wise. Considering the DAC I have what would anyone say is an improvement over what I have as far as chip set? I've read info on DACs until my eyes crossed!

I use my Node 2i with my Denafrips Pontus II and I’m very happy with the results. Another vote for going the separates route.

Better to invest in separates, easier to upgrade. When you get there you will see how "rookie" BluOS is.

Agree with keeping things separate.  Pairing the Node with a DAC from Gustard, Musician, Denafrips, Soekris, etc. (depending on what sonic characteristics you’re after) will give you a nice performance bump and then upgrade streamer when you can.  Also, don’t discount the importance of the digital interconnect between the Node and DAC as it can have a big impact on what you ultimately hear so don’t skimp there.  Best of luck. 

Hi Op...many of us go through this transition.

Or evolution?

 I had a Sonos back in the paleo period. Then got an outboard DAC.  Then had W4S mode the Sonos , Then got a DACless Bryston BDP for for a streamer.  Then on to a ROON Core running on SGC ST.  modest Upgraded to cabling.   All with nice little bumps in SQ along the way. Sitting tight now. 

Its just a personal pref thing but I like keeping everything separate for obvious reasons.  Especially with the DAC technology chugging along as it is.

The DAC in the Node 2 is not the best.  Adding an external DAC will improve sound and yes, eventually the Node would be limiting.  I wouldn't pair it with a Rockna Signature but a Chord Qutest, Questyle CMA 12 or 15, etc... woudld be a good match. 

One note, whatever you do.  Turn the clock off on the Node 2.  It will improve performance.  

Hi Op...many of us go through this transition.

I decided to get a streamer/DAC - I went with Moon's 280D (which is about $3k) that is a definitive step up from the Node 2i.

I do like Bluesound's interface and if Moon didn't have a good interface as well - perhaps the Node 2i would have stayed in the chain for ease of use.

I'm curious what the rest of your system includes because recently I upgraded to the Moon 390 - upgrading both my DAC and my preamp.  And I've seen used Moon 390 on Audiogon recently for about $3.5