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Bluesound Powernode 2

Hello - this is my first post/question, hopefully there's someone out there who's brain I can pick.

I'm looking at the Bluesound Powernode 2 as a possible Roon end point to tidy up my kitchen system. I currently use a SB+ (modded squeezebox) into a Thorens TTA2000 (Class A, 20 - 30 watts or so) which, while sounding rather lovely, is a bit messy given the location, and I can repurpose the SB+ and amp in my office. My question re. the Powernode 2 - is it similar to/bear any family resemblance to the NAD D7050? I bought the NAD unit a few years back and thought it was pretty poor indeed. I'm not anti NAD, indeed I have their M51 in one of my rooms, but am slightly wary of cheaper class D implementations (just my gut/prejudice).

There seems to be a bit of a gap between the Powernode and the next all in one Roon amp solution - Lumin, Auralic or Naim.

Many thanks in advance.
Mike
egertmic

Showing 5 responses by egertmic

egertmic OP
8 posts
 
Thanks willemj but I'm pretty much committed to a singular/simple Roon end point. We use Roon throughout the house and the wife, Kids, granny, nanny etc are all familiar with it. I've no doubt that there are excellent alternatives out there but I'd really rather avoid upsetting and re-educating the various users. I've already got a bad reputation for tweaking/meddling!!!
egertmic OP
8 posts
 
Thanks B and Adrian, much appreciated. I didn't realise there was a 30 day period so might take advantage of that.

Adrian - one quick question re. the Atom. Do you use it with Roon? If so can you FULLY control it via the Roon app - i.e. turn the unit on and off?

Rgds
Mike
egertmic OP
8 posts
 
I've played with a Powernode 2 for a couple of days now and, while not in the same system as I had the NAD 7050 (to be honest it's in quite an idiosyncratic one!), I'd say that it's a better amp. Not as joyful or involving as the kit it's replacing (an SB+ (modded squeezebox) and Thorens TTA2000) but I have to remember that this is just the kitchen!

willemj's comment re. Chromecast set me off on a google search and have to say that, should it ever be supported by Roon, I'll be sorely tempted if I ever see a used Densen CastAMP for sale....

Many thanks all.
egertmic OP
8 posts
 
Thanks williewonka.

I don't really have anything of a similar price to make a meaningful comparison with but I'm almost certainly keeping the Bluesound 2 which is a thumbs up of sorts.

Interesting you should say that about cabling as I was quite surprised by the improvement in body that replacing the supplied power cable with a fairly modest upgrade (the always excellent and sensible "Mark Grant") made. I was dubious about whether it would make much difference on such a device but I guess it is plugged in next to the refrigerator!
egertmic OP
8 posts
 
There's a timing coincidence...I just sold my Powernode2 on ebay yesterday!!!

I was originally concerned that, coming from the same family, it would be a bit like the Nad 7050 which I really didn't get on with. Thankfully it was considerably better, and I probably should have stuck with it, but some upgradeitus (fuelled by  drink or two) saw me buy a used Naim Uniti...

Hope you're able to get back to where you want to be on the hi-fi ladder soon.
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