Bluesound Powernode

I had to return the Powernode to the Seller. Too much quirkiness. It was switching the presets on its own, from the HDMI eARC back to radio stations, and giving bad feedback, sound ominous, as I listened.

I switched my mind set from thinking about the Node X, keeping  the Node, and buying a NAD C136BEE instead. Happy 😊 No issues, and the Node covers all three bases including homeplate… other streamers cost more to operate where there are too many subjective variables to waste a bunch of money on DAC streamers that really don’t make that much of a difference for me.

I’ll be odd one out - while I love the simplicity and reliability of my two Powernodes, and they are ideal for their current setup (powering inwall speakers in a multi room Roon system), I can’t say I loved their sound in my high end setup. I used them for a month on Devore Fidelity Super 8s and later Nines, and they were dark and not especially impressive. 
 

But for powering the B&W inwalls and working with Roon, they are great and sound much better than the Sonos setup I originally was running.

I have an Aurender in my main setup but I use my Vault 2i everyday still.  It has given me 4 years of trouble free ripping and streaming 

Bluesound is in my opinion the best way to get into streaming.  Has a great user interface,  sounds good , low investment 

You have to spend a lot more to do better in my experience 

Can't say I agree. Fitted the Node with a DC supply and attached a high end. Sounds terrific.

Just think if you had even a mid quality digital streamer or dac it would sound much better in every way for detail and soundstage clarity and tone.

the Node is a very good value for the money though for a entry level streamer.

Yes. Totally agreed. You know, I have both the Node and the Powernode. Powernode is not playing integrated power, as speakers are directly connected. I hear better separation, detail and bass. When the Node runs more so as a preamp, interconnects produce less of favorable sounds. 

I have 2 of the Powernode Edge and I’m very impressed.

@moose89 I've got one for our veranda speakers, and through the Bowers and Wilkins outdoor speakers it really sounds great. I really didn't expect it to be so musical. I figured I'd be listening to NPR while there, but queuing up my playlists has been a real treat. A great bargain for what it is. 
~Oran