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BlueSound Stinks(!), anyone?

I am looking for your help.  We recently switched from Sonos to BlueSound to get higher streaming rates.  So far we have had consistent problems and issues(!!).  Specifically, about 50% of the time my and my wife's BlueSound app does not recognize the Node 2i's.  When I delete the app, reinstall it and reconnect the Nodes, we again have the same problems at least 50% of the time.  It is simply a joke of a product and I find we are not alone.  I have tried just about everything.

Also, when I go online to get help, I find that I am not alone and there is a tsunami of negative (to the degree of very hostile) comments about BlueSound and for the most part it is the same issue.  I have tried just about everything and I am about to simply trash/sell mine and go back to Sonos.  If I do go back to Sonos, I will also leave a stream of bad comments on every forum I can since going back to Sonos will represent a big financial loss to me simply because Bluesound is an irresponsible/deceptive company at my expense.

Alternatively, I just want it to reliably work.  Do you you have and advice and/or guidance to get Bluesound to reliably work?  Is there a better alternative to to get higher bit rates thank Bluesound?

Thank you in advance for your help.  Dave


butterman
mirolab
207 posts
 
I was a newbie to streaming and got a Node2i about 3 months ago.  I'd love to complain about their poor documentation, but there simply isn't any.  It's VERY frustrating to try to figure out the BluOS app, and the interface is convoluted..... BUT.... aside from that, it all works fine!
We are enjoying the 2i very much running optical into my Anthem D2V pre/pro.  What I like about this is that it's our morning alarm clock.  The brilliant Anthem has a Timer feature, so I have it turn on every weekday morning at 5:55am.  The Node2i has an Alarm feature that I have set to play an internet radio station at 6:00am.  So my wife and I can enjoy a German 80s NewWave station every morning while we get ready for work.  I think EVERY AV-Receiver should have timer functionality on it, but I only know that the older Anthem's do.  The analog performance is stellar too, if you just want to use an old Anthem AVM-20 as a general purpose stereo preamp. That's what I'm using in my other room.       
dougsat
369 posts
 
Also (if no one mentioned this) if you are a Tidal users, Tidal now has a feature called Tidal Connect. You can run the Tidal interface and play the music through your Node 2i. This is great for me since I am used to the Tidal UI and it keeps on improving. Better than the Bluesound software if you are streaming Tidal. 
jaylat
9 posts
 
Just bought a Node 2i and, though I had some initial issues with accessing large files from my iMac system, am extremely happy with their customer service, which quickly resolved the problems. They were very professional, knowledgable and responsive. The Node 2i is a wonderfully versatile part of my system. 

I used to have connectivity problems with streaming, but those disappeared after upgrading my wifi to a mesh system. That might be a good place to start. 
shoboat90
8 posts
 
Complete opposite experience on my end with the Bluesound Node 2i.  Also came from Sonos, which I still use in other areas of the home, but like you, wanted better streaming options.  My Node 2i has been rock solid, sound quality is definitely way better than Sonos and I personally like the Bluesound App.  Just my two cents
snbeall
63 posts
 
I concur that OP’s problem will likely be solved with a different modem/router. My Bluesound experience with iOS control is rock solid and a pleasure (although BluOS did require - as all new OS does - some getting used to). KEF and Devialet support taught me about modem/routers and the difference it makes. Those based upon certain chips (Puma 7) have such problems.
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