Node X

I'm in that boat. I've ordered it and it should come tomorrow. I haven't streamed before but want the opportunity to try. I previously tried out the Cambridge Audio MXN10 but that didn't work well for me. Anyway, I ordered from Audio Advisors because of the 30 day trial and the possibility of getting actual people to respond to questions. 

Thanks. Please post your perspective.

I will. I still work so it will take a say or two to get it into my system.

I just set it up and it sets up very easily. The app basically does the work. Huge difference from the Cambridge Audio experience. 

Are you running the Node X wired of wireless?  I couldn’t get the WiFi to work on my Node 2, but that was a million years ago.  Also, I bought both my CXN 60 from Audio Advisor, so I’m surprised that they don’t carry the MXN10

I have had a couple of Nodes die getting hung up on updates when past the warranty.  My recommendation is don’t do the updates unless completely necessary.  I also note the X is retailing at $750

@mahler123 Wireless. The room where I inserted it is not anywhere close to where my router is so I cannot use an ethernet cable. The MXN10 was/is a very new product so it might be some time before Audio Advisor gets it. I had no issue with either the connection (which the Bluos did automatically) or the update (again which Bluos did automatically).

So far, I just set it up and listened to parts of a few songs to make sure the connections worked. The only comment I can make so far is that the DAC seems to make things clearer but also creates a digital edge that I’m not sure I like. I’ll look into things to see if there is some burn in time to calm things down or tone controls to take the edge off or it is something I get used to.

I am using a tube integrated amp so I wonder what it would sound like in a SS system.

As to the price, I understood that it the increase is due to (1) upgraded DAC and (2) separate headphone amp which is supposed to be very good.

The main thing that I can say right now is how much easier set up was than with the MXN10.

As with the OP, I haven’t really streamed before other than YouTube or AppleMusic and maybe I don’t go outside them. I’ve been a bit unhappy with the way that streaming services treat artists who aren’t stars but I haven’t investigated that yet fully. I also like owning music. However, having ApplePlay finally work and seem better than bluetooth is a good start. I didn’t have that with the Cambridge Audio.

Finally, prior to buying the MXN10, I saw that the CXN’s price was slashed about a third so that is something to consider. The CXN v2 price is about $1,000 now.

Apple Music sounds best for me thru Chromecast in the CXN.  I use an Android phone because the iPad doesn’t offer Chromecast.  I use it to audition new recordings but most of my streaming is CDs that I have burned to my server or Internet Radio.

I'm surprised that Apple Music would sound best via Chromecast. I don't think the BlueSound Node does Chromecast. 

I did a chat with Audio Advisor about the sound and the response was that the sound would break in and open up. It's not bad now, just edgy on the top end. 

I've been busy working but I was able to spend time listening with the Node X on Tuesday and then tonight. The hard edge is softening but I'm also purposefully listening to pretty trebly stuff. I really like the band Alvvays and Molly Rankin has a great voice but with the jangly guitars and trebly voice, their songs have alvvays been used by me as a test for speakers and amplifiers to see what they do with the sound. 

So right now I am extremely happy with the Node X. Simple to use. Sets itself up. Easy to connect. Excellent sound. Haven't tried the headphones.

I've played some Apple Music and it sounds great. I did research streaming services and it looks like, if I need more than Apple Music, I might go with Tidal (probably second tier) but right now, I feel like a novice with a short attention span with streaming and I don't know what more I'd need than Apple Music. Maybe someone could explain the differences and why one might be better. 

I am really interested to see how you feel after you have some hours on it. The one thing I really can't put up with is a hard, etched treble. I hav chosen electronics and speakers to specifically avoid that trait in my room with my ears.

@stuartbmw3 Me too definitely. Hate hard, etched treble. It is already making good progress and, for me, who isn't going to do much streaming, it is already a success and pretty much what I want. I went after the Node X because of the better DAC and along with the wifi and ease of use, it is exactly what I wanted. 

@bitlife I quite like this idea and question.

just found this thread and it's interesting to read the listing impressions included excess treble.  I felt the same way...out of the box there was a lot of treble coming from this device.  Over say 5 hours this softened and now, about a three or four weeks in and around 30 hours I feel like it's much improved.  I think it's still setting in but the sound is much more open and there is a bigger soundstage with the X vs. the N130.

Wireless. The room where I inserted it is not anywhere close to where my router is so I cannot use an ethernet cable.

@dz13 You can if you run a Mesh system or Wi-Fi extender, then you can run an Ethernet or CAT7 or 8 cable from that to your Node.  Many here do this if they can’t run a cable from their router and frequently report significant improvements in fewer dropouts and/or sound quality.  Also, I’d recommend doing a free trial of Qobuz over Tidal once your Node is more broken in (at least 100 hours) as most here prefer it.  I switched to Qobuz from Tidal and will never go back or deal with MQA intrusive black box algorithms and unfolding silliness ever again.  Just my $0.02 FWIW. 

@dz13 

Chromecast goes up to 24/96, AirPlay tops out at 24/48

Agree with soix's suggestion. I have a Node 2i a long way from my router and got a Wi-Fi extender. Connected the Node 2i to it with a Wireworld Starlight 8 Ethernet Cable and smart TV connected to it with a Supra Ethernet Cable. Works great in this configuration. Also prefer Qobuz over Tidal.