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Questions about Node 2i

I'm trying to work out a fairly low cost streaming solution.

Current set up is Apple TV to Schiit Modi 2 Uber and the SQ is just okay. I don't think the weak link is the Modi.

I'm trying to do this on a limited budget so looking at a BlueSound Node 2i. But I have some questions.

1) How much SQ advantage is there with the 2i over the 2. The Node 2 can be purchased used for less than $400. What! HiFi gave the 2i glorious reviews over and above the 2 but couldn't really explain why there was a difference as the DAC was not upgraded.

2) The features list says that the 2i and the 2 will play music from my own external HD but only mentions it once and does not elaborate. If I have ripped CDs in an iTunes library on a HD will it play it through the Node 2?

3) The idea of a multiroom player appeals to my wife....which is always a good thing when spending money on hi-fi stuff. But, they're basic speakers are $300 each. I'm assuming you'd need at least 2 for a room to sound decent at all. The SQ does not have to be great for this application but spending an additional $600 to get okay SQ in another room is more than I'd like to spend. Can anyone speak to the actual quality of such a set up?

4) Do powered speakers from other makers than BlueSound work with the Node 2i or 2?

5) If I have a Node 2i or 2, is there any further role for the Modi 2 Uber or any other low price DAC?

Thanks for any assistance or experience you may have to share.

George
n80

Showing 8 responses by n80

n80 OP
2,133 posts
 
So then it should not be any problem to run ripped CDs through my newest iMac wirelessly. That's good and solves a number of problems. I won't even need an external HD.
n80 OP
2,133 posts
 
Thanks guys. Good info.

So far I’ve never heard anything played via BlueTooth that sounded good to me and that was true even before I got into hi-fi. Not sure how this newer version changes things in regard to the Node 2i but it certainly doesn’t hurt that it has that ability.

To be able to access my ripped CDs is very important to me and I would prefer that it not require a whole computer to do so. I’ll do some more research. When you say it found your library I assume you mean wirelessly. That would be fine as the computer could be in another room.

In any case, this path sounds promising and I think that I’d probably rather pay the $500 for a new 2i than around $400 for a used 2.
n80 OP
2,133 posts
 
Is there any benefit to hardwiring the Node to my router (ethernet?)
n80 OP
2,133 posts
 
Thanks. It would be easy to get an ethernet cable but my internet service is usually fine.

Another question: Does the Node multitask? In other words can I be listening to streaming on my hi-fi and my wife be listening to something else in another room?
n80 OP
2,133 posts
 
Thanks Tom.
n80 OP
2,133 posts
 
I’ve got an Apple TV. First or second gen. I have been told that it down samples the music so using it with Tidal hi-res would be pointless.

Others say the SQ via Apple TV is terrible.

In my experience, playing Amazon Unlimited music via Apple TV into my external DAC (Schiit Modi 2 Uber) the SQ is not bad. It isn’t great and certainly does not sound as good as playing ripped CDs via iMac hard drive into the same DAC via USB.

I have not tried playing a ripped CD through Apple TV.
n80 OP
2,133 posts
 
Hmmmmm.

Playing my ripped CDs from iTunes/BitPerfect through Apple TV and into Schiit Modi 2 Uber via Toslink does sound rather close to doing the same thing directly from computer into DAC via USB cable. Maybe subtle differences but hard to call one better than the other.

(When I first tried this the ripped CD via Apple TV was way too bass heavy and boomy until I realized that the iTunes EQ was on.)

And it all sounds pretty close to playing CDP through same DAC. 

This goes against most serious audiophile advice. The common denominator of course is a low end DAC. Maybe that's just leveling all inputs? And maybe with each step in the wrong direction the degradation is subtle enough that I'm not noticing it as a problem? But with each step its getting additively worse? Sound like audiophile angst? Some of you may not doubt your ears. I doubt mine.

The bottom line is that I'm listening to ripped CDs through Apple TV and a low end DAC and it sounds okay to me. I guess that's all that matters.




n80 OP
2,133 posts
 
That will be easy enough for me to try using my newer iMac. The current iMac I'm using as a server is over 10 years old and sits next to my system on a table. It is not going to fit in the new built in shelves I'm building for my system (and hundreds of books).
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