2. digital
  3. 159527-119273

Any advantage to Bluesound Node 2i Versus Streaming from PC

I'm trying a loaner Bluesound Node 2i streamer which salesperson said will sound better than streaming from my PC.  I doubted this since both are just feeding a digital signal to my Amp.  It's just zeros and ones right?   I have the Bluesound connected with a decent (not high end) digital coaxial cable to my Lyngdorf 3400.  The PC is connected with a cheap USB cable to the same Lyngdorf.  The sensitivity of both inputs is set to 0dB.  The bluesound is set to fixed volume and the PC volume is set to max.  I am playing Tidal through both input devices.  I am trying to discern if there is any difference in sound quality.  When played through the amp the bluesound volume is a whole lot louder than the PC.  I have not found a way to level match the two inputs for comparison.  The bluesound sounds good and is a lot louder per any particular volume setting on the amp.  Does this mean the Bluesound is sending a better signal to the amp?  Is the  coaxial cable a better medium to transmit the  audio signal?  Is this the reason it's louder?  Could the Tidal feed through Bluesound be better than the Tidal Desktop app on my PC?  I need some help as I have to decide by Saturday whether to keep the Bluesound or return it. Other than sound quality there are only minor advantages to owning the Bluesound which don't warrant the purchase.  My amp has a built in streamer but no built in Tidal (which is the reason I'm using the PC.)
128x128ppack
soundchasr
159 posts
 
I returned a Node 2 and bought a cheap Dell. I can do much more with the laptop and sound is no different (to me). Running laptop (with Roon, Audirvana, Deezer and Tidal) to Ayre Codex then Jolida amp.   Also sending to Raspberry Pi in another room.  
sameyers1
126 posts
 
You can download a sound pressure meter app to a phone or tablet to level match. As others have said, absent level matching your comparison is not apples to apples. I found USB to be “noisier” than using Ethernet or coaxial. I noticed an immediate improvement in clarity when I introduced a higher quality LUMIN U1 mini streamer between my MacMini and DAC. Can’t say if the Node 2i will buy you any improvement.  But If you can’t hear a difference after level matching you have your answer. Computers  have varying levels of noise depending on their USB implementation, whether they are running on AC or battery, whether music files are on external or internal drives, hard disks or SSDs. I am speaking about electrical noise generated by these non audio grade products. The DACs also vary in how they handle the digital data stream. Better DACs reclock the data, have isolation built into their power circuitry, etc. Lots of variables. Let your ears decide. 
jred
94 posts
 
MacBook Pro to Yggdrasil 

wav 16/48, and Spotify 

Regarding USB -  I’ve heard many of times that the Belkin USB cable for around  $12 tops has received great ratings. A step up. Audio quest Black Carbon USB. 

Further step up. TWL USB. 
I have the audio quest black carbon. Great for the price, though the sound seems a bit congested in comparison to the TWL. Bass is tighter on the Black Carbon. TWL performs much better overall. Bass is not as tight though the music is more “open”. Not as grey. 
I haven’t delved into streamers. My MacBook Pro is chugging along well. Your mileage may vary. 
I’d try some recommendations of various USB. Obtain a decent dB reader. Experiment with various USB’s and perhaps crutchfield or music direct has a longer trial period. I’d return the  streamer if you’re on the fence. You can always purchase again with more research and different gear to determine what works best for you and your system. Deadlines regarding returns and hard earned money do not equate. If you’re questioning. Well there’s your answer. 
When going digital imo. Keep it as simple as possible. Those firmware updates can be a real pain in the neck 

Best Luck!


kairosman's avatar
kairosman
260 posts
 
As some others have mentioned there are measureable technical reasons for why dedicated servers/streamers are better than your PC.

FWIW a digital source is not any different than analog, the more money you spend and the more you research and tweak, the better the results.
alvinnir2's avatar
alvinnir2
103 posts
 
One thing that no one has mentioned is the issue regarding MQA music files. Tidal has many MQA titles and the DAC in the Node 2i, in addition to being a very good DAC will also decode MQA files. Unless your outboard DAC can Decode MQA, you are limiting yourself with respect to getting the most out of those titles.

I found the DAC in the Node2i was easily equal in quality to the outboard DAC I had before that was almost 3 times the price of the Node 2i, even on high res files on my network, so I sold it and never looked back. 
More to discover