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BS Node 2i: WiFi or Ethernet..?

Greetings from snowy Chicago.

My rig:

Bluesound Node 2i
Chord Qutest (with Teddy Pardo LPS)
Belles Soloist 1 int am
Dynaudio Special 40s

I stream Tidal mostly and my router is in the same room as my Node in the basement and I have very strong wifi signal.
But, cant direct connect the Node to network w/o running a 15’ cable.

My question:

- Has anyone heard better SQ results by using ethernet connectivity with Node 2i compared to just using WiFi?
- Am curious if using a wireless "access point" then connecting it to Node 2i via ethernet would sound "better".

Any thoughts or experiences out there?
Thanks.

ianrmack
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
4,824 posts
 
I’ve read that wired can add noise. Not sure.

Agree on threads not being diverted to sell product. Abuse of forum.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,397 posts
 
I went from wifi to CAT6 and experienced better SQ. Later I added CAT8 (conductors individually shielded) and could hear further improvement, music was more robust. My system is very revealing.

The most dramatic upgrade was adding an aftermarket power cord to the Node2i.

ianrmack OP
227 posts
 
Yes, I added an Audioquest PC to the Node 2i.

Did I hear a difference...?...not sure. 

Just really wondering about placing a wireless access point device next to my Node 2i then running ethernet...

Anyone...?
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,410 posts
 
I don't have Node 2i, but in general you only send data (in packets) over WiFi or Ethernet.  As long as data sent is the same - sound quality should be the same.  If anything, WiFi should be better, since Ethernet can inject electrical noise (in spite of galvanic isolation in Ethernet standard).
I had dropouts with WiFi, but it is perfect now, after switching to 5GHz.
jetter
2,962 posts
 
Interesting how two people with the same Node 2i could have such different outcomes using aftermarket power cords. I tried using a Pangea Power Cable with Cardas Copper with my 2i and noted no improvement. First time trying Pangea, I returned it and am still using the stock power cord.

The Supra CAT 8 Ethernet cable was a clear winner over the stock cord.
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