Bluesound Node - New 2021 model!!

[gibby]

It went up $50 since I bought mine. I can still return it. Mine locked up a few times now and I had to unplug it.

I would still like to see an unbiased comparison to the iFi Stream. The buttons on top of the Node are convenient, but not entirely necessary.

 

[Chibs]

Had mine since launch and it it's never locked up on me. My PowerNode has once though. Not sure what was going on but unplugging / replugging seemed to fix. I would like a comparison too and would be up for doing one if they both supported Amazon HD. No more Tidal for me I'm afraid Ifi makes good stuff, perhaps they could add Amazon in future. @iFi audio any chance?

 

[daytrader]

Like cable boxes or WiFi, they too from time to time need to be unplugged and replugged for a reset, it normal with that type of gear. These streamers are not immuned.

 

[daytrader]

Had mine since launch and it it's never locked up on me. My PowerNode has once though. Not sure what was going on but unplugging / replugging seemed to fix. I would like a comparison too and would be up for doing one if they both supported Amazon HD. No more Tidal for me I'm afraid Ifi makes good stuff, perhaps they could add Amazon in future. @iFi audio any chance?

Once they update the Node with USB out, it’s going to be even more of a success than it currently is. If they can keep pricing down. I too run Amazon HD Music and have been very happy since they upgraded. As a Prime member, and the added discount, it’s a no brainer.

 

[iFi audio]

Ifi makes good stuff, perhaps they could add Amazon in future. @iFi audio any chance?

Thanks for your kind words and yes, there's always a chance and we're aware that folks in here want Amazon HD. If we can make it possible, we gladly will

 

[daytrader]

Thanks for your kind words and yes, there's always a chance and we're aware that folks in here want Amazon HD. If we can make it possible, we gladly will

Is an I2S output possible within the constraints of architecture in the Zen group, specifically the streamer?

 

[iFi audio]

Is an I2S output possible within the constraints of architecture in the Zen group, specifically the streamer?

ZEN Stream's circuitry most likely would handle I2S, but that protocol isn't and most likely won't be standarized, which is the main issue. Different pin layout and sockets result in too many variations. Still, as a manufacturer we never say never, so maybe one day we'll do something with I2S.

 

[rreynolds]

Hey all,

Looking to purchase a streamer with full MQA decoding, but don't want to use the internal DAC from the Node as I'd prefer the Venus II. Is there anyway to bypass the internal DAC while maintaining full MQA decoding? New to streaming and don't want to make the wrong purchase.

 

[Chibs]

Hey all,

Looking to purchase a streamer with full MQA decoding, but don't want to use the internal DAC from the Node as I'd prefer the Venus II. Is there anyway to bypass the internal DAC while maintaining full MQA decoding? New to streaming and don't want to make the wrong purchase.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong but in order for you to get MQA, you'll have to use the Node's DAC and its unfolding capabilities. Connect this straight to your amp and you'll have MQA. This would be a complete waste of your Venus II though. My advice would be to go with a high resolution streaming service that just outputs high resolution flac. I'm running Amazon music in conjunction with my Node / Pontus II, and its the best system I've had the pleasure of listening to. Not a fan of MQA TBH (Apart from the magenta light of course ). As good as they can make it sound, it's not and never will be lossless.

Chibs

 

[rreynolds]

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong but in order for you to get MQA, you'll have to use the Node's DAC and its unfolding capabilities. Connect this straight to your amp and you'll have MQA. This would be a complete waste of your Venus II though. My advice would be to go with a high resolution streaming service that just outputs high resolution flac. I'm running Amazon music in conjunction with my Node / Pontus II, and its the best system I've had the pleasure of listening to. Not a fan of MQA TBH (Apart from the magenta light of course ). As good as they can make it sound, it's not and never will be lossless.

Chibs

Yep, did some more research and came to the same conclusion. I'd rather just stream my Qobuz library than jump through hoops to try an unfold my Tidal MQA tracks, just thought maybe there was a possibility.

 

[Chibs]

Yep, did some more research and came to the same conclusion. I'd rather just stream my Qobuz library than jump through hoops to try an unfold my Tidal MQA tracks, just thought maybe there was a possibility.

Cool, wish I could get Qobus where I live. I'll wager it's better integrated with Bluesound Node.

 

[daytrader]

Any word on the December run coming at Christmas will have USB digital out or not?

 

[Chibs]

Any word on the December run coming at Christmas will have USB digital out or not?

According to their project manager as of 12 days ago it's their "highest priority" and " It shouldn't be much longer. " I'm guessing they want to release it as bug free as possible and it's taking much longer than anticipated. That's fine, I'de rather not brick my node .

Chibs

 

[Rhinonine]

Usb output due on the 28th of December
https://support1.bluesound.com/hc/en-us/community/posts/1500001251382-Node-Gen-3-future-USB-output

 

[Chibs]

Usb output due on the 28th of December
https://support1.bluesound.com/hc/en-us/community/posts/1500001251382-Node-Gen-3-future-USB-output

This is great news. I know a lot of people have been waiting patiently.
I wonder if there's any perceivable difference between coax and usb.