It can act as a DAC (coax/optical in) and it has XLR balanced outputs, which are handy if go the active speakers route. UPDATE: I just tried the Node 2i output via digital Coax to an Arcam irDAC-II - all I can say is WOW. Controlling the Node 2 - there's no physical remote - is Bluesound’s BluOS dedicated app app. The "official comment" does not mention that the Bluesound only passes bit perfect data to the DAC when the Bluesound's volume control is set to 100%, or if it is disabled in Settings.Also, turning on the Bluesound … I might have agreed with you before running my Connect through the M DAC+, but now it sounds almost as good as my EMC1UP. The Node 2 I had a while … Naturally, the most convenient connection for both streamers is via wi-fi - though, as usual, we’d recommend going via the direct ethernet route for the most stable results. Visit our corporate site. What would I be getting if I spent, say, £300 more on the CA compared to the Arcam? It is more complicated than that. Bluesound’s streamer has a good ear when it comes to detail, and can dig down deep enough to convey the reverberations in the opening bass lick. Here’s something interesting. I don't have a Tidal subscription at the moment, but I'm thinking that I may have in the future and so I'd need a streamer that supports it. Worthy of use in a HIGH END Audio System? App: Yes. I am joining the request for HDMI arc in Node 2i. Booting is also slow (1m, maybe more; my computer running linux boots faster) and the Cambridge app was sluggish, at least shortly after the unit was released. Simple question (I hope) do I upgrade the Bluesound or the DAC? FOR: Well-judged, detailed balance to its sound; good connectivity; decent control app, AGAINST: Increased price; lack of dynamic expression, VERDICT: Still plenty of positives, but the BlueSound has rather priced itself out of contention, FOR: Insightful, solid, articulate and convincing sound; compact design; more affordable than ever, VERDICT: An easy-to-use way to introduce myriad streaming options to your hi-fi system. That’s important if you’re looking to make an investment in this thing. Hence, this review covers a rapidly maturing product. Bluesound Node 2i – Features What the Node 2i lacks in visual pizzazz it more than makes up for in features. I am waiting with buying, but if competing device appears with HDMI arc, I would consider longer waiting. Starting with Arcam. With its biggest speaker, the Pulse 2i(above), Bluesound has torn up the blueprint and started again. I've owned the sonos connect and it would, I reckon, be just as good as a node 2 in the ops system. Bluesound's new Node 2i also seems like a good product and they have taken the step to include dual band WiFi connectivity (same with all the other refreshed Bluesound units). JavaScript is disabled. Award last year in recognition of its talents and, going into 2018, it remains the one to beat. Please refresh the page and try again. It is by far the best Bluetooth I've heard (including the Node 2's), but I haven't heard the Audioengine. So far, so good. So I'd buy either the cxn or node 2 depending on the functions you want, if you have these as choices. Very poorly speced. You need an additional receiver for Bluetooth which would further increase the cost. Connecting an rPlay to an amplifier or external DAC is straightforward, via either its line-level outputs (one fixed, and one variable which uses the same volume control as the company’s A49 flagship amplifier) or its single coaxial output. I'd go for the cheapest that do the job with the right functionality and connections. To their credit, both the Bluesound and the Arcam streamers have sharp designs - but in terms of aesthetics, it comes down to personal preference. The Arcam rPlay remains a fine streamer for the money, but that really serves to highlight just how far Bluesound has come since its previous generation. Read Here "The Arcam rPlay remains a fine streamer for the money, but that really serves to highlight just how far Bluesound has come since its previous generation. A more cautious approach to updating the Pulse 2 may have been advisable, not least to avoid … The Node 2, meanwhile, offers one each of optical and analogue outputs as well as a coaxial digital out, an optical/analogue input, and a high-power type A USB port. Benefitting from initial research ploughed, by mutual owner Lenbrook, into the NAD M50.2, the Node 2i … Perhaps I should start another topic, but anyway... Only heard the CXN, and imo it sounds great. The rPlay’s WiFi is compatible with 802.11 b/g/n but it also hosts a wired Ethernet (RJ45) connector for the most reliable results from your network. So, three streamers, ascending in price. I've looked at reviews of all three, but would like to know if anyone has any experience of or advice regarding any of these units. You can plug in large external HDDs with no independent power supplies, but it takes a lot of time to load the file structure, if it's big (e.g. Don't be put off by the node … It's the least appealing streamer out of the three in my opinion. Looks like a complete package. It is however the most expensive of the three. After the first few bars of that riff, Simon starts singing with clarity and crispness. High-end DAC technology built into every Bluesound … At first glance, there aren’t too many differences between the two streamers. Features5 3. 2TB). Auralic Aries G2.1 ($4,799) Amp: No. Some types of hi-fi equipment feel like they could last forever. AIRPLAY 2 AND BLUESOUND GEN 2i. Bluesound introduced a new series of network players and looking at them I thought they were pulling my leg for they look identical to the previous models. For anyone already invested in Bluesound’s multi-room system, the Node 2 is certainly a good – and convenient – addition. In its own right it’s an adequate performer, and the changes between softer notes and lightning-crackle synthetic sounds are well defined - but it seems to be holding back, not quite displaying the same level of animation as the rPlay. With PlayFi’s impressive music streaming inventory comprising the likes of Amazon Music, Tidal, Spotify, Qobuz, Napster and Deezer, as well as expanding to internet radio, Apple Airplay and compatibility with NAS drives on the same network, you’re pretty much covered. Scores 1. A few moments later, with clap-like electronic notes that leap forward, teeth and claws bared, the rPlay captures the changes in intensity between the quiet bass notes and the strident, louder strikes. Play the same track through the rPlay, though, and there’s a notably more nuanced and refined rendition. Hans Zimmer’s work is an intense piece that starts off slowly before building into a stirring attack, and the rPlay streamer is more than happy to convey those elements. If you have an undivided loyalty to Bluetooth, we're afraid it's left off the rPlay’s resume. In fact I'd be as bold to reckon that all 3 would probably perform pretty similar. The caveat is the bLINK costs the same as the Node 2 and the Node … Streaming. I'd say the node 2 is the best value of the three and it would probably be splitting hairs with the cxn, on sound quality. WIFI YOUR HIFI The NODE 2i has enhanced dual band Wi-Fi which provides best-in-class performance even in crowded airspace. Im using a Baldwin HiFi Integrated … It's one we have no reservations in recommending. What Hi-Fi? With AirPlay 2 on Bluesound Gen 2i, you can connect multiple Players around the house and have them communicate with each other through AirPlay. So, three streamers, ascending in price. We prefer the latter, as it has greater usefulness in day-to-day operation. You must log in or register to reply here. The DTS PlayFi app, which operates the Arcam rPlay, can be used with a range of products from other companies including Pioneer, McIntosh, Rotel and Polk. However, the rPlay has its own benefits. Specifically, the user apps and their capabilities. © I'm thinking about … You did a pretty good job getting me to go for the Arcam amp. The Pulse 2, the latest of the range’s speakers granted a second-generation makeover, was the sole component to retain its five-star status when we pitted the Award-winning multi-room system against renewed competition last year. Change to a lower quality stream from Tidal or Spotify and the characteristics remain consistent. The 6000N‌ Play is priced at $599 here in the U.S., which puts it in the middle of the pack for streamers in general, but to me, that price also places it on the low end of the “premium” tier, with products like the‌ rPLAY from Arcam and the NODE‌ 2i from Bluesound. It isn't the best DAC in the world. There’s no clear specification, beyond file compatibility, to draw comparisons between different models. The rPlay, meanwhile, started out at £400, had a temporary price drop to £330, and has now settled back at its original price. New York, You can plug in large external HDDs with no independent power supplies, but it takes a lot of time to load the file structure, if it's big (e.g. It really shouldn't cost that much considered limited functionality. In fact, people who want to move their music from their computer to a dedicated NAS unit, and require a good streamer to act as middleman, won't be able to tell which is the better streamer simply by looking at the specifications. The Bluesound Node 2 is a nice unit but is a streamer, DAC and decodes MQA. Sign up below to get the latest from What Hi-Fi?, plus exclusive special offers, direct to your inbox! Parasound Halo Integrated Amp with B&W 606 Anniversary speakers, a good match. That means if you’ve got a music file, the likelihood is the Node 2 can play it. The Node 2 finds it difficult to contend with the Arcam’s dexterity, as its handling of dynamics is almost tentative by comparison to the rPlay’s energy and drive. Not with Bluesound and not with the Node 2i. Like other Bluesound products, it can also handle MQA audio from the likes of Tidal. Build5 MORE: Bluesou… As omissions go, it's a big one. Storage: Optional. The rPlay has a pair of volume control buttons on the top of each streamer, while the Node 2 opts for touch-sensitive controls to skip and pause your audio. It can control any and all Bluesound products. Reviews Bluesound Node 2i review The latest version of the Bluesound wireless multi-room hi-res music streamer is a delight to use and sounds terrific 4.5/5 Intro Although its predecessor frequently … The control app is better than that of its competition, and having Bluetooth connectivity gives it a further connectivity advantage over Arcam’s rPlay. It only supports Spotify Connect (not Tidal). It can act as a DAC (coax/optical in) and it has XLR balanced outputs, which are handy if go the active speakers route. It doesn't do that much more than a Chromecast Audio or an Airport Express if your an Apple man. Future US, Inc. 11 West 42nd Street, 15th Floor, But when it comes down to the most important aspect of any streamer – sound quality – both the Node 2 and the rPlay have stuff to strut. The Bluesound Node 2i Music Streamer. The Bluesound Node 2i … Please deactivate your ad blocker in order to see our subscription offer, High-resolution audio – everything you need to know, Dolby Vision IQ: everything you need to know, Arsenal vs Man City live stream: how to watch the Premier League in 4K, Australian Open final live stream: how to watch the 2021 tennis in HD, Djokovic vs Medvedev live stream: how to watch the 2021 Australian Open final. The rPlay is one of the simplest ways to enjoy streaming audio services regardless of platform and brings Arcam … For those who want to pick and choose the best product at each stage, rather than tie themselves to one manufacturer, the rPlay offers a more sophisticated, more energetic and more enjoyable sound. Though the space between them is not massive, the Node 2i betters its rival pretty much across the board.As far as sub-£500 wireless streamers go – whether incorporated into a Bluesound multi-room system or not – you almost certainly won’t achieve sound quality superior to that of the Node 2i.Scores 1. The CXN spec and soundwise is very good. I have a Bluesound Node 2 feeding an Arcam IRDAC 2 and am considering an update. Though the space between them is not massive, the Node 2i … Some products - streamers, for instance - are being made notably better. Much more in terms of specs. It only supports Spotify Connect (not Tidal). It’s the future and the future is RIGHT NOW. But it doesn’t come within striking distance of the rPlay, which ultimately provides a much more nuanced listening experience. I've looked at reviews of all three, but would like to know if anyone has any experience of or advice regarding any of these units. In the Shop section on the official Bluesound site (which is powered by an authorized reseller), on the NODE 2i page the retail price is listed at US $499 as … For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.