Dude, I love the way your videos never assume that the viewer knows everything about something. To guys like me, that’s very important.:)

@DarkoAudio

Жыл бұрын

I'm glad you appreciate that because in covering the basics I have to skim a few of the finer advanced user points from the other end.

I tuned my Node X with an external linear power supply... This thing is now on stereoids ... Absolutely amazing!

Hi John , another informative and entertaining review. A new streamer DAC that has been getting fantastic reviews is the Eversolo DMP A6. To me it's looks, functionality and specs offer a more attractive option than both the Node and Fiio, It's priced around $800 US.Twin sabre DACS, high res touch screen , SSD storage to 2TB and all the music server connections. Would love your take on this great looking unit.

I was really surprised to hear you say u are satisfied with CD quality sound. Great review John. Keep up the good work. Thank you.

Thank you John. Very informative. I want to wholeheartedly praise the positively excellent use of animated graphics. When the iPhone spiraled in from right to left and displayed the playlist, I was in marketing hog heaven. 😁

Your reviews are the best out there... every time!

WiiM Pro with an external amp. Done!

@nikaknetu2982

Жыл бұрын

And which one do you use?

@s.daniel9224

Жыл бұрын

Yep, probably the best $150 you can spend. Hell, I took my dac out of my system and I like the sound better- from the Wiim pro to the preamp.

Excellent review. I replaced my older Node 2i with the new Node X using the internal DACs and was amazed at the difference in sound quality. Thanks!

Thanks for your playlist! That version of slave to the rhythm is superb!

I bought the Node X yesterday because I felt the current Node (N130) wasn’t giving me all the details possible and I didn’t want to buy an external DAC. After hours of listening, including A/B testing with my current Node, I was VERY impressed with the Node X: 1) Very high dynamic range with a lovely dark background thanks to a super low noise floor; 2) More grunt in mid and lower bass have woken up my mid bass drivers to the point where I had to turn down my sub quite a bit, as the added bass in the room was muddying the mid range; 3) Detail retrieval, layering, and soundstage width and height are huge and the highs have more sparkle compared to the current Node.

@robbiefest

Жыл бұрын

Sounds like what happened when I replaced the power supply with a PD Creative on my N130. Turned it into a totally different machine , being much warmer in sound, wider, deeper, higher sound stage and very detailed low end. I'm thinking about upgrading to the X but how much better could it be than what I'm already listening to? I hated the sound with the onboard, factory supplied power board.

@bashaenraets9156

8 ай бұрын

Same here, @@robbiefest. I put the PD Creative board in my Node 2i, and the differences are amazing. And I was not even using the RCA outputs, only the coax output feeding into an external DAC. I'm getting the same results as you describe: warmer, wider, deeper and higher. I wonder what a PD Creative board would do to a Node X.

I had the Bluesound Node 2, it was my first, used, I changed it for a Node 2i open box from Ebay in 2021 and in the beginning of 2023 I changed it again for a Node model 2021. Since 2021 I use an external DAC, same way followed by many users, like Darko himself, I chose the Cambridge 200M, which even uses the ESS 9028 chip. I was happy and surprised with the launch of Node X, I could see that I made the right choice with the DacMagic 200M, which uses the same chip of the updated Node X. I use the digital coaxial output through an Audioquest Carbon, and an Audioquest RCA Sydney to the Marantz PM8005. From Marantz to MA Silver, I use Rocket 33. My setup is Node N130 + DacMagic 200M + Marantz PM8005 + Monitor Audio Silver 50. Big hug from Brazil

Genius edit at 3:26. Well done.

Amazing Darko!! Thank you

I'm a Bluesound aficionado. I have the two (2) original Nodes, both connected to a SMSL SU 1. Cheap and cheerful. Definitely an improvement over internal DACs. Thanks for your usual smashing reviews. My next decision is should I add the Node X to my system. Danke, JM

As an owner of a NAD M10 (living room) and Bluesound Powernode (bedroom) - both purchases confirmed by watching your reviews 😂 - I like how these products continue to be supported, developed, and improved. The esthetics, functionality, usability, and sound quality suit me down to the ground, easily recommended. Unfortunately, I don't feel the need to upgrade, as you get older hearing naturally degrades, so probably I wouldn't detect the nuances 😢 - oh, to be young again 😂. Keep up the good work.

I have a Node 2i, and compared to the Node X, I found the only difference was less gain from the Node X. I returned the Node X & stuck with my Node 2i. If there was a difference in quality, my old ears didn't detect it, or maybe my system isn't "resolving" enough to detect a difference.

@Uygkuyfkutfkytfkutfv

Жыл бұрын

Less gain? Do you mean lower volume? I have a 2i but use an external DAC, so assume I wouldn’t need this anyway.

@krupkake1

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for your input! You just saved me some time and money.

Thanks for your videos!

Bluesound was very accommodating to you by including a button for your absolutely favorite band.

Nice , I run the Wiim Pro into my DAC …for the money ..you can’t be beat. Great review as always. ☕️🍕👍

I tried some all-in-one systems during the Munich High End. The node X performs on a high level. There is clarity , bass and warmth. There is a lot of support for formats and tracks without any hesitation - even on Wifi connection to my NAS. Sounds a lot better then my M1dac + SPL auditor. I use Mediamonkey on my acer laptop - optical output - to edit tracks and fool around with my 250 K item database. The BLUOS is simple and very performant. I can group my N330 and the N131 to play the same tracks in different rooms. My wife only has to push one of the five preselect buttons to enjoy music. Happy days 🙂

Excellent review John. In one of my setups, I’m using a Pass Labs INT-25 integrated amp without subwoofer output. I plan to get the Node X just because of its subwoofer output if nothing else. Great to hear that the DAC circuitry and the headphone circuitry are also improved. I’ll decide on whether to use them once I try them out. If they’re good enough to elininate the need for external DAC and headphone amp, it would significantly increase the value proposition of Node X.

Thanks for that clear exposition. Here's my brief - related - story. In February / March of 2022 I updated my home theater system, and at the same time I bought what was then the current version of the Bluesound Node, which was just called the "Node." I got the Node because I wanted to be able to listen to music before making a decision to buy vinyl or CD, although I was hoping that it would sound good enough that I'd enjoy just listening to it in general. Sadly, I found the sound from the Node not to be up to my standards. The base was boomy, the highs lacked clarity and separation, and overall it was as you said for the 2021 Node you talked about. A few months later I bought a Belles Aria integrated amp, using it for all the stereo sources (CD, vinyl, and the Node), as well as for the two front channels in the Atmos home theater receiver (Anthem MRX 1140). The Node sounds better through the Belles Aria than through the Anthem, but it still doesn't really sound good. So I'm resigned to the "need" to getting an external DAC so that I can enjoy listening to music that I stream in my home stereo system.

John, I can't wait for your review of the FiiO R7. Also, I hope you can review the Eversolo DMP A6. Thanks!

Great video, and looking forward to hear what you think of the Fiio.

It's likely the THX AAA amp section which is known to be very transparent. Great choice by Node.

I have five BluOS node 130’s. Most are just acting as a remote for Roon. What I can say is that their software is rock solid and never has an issue. Never hung, crashed, etc. it just work’s flawlessly. Unlike other devices I own.

I'd love to have the Bluesound NODE X, but to be fair I am enjoying the WiiM mini and I can use the money elsewhere.

Thanks for clarifyying the difference between the node x and the n130 . Sounds ideal for someone wanting better sound from an all in one. As i have an n130 which i use with external dac/headphone amps i already get the better sound.

The wiim pro does everything I need in a streamer as am Amazon hd user

I replaced a Sonos Port with a Node 2021. I ran them side by side for 2 weeks and the Node was just better. The Port was somehow easier to listen to but the Node was more involving .

Bluesound/BluOs features HDMI, digital out, flexible Wifi milti room, and playlist queues that can mix NAS library and Spotify are great features of a streamer.

Try connecting your headphones to the pre amp outlet (just set the pre amp output to variable and turn the volume down first) the difference is amazing.

This really is tempting and was a great comparison! I do not posess an high end system by any means. My N130 has a Magnat Subwoofer connected to it and feeds an old Denon 1080R which drives a pair of Elac Uni-Fi References. But I think I'm going to wait until I upgrade to a better DAC. Thank you John!

My wife bought me this as a "thank you" gift! ❤

Love my R7. Look forward to your video on that.

Very helpful, thank you.

Great review! Thanks for sharing, John. I’m currently on the hunt for a more polished network streamer/endpoint than my raspberry pi setup, and this looks like a solid choice.

@AndyCarne69

7 ай бұрын

I was in the same position. Bought the previous version of the Node a couple of weeks ago to upgrade my Pi/Volumio. Take a look at the problems people are having with the new BluOS 4 software before you make your decision. At the moment it is unstable to the point of being unusable and there is a huge backlog on the support tickets. I'm sure it'll get sorted eventually, but it's pretty frustrating.

Great informative review. The Fiio is speaking to me

I will be very curious if they release a Powernode X aka updated version. Awesome video as always

Been waiting on this review. I love my powernode well worth it for the price

And here I am still on antique Sonos Connect lol. One running at home and another at my place of business.

I just can’t wait to plug it in my Chord Qutest. Picking up the X come November. I believe the DAC in both the N130 and the X are mainly for the headphone amp. If u want superb audio performance I believe a Chord Hugo, Mojo2 or Qutest will get the job done.

@bashaenraets9156

8 ай бұрын

When you're in the mood, you might consider a PD Creative power supply upgrade to lift the sound quality of the Node X even higher. (Yes, even with an external DAC.) And when you're buying SBoosters, consider buying one for your DAC as well...

You’ve done it. You make me search for the original 12” Grace Jones Slave to the rythm blooded version record that is somewhere at my house but I could not find it yet!🤣 Now I will have upgrade and buy that Rega P2 with Orthofon blue too🥴 (nice excuse for it)

If you get the chance, you should take a look at the Eversole DMP-A6, preamp, transport, streamer & DAC from China. For $900 American it would be hard to beat.

@ryanbradshaw8292

Жыл бұрын

I'm so hoping he reviews this! It down to that and a few others for me.

Great review explained in layman terms and you are always great company. A useful video but looking forward to the Filo review as well!

"CD-Quality audio" is great for me also.

No mention on the usb audio out feature (same as the last Node N130) to connect an external and better dac: for future proof upgrade

The Small Form Factor of the Node Species variants is commendable in many ways. I have the node hooked up the their respective Vaults and I’m happy with the performance. It’s neat, petite, and plays back a beat! What more could you want?

So many network streamers nowadays and leaving the specifications aside, I'm more inclined to see whether there is an affordable product, focusing on *usability*, by giving us a screen, to tell which recording it is playing, what artist or album. This makes a huge difference of experience of usability.

@Joenerk

9 ай бұрын

I use the smartphone BluOs app for that. A feature that displays BluOs on TV when not watching TV might be interesting.

I had the node 2i, enjoyed it and was happy upon purchase. After a while I ended up using it as a transport and connecting my external DACs, one via Coaxial - Oppo 205 , the other via Toslink - Denafrips AresII I then bought N130 (2021) node as it had one major benefit to me, that is, the USB input on the back of it can be used as an output to connect to your external DAC and run HiRes and MQA (if you care). This could not be done on the 2i. So, essentially I feel that the N130 is all I'll need simply due to the fact I have little interest in the built in DAC of the BlueSound and now run from the N130 the USB to my Oppo 205, the Coaxial to a Fiio K5 and the Optical to my Denafrips AresII. This allows my streaming requirements from 16/44 to 24/192 on all options and including MQA on the USB using the BluOs app which I think is great flexibility, plus, its all selectable from the app which input I want to use. The Node X may offer a subjectively a better one box solution but if you're looking to work with external DAC or DACs the N130 IMO is great.

@corneliuscurry6892

Жыл бұрын

I just connected my NODE N130 to my OPPO 205 using USB connections. Did A/B comparisons and I like the OPPO DAC sound better. Sound was not as forward and bright as the NODE DAC. Now I wonder how the NODE X would sound with it's updated DAC compared to the OPPO DAC. I would love to have the same sound of the OPPO from the NODE X.I like the idea of the one box solution.

I have had the Bluesound node X for a couple of weeks now, normally either play it through a Roksan K3 integrated amplifier, though to a pair of Focal K2 Aria 926 speaker. The other way I use it is through the headphone jack to my Shure Srh1840 headphones. I have used the Bluesound Node X, through the Roksan K3 own dac and also using pass-through, and of course connecting through the 1840, you are using the internal dac. Personally, I can't say I am a big fan of the sound from the Node X. It just doesn't impress me, I just find it all over the place. When comparing the Node X to the Roksan K3 both through the headphone jack, the Roksan just blows the Node away, with a wider sound and much more body to the sound. When, using the Node X, pass-through to the K3, again the sound just pales in comparison when I use the K3 internal dac. Now you can say, well the Roksan K3 is a £1000 integrated amplifier, it should sound better, but I bought the Node X to replace my Topping DX3 Pro+, and it hasn't, with the Topping sounding far superior, when playing Tidal through my phone. So where does the Node come into its own. For me, it's the combination of the Node X, K3 and 926, where the dac of the K3, through to the 926, just creates a wonderful sound. But is it worth £699, I am still unconvinced. Certainly using with headphones, I think there are much better options and wouldn't recommend the node X, there are better cheaper options. For someone who wants HD sound maybe but that is about it. What I will give a quick mention to is the remote, which I do find very useful. It is just quicker to reach for the remote, if I need to stop a track or move to the next track. Also it looks and feels nice. The other thing I will give a quick mention to is the Bluesound App. Personally, it took some time to get used to and I don't think it is as practical as Tidal's own app. Once you get used to it is ok, but it is fiddley.

I have to say I’m impressed with my node X. I had to part with my beloved Qutest for various reasons and was expecting a big step down. Although it’s clearly not on the same level I was impressed with the detail retrieval and I’m simply enjoying listening to it. I’m new to the BluOS and it’s just a great user experience overall

Thanks for this video, fomo-fi made me giggle :) I’d like to add one more thing the Sonos Port won’t give you: proper support for local streaming from a NAS (that stores for your flac CD-rips). And to my ears, the Node2i beats the Port in sound quality (and yes I owned both and after comparing decided to sell all my Sonos gear and switch).

Hello Darko, great coverage of bluesound node x. Been using bluesound products since 2018. Always stable and easy to use. By the way what is the brand of that yellow rca cables ?

Please do review of Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition. This Streamer looks like deserves attention.

Love it when the drums amp up on 20Hz

I used the node2i, but I feld the sound was not good. I switched to ifi stream + a dedicated dac for around 200-300€. Much better!

I'd really like to see a Darko Eversolo DMP A6 review...

@gingersnap6145

Жыл бұрын

Definitely. The EverSolo seems to be making a stir when it comes to bang for buck.

As primarily a Tidal Connect user, I look forward to replacing my BluSound Node. The fixed volume output is buggy (have to toggle it on/off all the time). BluOS media output integration on Android annoying, asking me if I want to pause playback thru their app, when I'm driving everything thru Tidal. Fingers crossed the new Eversolo is better, otherwise a WiiM and external DAC.

@1jhnpennington

Жыл бұрын

Wiim Mini and Chord 2Qute great for me.

For those who haven't been keeping up with all of John's videos or other coverage beyond KZread: "Red Hot Chili Peppers button" refers to a special volume-up button that some hifi feature, which allows you to skip all intermediate loudness steps and go straight to MAX VOLUME. John has said he especially uses this every time his favorite RHCP song comes on, *Give It Away* 😆

Love my fiio r7. I've never come close to considering a blue sound product

@andrewcrossley2448

Жыл бұрын

I listened to a new node v a basic £4K LP12 vinyl deck through the new Rega £2k amp, a pair of AE500s with and without a stereo pair of RELs. We tried Peter Gabriel’s So album (original vinyl), especially the track Sledgehammer and the Linn won hands down, 3D v 2D and thin from the Node. Then we tried a couple of reference grade classical albums recorded in the 1960s which are pure analogue and the Linn set up was amazing. In fact my basic iFi ZEN Signature DAC v2 is far more revealing and musical than the Node and less than half the cost. I was considering the Bluesound PoweNode Edge for my study system but think I’ll be better with the basic iFi ZEN DAC v2 as this is a bargain and has a reasonable headphone output for the money. If I wanted just a headphone amp I’d use the ZEN Signature V2 and the matching headphone amp using the balanced cable connection. For day to day use the tiny Apple AirPods Pro are remarkably good quality even with compression etc.

Will be interesting to see if they do something similar for the PowerNode.

John thank you for review a bit of off topic: how do you compare sound of ADI-2 vs Mojo 2 as you use them in similar setups?

Interesting. If I'm not mistaken the Node 2021 supports USB DACs so I assume the Node X does as well (never tried it, Node feeds the DAC in my amp). Preset buttons on the unit itself is what I miss on my Node 2 but can access through the Bluesound remote I bought later. Presets and IR control is what the family uses; couldn't do without it any more. Looking forward to the Fiio review!

I've listened to the Node N130 via a NAD power amp before in a shop (similarly to how I'd run it) and from what I remember, it sounded good, but it didn't leave that much of an impression on me either. My speakers are Dynaudio Focus 140s, which sound slightly polite, and I'm wondering if the Node X would be a better match than the N130. Not specifically looking for layer separation, but maybe a bit more... "oomph", to to say. Having said all that, I know a lot of that depends on acoustics as well.

After years of being told the Bluesound was the best streamer at its price point I borrowed one with the option to buy. The setup was easy, but I found the output underwhelming. I ended up with a Wiim Mini and an SMSL DAC, at about a third of the price! I am more than happy with it! You really need to listen to things to decide if you like them, rarher than solely basing choices from reviews and awards.

As a Canadian I have tried to stay positive about Bluesound/NAD. I just returned the Node x after ordering it minutes after it was available. The customer service is so condescending and lean on blaming the end user rather then finding a solution. I’ve been a Sonos user for 15 years. There has been high and lows but they make a point of finding the cause of an issue rather then blame the end user. I can acknowledge the sound difference but I struggle with the brands. My nad m10 replaced twice. Both with defects that were eventually proved but took years to get them to listen to me. I’ve never had a company make me feel so bad about my self.

@RichardHartley65

Жыл бұрын

This is a great observation. I have 2 Bluesound products, purchased on the basis of reviews about sound quality. I too have found their customer service to be lacking. A quick look on their forums will give you an insight into the way they respond to queries. The company seems to have a very arrogant attitude towards its customers. I regret buying into the Bluesound ecosystem.

@aussie8114

Жыл бұрын

I had excellent support.

@michelplouffe7934

Жыл бұрын

I had excellent support too. The problem sometimes it because it's not friendly users.

John do you think it's worth "upgrading" to this from the original NAD M10, if I'm not using the internal amp in the M10? Trying to figure out what the highest quality method is to get ARC/eARC audio (with CEC volume control) from a TV, combined with good support for music streaming services like Tidal, connected to a good external power amp. So few streaming capable DAC/preamps have ARC, it's frustrating.

Haha another shot taken at the RHCP. I will say that Rick Rubin’s production worked miracles on their sound.

If exclusively using the digital outputs to another DAC, did you notice any difference in the two units?

How does the node X compare to the BluOS/MDC module found in the NAD M10 or 3050 LE?

What about the casing silver finish: doesn’t it have the rubber finish feel any more, like the 2i?

Hey John, love your work! Did you compare the N130 to the X with both used through your external DAC?

By the way, John, how is the hifi market in Portugal ? Do you have some interesting high end shops in, say, Lisbon ? And what about making a video of your visit in the coolest ones ?

How well does the BluOS app handle local files on a network? The majority of my listening is from my ripped CD collection and I’m currently using the WiiM mini with decent results, though it’s app doesn’t do local files very well from a Plex server.

One hopes that the advent of the X will mean some good runout prices can be had on the 2021 model. Well here's hoping at any rate.

An important feature of the 2021 Node is USB digital output to an external DAC (which, to me, sounds more airy, engaging and enjoyable than coax digital output). Presumably the Node X retains that?

Would love to hear your views on the new U.K. Cyrus streamer with inbuilt blue sound circuitry, but not withstanding a great review as always 👍🏻

I have been a "Slave to the Rhythm" from day one.

can node x be used as a preamp? Then I could only buy Nad m23. I know it has volume controls. What do you think about it ?

My main problem with blueos node is it drops my signal. Ill be listening or straiming for awhile and it stops streaming on the node and picks up on my phone. I have to stop, wake it back up then pick up where i left off.

Blue sound node 2021 USB out has cracks and pops with Roon and so far they got away with it, and blame Roon. Please let us know if it works or not. Thanks

Hi John! Thanks for making this review! I bought the Node X about a month ago, thinking perhaps I should've gone with the Eversolo but nothing to do now. I'm quite happy with the X, though :) Quick questions: 1. I noticed you're using the AudioQuest power cable, did you find it improved the sound quality without having to upgrade the entire power module as with the previous Node 3 version? 2. For some reason, I have noticed that when using Roon Ready, the sound is a bit more congested and flat than listening through TIDAL connect (device's internal software); what could that be? 3. I guess this is for the future, would love to see your comparison of the Fiio R7 and Eversolo DMP A6 since those look like the best thing on the market now! :D Cheers!!

LOVE the skip, or should I say, the chili peppers button!!!

My experience with Bluesound and Sonos is that Bluesound streams almost instantaneously while Sonos is fussy. Sonos seems to work better/easier with a turntable, has a more intuitive app and there is a much bigger market for used Sonos products (in the US).

@rorylong314

Жыл бұрын

Sonos also talks to Apple Music and Plex, which nobody else does, as far as I can see

Hi John! Whitch to use for streaming musik to both speakersystem and headphones, node x or eversolo dmp a6? And the best app for each?

Hi what is the diverent to Denon Marantz Heos ??? Thx

RHCP button! I love it

If I understand correctly for a user like me that has a Node 2i and a Node 2021, The Node X doesn’t seem to be an upgrade at all if I’m only using the digital outputs.

John, will you be reviewing the fiio r7 with fiios matching external power supply? I think the fiio will be quiet a market disruptor as it can do do many things. Thanks !

@EricBurbeck

Жыл бұрын

10:10 - yes, he literally said he's going to do a video on the R7 soon.

Hi John! Do you think the node x will do the hd 800s justice? Like your chanel👍🏼

I think for competition the Node X has to become the normal Node - for 600 bucks. Currently I would either go for the Wiim Pro and put the saved money into a Chord Mojo (maybe used one) or go with one of the two *Powernoedes* and put the saved money for the Amp into the mojo or speakers. The pricing of Bluesound Node doenst make sense to me.

I know these are difference beasts but sound quality how does these compare tonsay marantz/ denon receivers in their mid range.

Thanks a lot for the very informative video, John. I bought the original Node some years ago and was thrilled with it, especially for the price. After a while, I paired it with a Chord Qutest DAC and the improvement was obvious. Now I’m thinking of trading my Node/Qutest for a Naim Uniti Atom headphone edition on which you did a review. Do you think this will be an improvement in terms of streaming? Regards from Brussels, Ignacio

Excellent review. I'm having a hard time letting go of my pc to dac to amp setup. Is the difference that much better?

@nfaller89

7 ай бұрын

Yes just do it. The total experience is better as well as the sound. Your pc is filled with noisy electronic components. Do not do it if you intend to use wifi. You must be hardwired too your router

Would love you to review some equipment from the Korean company, HiFi Rose at some point.

I wonder if BlueSound will have a PowerNode X.

Wish it WAS made our of metal. But I live in a room in London and although I have my speakers here, my power amp (a NAD C 272) is still in The Netherlands. Not sure if I'll stay here either. So all in all, not sure I'll buy this - even though I've been tempted by the Bluesound system before.

Great review. Would you use the headphone socket on the Node X or on a higher end integrated amp the Node X is connected to(Naim XS3)? Thanks again for your amazing content.

@khoi83

Жыл бұрын

try both and you will know

Hello Darko love your work, one question please, do u use any EQ on bluesound app or everithing flat? thanks

@danielbarrera6880

Жыл бұрын

Sometimes I use the EQ in the App is very useful