10 x post-review thoughts on the Bluesound Powernode 2i: darko.audio/2020/02/10-more-thoughts-on-the-bluesound-powernode-2i/ What happens next is up to you.

@Ryan191991

4 жыл бұрын

Just a heads up about point 7, the PM7000N is now Roon tested.

@DarkoAudio

4 жыл бұрын

But that's NOT Roon Ready, which is what we need for proper Roon streaming.

@samsunga-pm4qq

4 жыл бұрын

John Darko Thanks for the review. Question (im a beginner) Can this work totally wireless with wireless speakers? So i only plug the powenode to the power, and same with the speakers, and i can have multi room wireless music?

@bigleemac

4 жыл бұрын

@@samsunga-pm4qq Bluesound has a whole eco system of powered speakers that would make a fine multi room system, not especially cheap but they are meant to be great for that purpose. Remember this version is amplified to drive a pair of passive speakers.

@OctavianTech

4 жыл бұрын

Can this be used to stream from KZread Music on my phone to my speakers AND wireless Bluetooth speakers at the same time in low latency?

My wife says that you are a bad influence on our domestic finances. We have a Powernode 2i and a pair of LS50's on order. :)

John, so glad House of Love was chosen to showcase - amazing album! Loved your points and the authenticity is infectious. Keep providing us such great content.

Always articulate, informative, delivered with a dash of charm. Thank you John Darko!

@dannytantri4413

4 жыл бұрын

Well said. Thoroughly agree 👍

I really like the way you do your reviews. It's great you've a open mind to other products besides very high-end.

Well, after watching this several times, I placed my order. Another excellent video, John. Really enjoy your style and presentation. Keep it up! Update 3/15: got my unit hooked up and playing on 3/14. Wow! I'm impressed, it gives my Paradigm floorstanders, Monitor 7 V7, all they can handle. Setup was a snap, network, AMHD, Quboz, usb hdd or flash drive and cd player. Just waiting for my adapter cable for the turntable. This is definitely an improvement over my Onkyo A9050 integrated amp. Worth the money.

I was introduced to Bluesound by one of your previous videos last year and I cannot thank you enough...

I keep myself isolated and enjoying your reviews so so much .. pls pls continue with amazing work !!!

Really helpful. Opened up options for me I hadn’t thought about before, and nicely, clearly presented. Thanks so much!

One of the most informative, well presented reviews I've seen.....well done John and thanks!

Love your reviews. Your voice is just soothing to listen with all the crazy going around right now 👌🏽

Haha! I was just yesterday looking for a review of the Powernode 2i, because a friend asked me for a budget amplifier/streaming system. Thanks, great review!

Thank you so much for your music play list!!! Its icing on an awesome audiophile video!!!

Love it. One of the best purchase I’ve ever made in ages.

Excellent review and on the back of this i brought a Powernode 2i in White of course which arrived this week.It's used in my music room connected to my Q Acoustic 3020i speakers. Since lockdown I have been watching your video reviews and find them very good indeed.

This is a really helpful review. It's nice to have such options for a budget/value system. Thanks!!!

"Music first"....excellent point.

Great review - and it also matches my experience. We have recently upgraded the living room audio and my old Dali speakers were surplus. The Powernode 2i recently got an upgraded model that added HDMI, which meant I could get the non-HDMI 2i for 600 euro. It drives the Dali floorstanders easily and it is such a fun second sound system. We even hooked up a record player with built-in phono stage and it just works great. It’s now the system in my girlfriend’s study and she loves it. Very recommended at this budget.

@RustamKhannanov

4 жыл бұрын

Could you advise what is the problem of not having HDMI? I am thinking about to by one. Can I still use no-hdmi version with TV/netflix/android-tv box and how?

Great review. You helped me make a decision to buy the Powernode 2i as a second system.

Great review! Future-Fi is what I identify with- active speakers, all digital, minimalism, etc. I think solutions like this will become more common as they need to become more common.

the emotiva basX a-100 mates wonderfully with the node 2i. was using the amp to drive 3 sets of speakers around the house thru a remote controlled selector. added the node 2i 6 months ago partly based on your review, John, as well as the competitive price. I already had the amp/speaker set up with a lofi parts express solution ($35). The change in adding the bluesound was astounding.....so if you have an amp laying around you can go with a 2i. by the way my cable mess makes yours look positively pristine. Love your channel.

I’ve been eyeing this thing to go along with the buchardt S400s in white. You have made my day. I originally wanted the NAD M10 and some Zu Soul Supremes but I just can’t afford that. I can barely afford the powernode and S400s but I can stretch for it. You have made me feel better about my decision. Thank you.

I thought at first what a novelty item. Now I'm seriously looking into it - thank you.

This really is a great piece. It can even handle more efficient floorstanding speakers.

Even if you're happy with a multi-box, higher end setup, that Bluesound would make a killer second system.

I very enjoy your review format John. Great work and please continue to present your music suggestion in your video and love the playlists provided in the description below your video. 🏆👍🏻

Keep the future-fi info coming. Thanks!

The resolution of the volume slider and it's end points can be changed in app settings.. so fully left could be 20%, and fully right 60%, for example if that were the quietest/loudest you think you'd use. Then you have good fine control between the two. Eliminates the difficulty of getting the level just right and also prevents accidentally tapping and going max power...

I have exact same in my living room and it is a perfect neat audiophile solution and very Wife friendly.

Sir, you have my respect!

Awesome video. Love both my Rega P3 and BlueSound 2i with a Naim setup. Life is good

Thanks John this is my exact setup at home! Didn’t think it would drive the LS50’s but it does a very good job in my living room! I the Beatles white album plays with grit!

@rizalahmad4207

4 жыл бұрын

Joshua Lee does the ls50 gives the famous holographic sound with this setup? If the 3d-ness and wide soundstage can be achieved, I’m all in!

@samsunga-pm4qq

4 жыл бұрын

Joshua Lee Can it be connected wirelessly to the LS50?

streamers really work, best upgrade I've done.

I love that his cable "problem" makes me smile

Thanks for bringing this to my attention! I have an ideal place for this on a pair of Elac Unifi speakers.

Brilliant! Just what I'm looking for :)

I own one and I am happy with it. Simple and great sound.

Have the same setup of the Powernode 2i with the Kef LS50 for my wife's room, nice setup!

@valentinrizvan1870

4 жыл бұрын

Jeffrey Zuidgeest any idea how it compares to an all in one system like Naim Mu-so? I was thinking to replace mine with a setup like this

@claudiobernardi18

4 жыл бұрын

Jeffrey how di they sound?

@jeffreyzuidgeest5798

4 жыл бұрын

Sorry missed the reply. I have the Main Muso QB, this Powernode is much nicer as it is stereo sound, and more clean and louder if needed. But the Main Atom gives a more full sound, also a different pricing level. This Powernode is very nice to start with, even with inefficient Kef LS50

These videos are content rich with production values without peer.

Got the the Node 2i. Everything I needed in router sized box and it took my laptop out of the equation. I bought a used Vizio SmartCast Tablet Remote (XR6P10) to use as a dedicated screen/controller. It comes with a neat wireless charging dock.

Nice review and entertaining, as ussual 👍

Thanks for your review - came at an appropriate time. Locked in, decided to simplify the bedroom system, out has gone the old NAD amp, TV, satellite box, Blu-ray etc. in has come a new Powernode 2i driving B&W 607 speakers - sounds good and looks good too 😁. Already had Node 2 in the living room, all works seamlessly 😂.

Killer feature that most reviews overlook is the IR remote learning feature. You can pair this with the old remote control from that no longer used cd/dvd/VCR player in a few minutes and have volume, play, pause, skip from a IR remote control. A programmable remote works too.

Great reviews Thank you

Brilliant. Thanks

Excellent summary. I've been running the normal Node 2i for the past month and am pleasantly surprised by the feature set and musicality for the price of this modest little thing. In my view it is more than "good enough" in every way.

Great review and video (as always) John :-). Just wanted to add another perspective: I owned the Bluesound power node 2i and tested it alongside the sonos amp (the new model) driving a pair of PMC Twenty5.21 and a pair of Dynaudio M10. The Bluesound sounded smoother but still detailed. The Sonos sounded comparatively harsh(er) to my ears and needed treble tweaking (reducing via EQ). The bluesound was warmer (good thing). I encounterd (and still dealing with) a lot of problems with Roon when using the Bluesound via WiFi. Music dropouts, stutters, streamer disappearing from available devices, etc etc. Two different routers (different homes), a multitude of Bluesound devices (Flex 2i, Node 2i, Soundbar 2i) and the Roon problems affect them all in my case (unfortunately). These problems do not affect everyone but there are quite a few who suffer and the pain is documented both in the Roon forum as well as in the Bluesound community forum. In my case, I have partly resolved the issues by using powerline ethernet adapters so avoiding WiFi entirely. I am generally in complete agreement with the perspective of minimalism but it is worth keeping in mind that an all-in-one is dependent on a range of integrated services and functionality that depends on multiple manufacturers all working together and collaborating for bug fixing and updates (Spotify, Roon, Apple airplay, Bluesound etc.). The recent Sonos drama highlighted one thing: All in one devices or speakers will be vulnerable to obsolescence and that seems to come faster than what a lot of customers anticipated. The sonos drama is ongoing and it is worth keeping an eye as it is certainly indicative of upcoming obsolescence in many other all-in-one solutions currently in the market.

Well the powernode is called the poor man’s Naim Atom. I have the powernode 2i in my bedroom with B&W 606 and I love it. I’m also using the Node 2 as a streamer and pre in my main system. With an olive Nap 250 and that too sounds stunning. This is one of your best videos so far. Real solid product for real world application. The versatility is simply amazing. And so is the sound.

@nacarp2000

4 жыл бұрын

I run my Node2 into a David Bering EA-230 Tube amp and homemade speakers. It's nice to pair up with different amps or powered speakers.

..."and we're one stop closer to crazy town." I love this quote! I agree, to keep something simple, a Powernode w/ a pair a nice stand mounts is a great starting point single system or for a second system like in someone's office or den. I've recommended this setup to many of friends and co-workers looking for something simple and as an alternate to Sonos.

@samsunga-pm4qq

4 жыл бұрын

rdoogie71 Im exactly that person, i would like to put speakers for my 2 room office; can i use wireless speakers with this 2i system? Meaning i only need power plugs and i’m ready to go?

What a victory for common sense and imagination . Great useful video. Thank you. Moving up the scale , but sticking with what I think is the same basic operating system, I’d love to see a review of the new Nad M33 Masters all in one .

I have a Vault 2 in my main system and a Node 2 in my bedroom. The Bluesound product line is first rate. I very pleased.

A couple things it also does not mentioned in the review that I find really valuable - you can use any remote with it .... it learns! And it will switch inputs if it senses Audio. So it is awesome to use for your television. Ever listen to music and leave your stereo on the wrong input? and then someone comes along and puts on the TV and they get no sound…… This resolves all that.....

Another crackin' review John! Thank you. Also Kallax-fi, I see. I bet that Powernode would sound incredible with your Forté's.

I am definately going for something like this once out of college.

I use a Bluesound Powernode N150 (1st gen), it lacks some of the latest features like headphone out, analog in and dsp. But it's still supported by the app and works great. It can be had used very cheap now and so makes a really nice budget system with very high quality DDFA amplifiers built by Zetex.

@macraemorse

4 жыл бұрын

It is impressive that they continue to support these older boxes so well.

The Music quality you use in your video is excellent.

This was a sensational video! Smartly done. Honestly done. I liked how you noticed if you started to look at comparable products in terms of functionality, you start down the path to component heaven. Or hell! LOL I am going to look and see if there is an updated version of this now and those speakers as well. I was thinking the KEF 750 but those bookshelfs are gorgeous. Again, thanks for a terrific video. Subscribed!

John, great view as always. I am pleasantly surprised to hear that 60 watts drives the LS50’s nicely as another viewer agreed. I love simple systems which are clearly the future of fi, especially as the old geezers (and all their boxes) die off. It’s inevitable ....one box systems and active speakers will rule.

BlueOS is the future of audio.

House of love !!!

Recently purchased Bluesound Powernode 2i and paired them with Elac UNIFI UB5 for my modest sized living room and the quality of the sound is just spectacular.

@johnlockwood367

4 жыл бұрын

I was told by one retailer that the Powernode 2 would not work with the UB5, but I've heard of several folks using that combo. I just purchased the Elac Debut Reference DBR62 for my Powernode 2 and it is a terrific match. Great sound for a simple little system.

@Nick-sk1qp

4 жыл бұрын

John Lockwood Before purchasing both the Powernode 2i and the ELAC speakers, I researched involving many weeks reviewing so many articles, videos, etc., including direct communication from both ELAC and Bluesound before drawing my own conclusion that pairing them will be good. I have no regrets, the quality of the sound is better than my expectations. Now I just listen to good music all the time.

Hi John, 1 device that does come close to this is the NAD AMP1, also a small integrated amp that has chromecast build in. I don't think you can control it with a native app. But it does offer some more connectivity if you want to use a turn table as well for the same money.

Just set this solution up with a set of PSB speakers. Very impressed with the sound quality. Had some problems with the Android app in getting the wifi configured but an IOS phone solved the problem. Streaming MQA and other high res sources without a glitch. Previously I had a Chromecast doing streaming and there were lots of irritating little issues. My partner is over the moon in terms of the major cleanup of cables and bits and pieces. If I had to describe the whole thing in one word, it would be "polished". Polished sound, polished user experience and polished aesthetics. Music first, I like this expression. Good video.

Love youre reviews John. I'm rocking Yamaha's TT-N 503 and Edifier S3000pro active speakers. I would like to see you reviewing Edifiers as they are one of the biggest surprises I had in recent years in terms of hi-fi. Got my hands on Cambridge Audio CXN v2 recently and via xlr they sound even better. One thing tho, bass set at -6db as they tend to go boomy, not a bass head myself so it's definitely con for me. Cheers mate.

This is a real world solution for entry level listeners wanting a quality, feature laden unit with great capability and integration. It has compatibility with phone and/or laptop. Very compact form, but what is this slighting of Spotify. Given all the lovely ease of use with other services, I cannot understand this. It’s so very easy to like and I am not a streamer. See John, even confirmed old goats like myself can even get the advantage of such a lovely well thought out package. Would you please find out why they slight Spotify. They’re more likely to tell you. It’s the best low budget solution for the cramped environment set. You did very well on this to convince a non streamer to consider an equipment choice! Good for you John! I’ve missed you!👍🏻

Great review John! I wonder how the DAC compares to the stand alone streamer Bluesound Node 2i I have read they upgraded the DAC to a better Texas Instruments Dac and allowed for Dolby Digital. Any thoughts on sound quality difference between the two if you don’t need the amplifier?

The world is/has changing(ed) so is the audiophile world. This thing is the solution for people who don't want to ditch their old speakers and do not want Sonos.

wave of the future really John

Moon safari great choice!

I like your videos a lot, well done. Great teamwork and loads of good content, always trying to question “well established truths” (or simply just being agnostic and without preconceptions?). But what I love the most is the possibility to dig “on the fly” into music I would have never known otherwise and that’s always good to try at least once thanks to your playlists. You’re doing a great favor not necessarily to the “audiophile world”, but definitely to all music lovers out there. The video ends and there I find myself streaming strange, good music without leaving my desk: something that was just impossible 10 years ago or even less. What’s more Future-fi than this?

Thanks John, I think you’ve just found the upgrade to my old Marantz amp/cd/streamer box. Bit of a noob at all this stuff but I’ve been catching up on some of your vids and learning as I go. The Bluesound fits my budget and the wireless headphone option works well for a flat dweller. Might need to upgrade my old MS speakers though! (For when the people in the flat below are out 😉)

Always wanted to buy a decent pair of speakers. Bought a Powernode 2i (with HDMI) two B&W 707s2 and a B&W ASW610 a few months ago. Not a moment of regret. The sound is really nice and I'm really happy. My music sources are Tidal and Spotify and both sound really nice.

Hi John, nice review! Just one question: would be a comparison with any product in the Cocktail Audio lineup (e.g.: the entry level X14 or the X35) appropriate in your opinion?

I got the node 2i recently to add streaming to my system, it's been the single best introduction in s long time. The DAC in the unit is certainly good enough for me and the connectivity is almost unparalleled. Such a no-brainer purchase

You can also use any remote you have for it; the PowerNode can learn the commands you wish to use. Alternatively there is a nice metal Bluesound remote you can buy for $50 - great for playback of presets for those not wanting to use their phone. You can set up 10 presets across referencing your music on a NAS (but not on USB), Spotify playlists, etc. It's best to set up any Preset you want as a Playlist first and then from the Preset options select the Playlist to match the remote button.

Looks like a great unit, especially for the cost. I was wondering, as you had this running with the Kef LS50’s, would you say this is comparable to a set up of just the LS50 wireless speakers, as the packages together are similar in price and feature set to some degree? The power node has more modern connections as the older active speakers but I keep coming back to them as am loving the smaller Kef LSX I got recently. I’m aware I tend to use AirPlay a lot with the LSX as the Tidal stream through Kef’s app doesn’t seem to work that well for me. It’s looks great, thank you for the overview.

@mag290

4 жыл бұрын

Another great sounding, affordable combo would be a Bluesound Node 2i with a Denon PMA-600NE. Don't be fooled by the specs on watts, the PMA pumps it out with a High Current design.

@vongdong10

4 жыл бұрын

People often say the passive pair will never sound as good as it's active counterpart. I has the LS50W's and returned them for the dynaudio xeo 20's. Got both my sister's the LSX each and the was quite surprised by their performance for the size.

Hi - loving your channel - just returned to music/hifi after 15 years of too much work - have discovered Roon (via an old iPad controlled remotely) and the dragonfly thanks to you which has modernised my old arcam amo. Is there any way you can share Your review tracks as a Roon playlist - as it is I have to use Tidal directly or I guess I could get up and control it directly but it’s less elegant...

Great, considerate and balanced review! Can you musically compare it to the marantz pm7000n? It’s bigger but is it better sound?

Seems like a marriage of the Node 2i and NAD D3045. I wonder if that's actually true, or if not, how the two amps compare. Great video, John.

I agree gapless is an unrated feature. Very nice unit. I will probably pick on up. Thanks for the recommendation. It like the simplicity. I like the look of those KEFs too.

I had the new sonos amp first and couldnt get subwoofer to work with it, bought a bluesound 2i instead and my god what a difference! Sonos sound is so flat, even tho I have 3 Ones, but wiht bluesounds DAC litsening to music is a pleasure. Have it paired to 2 klipsch speakers. So clear , good base, its great!

NAD C368 with bluesound mdc module is also an all in one system, with great sound, but with more possibilitys.

@1959ludo

4 жыл бұрын

Does it match with Bower and Wilkens 606 speakers?

@ener5361

4 жыл бұрын

Offcourse, why not?

@SuperMaximus66

4 жыл бұрын

Just remember Nad and Bluesound are from the same Lenbrook stable. So they cross pollinate their innovation

@topixfa

4 жыл бұрын

I have both. And I totally agree. Just thinking to upgrade my (Powernode 2i) speakers (now I'm using Klipsch RB15). Any suggestion?

@tomchan4739

4 жыл бұрын

@@1959ludo I have the C368 with Bluesound Module... pairing with B&W 606.

I've been at this audiophile hobby for nearly 50 years, and have spent a lot of money on gear over that time. I've been using a Powernode 2 for a couple of years in a second system, paired with the Elac B-5's. I am constantly surprised at how musical this unit sounds. Sure, not the detail and soundstage of my main system, but still really, really good. (And the cable/dust bunny mess behind my main system is way worse than John's).

@nortagnan2135

4 жыл бұрын

I was thinking of getting the powernode 2 and using it as an amp for my desktop pc, do you know if I could connect my pc to it by USB, would that work do you know?

@ktakeshi17

4 жыл бұрын

​@@nortagnan2135 Not sure if you found the answer for this, but you cannot use the powernode via USB as the USB port is only for servicing (it's just a service port). And the other one is for USB sticks. support1.bluesound.com/hc/en-us/articles/200271766 If you just want to play files from your PC then you can read the above article for windows network file sharing.

@ArthaxtaDaVince777

3 жыл бұрын

Can this be used as a network streamer for my XMC1 Emotiva processor.

Hi John, is there a headphone only alternative to this product?. All my music listening is via headphones.

Is it correct to say that with the analog IN ports, I could connect my turntable (AT LP120x) to this amp and stream it over the network? My goal would be to listen to my records through out my house...

Great one guys, cheers. Though I did miss Jana :)

Thanks this this, and for all you do. As a one-box fan, I would someday love to compare one-box solutions up the line with the same speakers, room, and tunes. Powernode, M10, Uniti, Goldnote, Expert Pro, etc.

Powered speakers are a real audiophile thing. Even if folks don't believe it!

Hi, thanks for the review, i would love your thoughts on: 1) Powernode 2i and LS50's or 2) BLUESOUND VAULT 2I (comes with 2 tb harddrive) and Ls50 wireless - i have very limited listening... Classical, and Springsteen, small room. Which combination do you think will provide the best audio experience... Thanks a lot.

How do you compare it to the Nad M10 in terms of pure audio quality?

@J.LuxeInstallations

4 жыл бұрын

I have experience with both and the M10 is a big upgrade. And it should be for 3 times the price! But the Powernode2i is a shockingly good sounding amp for the price.

@hillelbrandes1488

4 жыл бұрын

Stuart Shuck Don’t know about pricing, but I’d bet the NAD M10 out performs it by a significant margin.

@ArthaxtaDaVince777

3 жыл бұрын

Can this be used as just a network streamer to stream 24 bit audio to my Emotiva processor?

Hey John, awesome video as usual. One question though, what would I need to connect my turntable (technics 1200) to it?? also, which of the following would pair of passive speakers would pair best with this amp: KEF LS50, B&W 607 or Elac debut 2.0 b6.2? Thanks!

Hi John. Nice video again. I guess this also is the “streaming only” follow-up of your previous “a complete hifi system for less than ...” videos. I really like the approach of simplicity, future-fi (and kallax-fi as well). I’m curious to see other nifty, not-so-wired solutions ...

Another great video John. Thank you! One quick question - the cabinet that the Powernode is sitting on has been featured in most of your videos, but I can’t find one where you mention it. I have noticed that you have had artwork hanging on and off it. Can you share some details about it?

@deniz1180

4 жыл бұрын

I was just searching for the exact same information.

@jeremybuan1905

4 жыл бұрын

I would be also interested to know more about it too

So close to perfect! 100wpc with an adjustable crossover and *BAM!!! Instant buy!*

@kevinwalker5915

4 жыл бұрын

NAD M10 ... but much more money $$

I use the Powernode 2 in combination with a pair of Xanadu (look them up) AW7 AL BT speakers... Really happy with the musical quality and compact footprint.

It's $899US on Crutch. So apparently below the 900 Euros mentioned in vid. I'm shocked. I double checked.. Powernode 2i, thicker, yup.

John, would this Powernode 2i work well with a Technics SL 1500C (which I bought after seeing your review of it)? Would love to read your opinion!

Hey John, the SONOS Amp will compete with the form factor and functionality - could be a great comparison?

@leonpjhb

4 жыл бұрын

Andrew McGill-Brown yes please.

@johnpereira6934

4 жыл бұрын

Why invest in something that could be bricked. But a dumb small form factor integrated with an HDMI input and use it with a Chromecast. Visually as elegant since the Chromecast is small and easily hidden. If Google bricks three Chromecast it's only $60 vs $2%

@johnpereira6934

4 жыл бұрын

Meant to say $1,000 for the powernode or Sonos equivalent.

@gnevos

4 жыл бұрын

@@johnpereira6934 Sonos seems to have the best track record so far. (Powernode 1 already not supported) We'll see what happens in May. Heck they might upgrade the Sonos Amp to support more formats to put it in parity with bluesound at a lower price. A chromecast is great if you only ever want to stream music. But bluesound and Sonos both allow you to plug a multitude of sources for more versatility.

Hi John, does the streamer only option have a headphone out, couldn't see it the specs on the site but it look like it has on your model, i know it does bluetooth.

Hi nice video - i am considering buying this or a solution from allo e.g. the digione signature. Is there a app with the functionality of the bluesound app, but for the allo digione signature? Can you recommend a raspi OS in combination with a andoird app?