harmonica2

Hi Mark - Does the C 658 serve as an acceptable preamp? Or does it sound a lot better with a preamp?

Chris - I have a specific question about the C 658. Did you test it with or without a preamp? Does it serve as an acceptable preamp? I currently use a Bluesound Node with an integrated amp, and I am considering the C 658. I am wondering if I should hang on to the integrated or purchase a standard amplifier.

First review: https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/bluesound-node-2i

I've owned the Bluesound Node 2 for a year now, and I highly recommend it. I went through a period of unhappiness due to some software bugs (which I have posted about), but a software update in April solved most of them. Although the Mac OS X app is still a little buggy (doesn't refresh correctly when the music changes and "favorites" don't work), these are minor annoyances given I use the iOS app most of the time. And really, the software (the OS X version included) is quite nice. Generally, I'm convinced that the DAC/Streamer is the right combination of technologies, because I'll want to upgrade both every three years or so to keep up with the latest DAC chips and file compatibilities, and everything else (amplification/speakers/volume control) remains current a lot longer. In terms of sound quality, it is very good, but not excellent. Manhattans (which I have heard) and Lumins (which unfortunately I have not), with their dual mono dacs and beefy power supplies are surely an upgrade, but for me, the price to upgrade to those devices now is not worth it given that I will naturally upgrade in two years or so to another device in the Node price range. Another factor that draws me to the Node is that it doesn't try to do too much. For example, there's no fancy attenuator. My integrated has that, and I think it will serve my purposes. I hope the Node's relatively minimalist form factor endures, and that even better sounding Node-like devices compatible with the latest technologies are available for long time.

Just upgraded the player, Mac OS, and iOS. Big improvements! A longstanding problem I experienced with MQA files dropping out while the optical input was in use is solved. Also, the Mac OS version is a complete redesign and seems much more stable. Note on Mac OS update: the application name changed (BlueOs Controller vs. BlueOS), so you need to delete your old dock shortcut and create a new one.

The latest player software update fixed this problem for me.

I was somewhat comforted by this review. To think that Apple might have rendered all my expensive gear and endless tweaking irrelevant with some technical magic was reminiscent of my other hobby, my Digital SLR. I own a nice camera and several carefully selected prime lenses that, as recently as a few years ago, would wow my friends with image quality that put their iPhone cameras to shame. They would encourage me to bring my gear to their weddings and kid's birthday parties so I could provide a few keepsakes. But lately, not so much. The iPhone cameras have gotten a lot better and, although my images are still nicer, most would say the iPhone images are "good enough." It seems that for now we still live in an audiophile golden age where if you do your research you can build a rare audiophile system that you and your friends can enjoy and appreciate its extraordinary realistic sound. Of course, like with cameras, Apple will keep pushing the envelope, and like most golden ages, no one will appreciate this one until it is over.

If you are having trouble with Tidal MQA dropouts on the BlueSound Node 2, try unplugging your optical input cable. Like some other Bluesound Node 2 users on this forum, I experience occasional dropouts with my Node 2 when playing MQA on Tidal. After confirming your network is robust enough for hi-res streaming, BlueSound tech support suggests restarting the router and Node 2, and if that doesn’t work, changing your DNS to Google (8.8.8.8/8.8.4.4). The problem got much worse for me after the last software update: MQA files would drop out every few seconds, the player was sluggish, and the apps were returning error messages - and in the case of the desktop app, always quitting. I was ready to return the Node 2 when I found a temporary solution. I use my Node 2 as the DAC for my entire system. My HD tuner, Apple TV, and Oppo Blu-Ray player are routed through an HDMI switcher, and from the switcher an optical cable goes into the Node 2. I unplugged this cable from the Node 2 and the sluggishness was instantly gone: a “Tune In” search for the string “Modern Classical” which previously took 17 seconds and caused the desktop application to crash was now instantly returning results. MQAs are playing without dropouts. Of course, plugging in the optical cable every time my family wants to use the other sources is not a lasting option, but it’s a hack I can live with until Bluesound hopefully solves this problem with a software update.

My go-to track for showing off the capabilities of my system has become Laura Marling's "Soothing." It has the best bass line since Lou Reed's "Walk on the Wild Side" and Marling's excellent vocals are reminiscent of Bond theme songs. Throw in some subtle gamelan in the second verse, and this recording has something for everyone. As I fully expect to hear this track pouring out of every hotel suite of the next five audiophile shows, enjoy it now, before it's too late! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCS4OTgaHeM

Found this jazz gem while listening to Tidal MQAs: Quatuor Ebene "Eternal Stories". Their classical Ravel, Debussy, Faure album is pretty good as well.

When I attended the LA Audio Show, I went to the Bluesound/NAD room to listen to some MQA for the first time. Impressed, I asked the rep about using the Node 2 as a the main DAC for my system. He sort of shrugged and said "it's a pretty good $200 DAC, but the DACs in the NAD amps are better." He went on to suggest buying a NAD integrated with a Bluesound card. I ignored his advice, and I'm happy I did (the DAC in the Node 2 sounds great to me), but I'm sure there is room for improvement. Perhaps Bluesound with release a Node 3 (2+ ?) with dual mono DACs, for example. By then, there will probably be MQA 2 (doesn't exist, but it will!) and Tidal Ultra (I made that up, too) and god knows what else. I'm glad I spent only $500 on my DAC/streamer. It will be worthless in 5 years and I'll gladly spend $500 again for an upgraded one.

I just received my Bluesound Node 2 last week. I also upgraded my integrated amp (in a big way) to the LFD LE Mk 5. So, it's difficult for me to separate what the Bluesound brings to the table in comparison to my old Class D Powerdac. I can only say that this current combination is extremely pleasing to my ears. I immediately signed up for Tidal, and choosing music has never been more convenient. The Bluesound is serving as the DAC for my whole system which includes an OPPO player, Apple TV, and a digital television tuner. To receive audio from the rest of my system, I just choose "optical input" from the Bluesound app, and it works great. I'm sure a fancier streamer/DAC like the Aurender A10 would be a revelation, but given the huge step forward I have just taken, I think I'll stick with this setup for a good while.

Thank you for the feedback. After considering the classic DACs, I ended up buying a Bluesound Node 2. It is performing to my expectations, so maybe today's low-end is catching up to yesterday's mid-priced DACs.

Hi Melvin - Thanks for the feedback. I clicked the link in your signature and noticed that you own a Bluesound Node 2. I just realized that this new DAC/Streamer meets my requirements: one optical input, RCA outputs. Plus it fully unfolds MQA off Tidal. If the DAC is acceptable, maybe that's my solution?

Thank you for the suggestion on Wadia DACs. My budget is $400-$750. If newer DACs are superior even on the low end, I suppose I could buy a new Schiit Bitfost Multibit in that range (I'll just ignore the fact it has USB).