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Questions about Node 2i

I'm trying to work out a fairly low cost streaming solution.

Current set up is Apple TV to Schiit Modi 2 Uber and the SQ is just okay. I don't think the weak link is the Modi.

I'm trying to do this on a limited budget so looking at a BlueSound Node 2i. But I have some questions.

1) How much SQ advantage is there with the 2i over the 2. The Node 2 can be purchased used for less than $400. What! HiFi gave the 2i glorious reviews over and above the 2 but couldn't really explain why there was a difference as the DAC was not upgraded.

2) The features list says that the 2i and the 2 will play music from my own external HD but only mentions it once and does not elaborate. If I have ripped CDs in an iTunes library on a HD will it play it through the Node 2?

3) The idea of a multiroom player appeals to my wife....which is always a good thing when spending money on hi-fi stuff. But, they're basic speakers are $300 each. I'm assuming you'd need at least 2 for a room to sound decent at all. The SQ does not have to be great for this application but spending an additional $600 to get okay SQ in another room is more than I'd like to spend. Can anyone speak to the actual quality of such a set up?

4) Do powered speakers from other makers than BlueSound work with the Node 2i or 2?

5) If I have a Node 2i or 2, is there any further role for the Modi 2 Uber or any other low price DAC?

Thanks for any assistance or experience you may have to share.

George
n80
big_greg
315 posts
 
I have a wireless repeater and a 4 port switch in my entertainment system.  I watch 4K content on Netflix, stream to the BlueSound Node 2, etc. with no issues.  There are a lot of variables to take into consideration - your connection speed, how good your wireless router is, how far the Node 2 is from the router, etc.  If you can easily use a wired connection, that's best, but wireless can work flawlessly if the conditions are good.
n80 OP
1,227 posts
 
Thanks. It would be easy to get an ethernet cable but my internet service is usually fine.

Another question: Does the Node multitask? In other words can I be listening to streaming on my hi-fi and my wife be listening to something else in another room?
tketcham
267 posts
 

Hi, n80,

If I understand your question correctly, you'll need a separate Node for each listening environment. That is, one for your hi-fi system and one for wherever else you have a system. For example, I have two Nodes, one in the basement stereo room and one in the living room. I can access either Node to play music using the BluOS controller from our laptop or notebook but I had to have a Node upstairs and a Node downstairs to play different music in each room. You can sync the Nodes to play the same music in each room as well.

Regards,

Tom

n80 OP
1,227 posts
 
Thanks Tom.
ljgerens
44 posts
 
If you are just wirelessly streaming your ripped CDs from your computer to several systems in different rooms, the most cost effective way is using an Apple TV or Airport Express. They are only about $50 on eBay or CL. In my experience the SQ from the Apple devices is identical to the Node 2. My son purchased a Node 2 a while back and he found no difference between it and his Apple TV using his external DAC. He let me try it before returning it and my results were the same as his. I have 4 systems, 2 with an Airport Express and 2 with an Apple TV. I tried the Node 2 with all four of my systems and heard no difference using my external DACs. I tried the Node 2 internal DAC, really a surprisingly nice DAC, but I preferred the sound with my external DACs. 

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