This is the 3rd generation of Bluesound Node released in 2021, awarded in What HiFi, EISA and others.
RRP: $999. I got one on BF deal and now the price is further $51 down to $799 (doh). Don't be confused with Node 2i which is also on sale in many retailers but the 2nd generation.
I'm not familiar with the Node. If I have my own music library of FLACs, how would I navigate my library and control what the Node plays?
The Node can access external libraries via a network share (or shares, if you have multiple).
The app is actually quite nice in that every source you have, whether that be streaming services (it can connect to pretty much anything) or local storage, is presented with a consistent interface across each service.
Be aware that the Node is a streaming device only - you'll need an external audio system to plug this in to. If you wanted an all-in-one solution, then the Powernode is your go. As the name suggests, a Node with power amp onboard.
Never seen a bad review, to be honest. Have a quick look at YouTube and you'll quickly see.
Actually, seems to be back to normal price :(
Powernode is still discounted though.
Great! I use it with my $50000 system. Bought another one for a second system for work.
Currently using the node 2i with my $1500 system sounds great. Using the PSaudio for my $50000 system.
Great I can throw my iPhone 13 pro max in the bin and buy one of these
Great work getting all the stupid out of your system before the year ends!
While even more expensive I would say that the Powernode N330 is a better deal and they have it for the cheapest it's been since launch.
https://www.customht.com.au/products/bluesound-powernode-amp…
Andrew Robinson and Darko Audio both rave about it on YouTube. It compares very favourably to similar devices more than twice the price
$1279 with this coupon (and free delivery) is rather compelling (for the N330). I'm wondering whether to upgrade from a Yamaha WXA-50 and Chromecast Audio connected via optical digital input. WAF is important, but we're saving for a car - so I should probably just be thankful for what I have…
I still use a 'vintage' NAD BluOS card in my NAD amp doing the streaming and Tidal mqa, the DAC is done by the NAD amp.
I guess this will be an upgrade as DAC should have advanced a lot, but I am not sure if the difference would be obvious in my system.
Would be nice if a local shop and give me a loan unit to compare with to see if I need the upgrade.
Bought one of these from Klapp for a similar price on Black Friday. Can't recommend it highly enough.
Vintage Cyrus One amp and Q Acoustics 3050i speakers, using Tidal HiFi and Spotify (notable better quality with the former, but Spotify still sounds pretty darn good).
Can't help but think I should have got the Powernode, but y'know… another $500.
Can't wait to play Spotify on this