It isn't bad but I doubt it will significantly … You did a pretty good job getting me to go for the Arcam amp. What is really needed on the market is simple … You can listen to a range of sources and genres for hours, yet still enjoy the relatively spritely performance. Change to a lower quality stream from Tidal or Spotify and the characteristics remain consistent. At the beginning, it sounds almost like the distant hum of mosquitos - but soon the soundstage is full, every one taking up a distinct space, and rPlay keeping them all in line. Arcam R play - like new condition all packaging and accessories included only 1 year old the rPlay allows you to add network audio streaming services and internet radio to any system using DTS … The DTS PlayFi app, which operates the Arcam rPlay, can be used with a range of products from other companies including Pioneer, McIntosh, Rotel and Polk. I'm thinking about … -Schiit Freya+ Tube preamp $899 + Crown Audio XLS 1502 Stereo Power Amplifier $389 + Arcam rPlay/Bluesound node 2i $379/$549 = $1687/$1847 I am going over a little over my budget … Lack of support for DSD128 is strange but only if you need it. Im using a Baldwin HiFi Integrated … © We find it faster when switching between music sources, and the black-and-white colour scheme looks smarter, to our eyes, than the multi-coloured icons and jumpsuit-orange of the DTS PlayFi app. To their credit, both the Bluesound and the Arcam streamers have sharp designs - but in terms of aesthetics, it comes down to personal preference. Sign up below to get the latest from What Hi-Fi?, plus exclusive special offers, direct to your inbox! The rPlay has a pair of volume control buttons on the top of each streamer, while the Node 2 opts for touch-sensitive controls to skip and pause your audio. With its biggest speaker, the Pulse 2i(above), Bluesound has torn up the blueprint and started again. We start with some music from our NAS drive, a 24bit/192kHz of Gotham’s Reckoning, the theme of super-strong Bane. With PlayFi’s impressive music streaming inventory comprising the likes of Amazon Music, Tidal, Spotify, Qobuz, Napster and Deezer, as well as expanding to internet radio, Apple Airplay and compatibility with NAS drives on the same network, you’re pretty much covered. If you have an undivided loyalty to Bluetooth, we're afraid it's left off the rPlay’s resume. This little wonder uses a femto re-clocker and SRC (everything is upsampled to 24/96) for taming nasties. The Node 2, meanwhile, offers one each of optical and analogue outputs as well as a coaxial digital out, an optical/analogue input, and a high-power type A USB port. We prefer the latter, as it has greater usefulness in day-to-day operation. A more cautious approach to updating the Pulse 2 may have been advisable, not least to avoid … I'd say the node 2 is the best value of the three and it would probably be splitting hairs with the cxn, on sound quality. The Node 2, in fact, has gone up in price since we first tested it – from £430 to £500. The Node 2 does a decent job, helped in no small part by its easy-going tonal balance. Connecting an rPlay to an amplifier or external DAC is straightforward, via either its line-level outputs (one fixed, and one variable which uses the same volume control as the company’s A49 flagship amplifier) or its single coaxial output. UPDATE: I just tried the Node 2i output via digital Coax to an Arcam irDAC-II - all I can say is WOW. It is more complicated than that. Bluesound’s streamer has a good ear when it comes to detail, and can dig down deep enough to convey the reverberations in the opening bass lick. I'd say the node 2 is the best value of the three and it would probably be splitting hairs with the cxn, on sound quality. It's the least appealing streamer out of the three in my opinion. The Pulse 2, the latest of the range’s speakers granted a second-generation makeover, was the sole component to retain its five-star status when we pitted the Award-winning multi-room system against renewed competition last year. “Exhaustive” is too weak a word for the facilities Bluesound has packed in … The 6000N‌ Play is priced at $599 here in the U.S., which puts it in the middle of the pack for streamers in general, but to me, that price also places it on the low end of the “premium” tier, with products like the‌ rPLAY from Arcam and the NODE‌ 2i from Bluesound. You must log in or register to reply here. Storage: Optional. AIRPLAY 2 AND BLUESOUND GEN 2i. I am waiting with buying, but if competing device appears with HDMI arc, I would consider longer waiting. However, the rPlay has its own benefits. Features5 3. Controlling the Node 2 - there's no physical remote - is Bluesound’s BluOS dedicated app app. Future US, Inc. 11 West 42nd Street, 15th Floor, Play the same track through the rPlay, though, and there’s a notably more nuanced and refined rendition. It is however the most expensive of the three. Perhaps I should start another topic, but anyway... Only heard the CXN, and imo it sounds great. That is a LOT of features for $500. The control app is better than that of its competition, and having Bluetooth connectivity gives it a further connectivity advantage over Arcam’s rPlay. I have been building my audio system for 35 … Listen to … MORE: High-resolution audio – everything you need to know. The Arcam rPlay remains a fine streamer for the money, but that really serves to highlight just how far Bluesound has come since its previous generation. We play Paul Simon’s Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes (the unreleased version from the Graceland 25th Anniversary Deluxe Edition album) and immediately hear a marked difference between the performances of the Node 2 and the rPlay. The rPlay received a What Hi-Fi? FOR: Well-judged, detailed balance to its sound; good connectivity; decent control app, AGAINST: Increased price; lack of dynamic expression, VERDICT: Still plenty of positives, but the BlueSound has rather priced itself out of contention, FOR: Insightful, solid, articulate and convincing sound; compact design; more affordable than ever, VERDICT: An easy-to-use way to introduce myriad streaming options to your hi-fi system. Bluesound Node 2i – Features What the Node 2i lacks in visual pizzazz it more than makes up for in features. Not with Bluesound and not with the Node 2i. When it comes to a range of services and radio stations, both have very much the same variety - but if you’re a Bluetooth user, we’re afraid Arcam leaves you in the cold, as it’s the one major feature left off the rPlay’s resume. There’s no clear specification, beyond file compatibility, to draw comparisons between different models. So far, so good. The rPlay’s WiFi is compatible with 802.11 b/g/n but it also hosts a wired Ethernet (RJ45) connector for the most reliable results from your network. Sound5 2. No Airplay either which is strange. Bluesound introduced a new series of network players and looking at them I thought they were pulling my leg for they look identical to the previous models. It only supports Spotify Connect (not Tidal). The Bluesound Node 2 is a nice unit but is a streamer, DAC and decodes MQA. Naturally, the most convenient connection for both streamers is via wi-fi - though, as usual, we’d recommend going via the direct ethernet route for the most stable results. I have a Bluesound Node 2 feeding an Arcam IRDAC 2 and am considering an update. The Node 2 finds it difficult to contend with the Arcam’s dexterity, as its handling of dynamics is almost tentative by comparison to the rPlay’s energy and drive. Thank you for signing up to What Hi-Fi?. With state-of-the-art Bluetooth ® aptX ® HD, the NODE 2i can easily support 24-bit streaming directly from your phone or tablet, as well as transmit studio-quality music to Bluetooth headphones and speakers. But that price difference can't be ignored. It can also work as a preamp, and on a "budget", it would be my main option, with a pair of active studio monitors: low box count, and can be used with a cheap transport for cd duty, if that's your thing. Bluesound's new Node 2i also seems like a good product and they have taken the step to include dual band WiFi connectivity (same with all the other refreshed Bluesound units). I've owned the sonos connect and it would, I reckon, be just as good as a node 2 in the ops system. Sound 5 2. It bests the rPlay for connections. Please refresh the page and try again. After the first few bars of that riff, Simon starts singing with clarity and crispness. Build5 MORE: Bluesou… Auralic Aries G2.1 ($4,799) Amp: No. In fact I'd be as bold to reckon that all 3 would probably perform pretty similar. In the Shop section on the official Bluesound site (which is powered by an authorized reseller), on the NODE 2i page the retail price is listed at US $499 as … Can be (ethernet) hard-wired to router if nearby and you … They also grant access to internet radio stations, not to mention NAS (Network Attached Storage) drives on the same network. Two well-regarded streamers, moving in opposite directions where price is concerned... which one takes your fancy? At first glance, there aren’t too many differences between the two streamers. In fact, people who want to move their music from their computer to a dedicated NAS unit, and require a good streamer to act as middleman, won't be able to tell which is the better streamer simply by looking at the specifications. A good turntable you picked up in the 70s, for example, could still be happily spinning records today. The Bluesound Node 2i Music Streamer. I am joining the request for HDMI arc in Node 2i. The texture of the bass guitar is described with greater sophistication, giving emphasis to the reverberations of each string. Worthy of use in a HIGH END Audio System? You can plug in large external HDDs with no independent power supplies, but it takes a lot of time to load the file structure, if it's big (e.g. No form of digital input nor USB playback. It can control any and all Bluesound products. Some products - streamers, for instance - are being made notably better. That means if you’ve got a music file, the likelihood is the Node 2 can play it. Streaming. is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. For those who want to pick and choose the best product at each stage, rather than tie themselves to one manufacturer, the rPlay offers a more sophisticated, more energetic and more enjoyable sound. For anyone already invested in Bluesound’s multi-room system, the Node 2 is certainly a good – and convenient – addition. The CXN spec and soundwise is very good. NY 10036. Both DTS PlayFi and BluOS give you the ability to stream music from one source throughout your house, whether that’s Amazon Music, Tidal, Spotify, Qobuz, Napster or Deezer. Can the Node 2 retain its charm when set against the new blood? It doesn't do that much more than a Chromecast Audio or an Airport Express if your an Apple man. Here’s something interesting. That’s important if you’re looking to make an investment in this thing. Much more in terms of specs. So, three streamers, ascending in price. I'd go for the cheapest that do the job with the right functionality and connections. Hence, this review covers a rapidly maturing product. Both boast a similar set of features, both are used in pretty much the same way. Specifically, the user apps and their capabilities. But when it comes down to the most important aspect of any streamer – sound quality – both the Node 2 and the rPlay have stuff to strut. A few moments later, with clap-like electronic notes that leap forward, teeth and claws bared, the rPlay captures the changes in intensity between the quiet bass notes and the strident, louder strikes. Reviews Bluesound Node 2i review The latest version of the Bluesound wireless multi-room hi-res music streamer is a delight to use and sounds terrific 4.5/5 Intro Although its predecessor frequently … There was a problem. DAC: No. What would I be getting if I spent, say, £300 more on the CA compared to the Arcam? For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Best AV receivers 2021: brilliant home cinema amplifiers, Best earbuds 2021: brilliant in-ear headphones for every budget. It can act as a DAC (coax/optical in) and it has XLR balanced outputs, which are handy if go the active speakers route. Also the only streamer at around this price to offer MQA support but no DSD. It can act as a DAC (coax/optical in) and it has XLR balanced outputs, which are handy if go the active speakers route. It really shouldn't cost that much considered limited functionality. Award last year in recognition of its talents and, going into 2018, it remains the one to beat. The DTS PlayFi streaming platform is, as we said, available to a range of manufacturers - which gives greater flexibility when choosing products you use to make up your system. That is interseting, Insider9, because I was thinking of discounting the Yamaha for the same reason: no Tidal. You need an additional receiver for Bluetooth which would further increase the cost. It only supports Spotify Connect (not Tidal). The rPlay is one of the simplest ways to enjoy streaming audio services regardless of platform and brings Arcam … So I'd buy either the cxn or node 2 depending on the functions you want, if you have these as choices. The caveat is the bLINK costs the same as the Node 2 and the Node … 2TB). Or an extra £100 for the Node over the rplay? We prefer the latter, as it has greater usefulness in day-to-day operation. Visit our corporate site. Very poorly speced. His vocal is handled with greater delicacy by the rPlay, so much so that it makes the Node 2’s rendition seem almost crude by comparison. It’s the future and the future is RIGHT NOW. WIFI YOUR HIFI The NODE 2i has enhanced dual band Wi-Fi which provides best-in-class performance even in crowded airspace. 2TB). Like other Bluesound products, it can also handle MQA audio from the likes of Tidal. Other tech, such as your smartphone, is visibly overhauled year after year. Bluesound Node 2 vs. Auralic Aries Mini. Hans Zimmer’s work is an intense piece that starts off slowly before building into a stirring attack, and the rPlay streamer is more than happy to convey those elements. Booting is also slow (1m, maybe more; my computer running linux boots faster) and the Cambridge app was sluggish, at least shortly after the unit was released. The "official comment" does not mention that the Bluesound only passes bit perfect data to the DAC when the Bluesound's volume control is set to 100%, or if it is disabled in Settings.Also, turning on the Bluesound … Don't be put off by the node 2 being a small box and not a full width seperates unit as is the cxn. Download the dedicated DTS PlayFi app (there’s no physical remote) and you’l… What Hi-Fi? But when listening to both, it’s clear to see how far the quality of streamers has come in just under three years. It’s rare a product drops from a five star rating – which the Node 2 was in 2015 – to a three, but considering you can pay £100 less than the cost of Bluesound’s streamer for a product that ultimately provides preferable sound quality, it’s the only rating that seems appropriate. The BluOS app has a more stylish design and speedier response times than the DTS PlayFi. What would I be getting if I spent, say, £300 more on the CA compared to the Arcam? The rPlay has a pair of volume control buttons on the top of each streamer, while the Node 2 opts for touch-sensitive controls to skip and pause your audio. The Node 2 supports uncompressed FLAC, ALAC and WAV files up to 24bit/192kHz, as well as other popular formats such as MP3, AAC, WMA and AIFF. MORE: Best music streamers 2018 Connecting an rPlay to an ampl… Or an extra £100 for the Node over the rplay? I don't have a Tidal subscription at the moment, but I'm thinking that I may have in the future and so I'd need a streamer that supports it. Bluesound Node 2 (used, c£300 on eBay, safe used buy as no moving parts) or 2i: both great streamers, fabulous BluOS control app. In its own right it’s an adequate performer, and the changes between softer notes and lightning-crackle synthetic sounds are well defined - but it seems to be holding back, not quite displaying the same level of animation as the rPlay. So, big(ish) bucks on the Bluesound or save a bit and go for the Yamaha - come on Insider9, convince me! So I'd buy either the cxn or node 2 depending on the functions you want, if you have these as choices. Some types of hi-fi equipment feel like they could last forever. Great features and the only one of the three with headphone out. To their credit, both the Bluesound and the Arcam streamers have sharp designs - but in terms of aesthetics, it comes down to personal preference. You will receive a verification email shortly. When you say 'cheap' transport, rainsoothe - how cheap? High-end DAC technology built into every Bluesound … Though the space between them is not massive, the Node 2i betters its rival pretty much across the board. With AirPlay 2 on Bluesound Gen 2i, you can connect multiple Players around the house and have them communicate with each other through AirPlay. It's one we have no reservations in recommending. Though the space between them is not massive, the Node 2i betters its rival pretty much across the board.As far as sub-£500 wireless streamers go – whether incorporated into a Bluesound multi-room system or not – you almost certainly won’t achieve sound quality superior to that of the Node 2i.Scores 1. Please deactivate your ad blocker in order to see our subscription offer, High-resolution audio – everything you need to know, Dolby Vision IQ: everything you need to know, Arsenal vs Man City live stream: how to watch the Premier League in 4K, Australian Open final live stream: how to watch the 2021 tennis in HD, Djokovic vs Medvedev live stream: how to watch the 2021 Australian Open final. You're not tied to a single company's ecosystem as you are with Bluesound. It’s always a plus when your hi-fi looks, as well as sounds, good. It is by far the best Bluetooth I've heard (including the Node 2's), but I haven't heard the Audioengine. Looks like a complete package. What We Like: As … It has a great sense of timing, able to master the rapid strings that dart back and forth, building the excitement for the appearance of the main villain. I've looked at reviews of all three, but would like to know if anyone has any experience of or advice regarding any of these units.