I've bought a Node X and I'm using it in my office. Connected my MacBook Pro to its optical input, using a 24/96 Audiotrak sound card. I'm using the RCA output to connect to a set of Presonus Eris E4.5 BT monitor speakers. It sounds really good for the price. My main hifi system, in my living room, contains a full set of Cambridge Audio gear. CXA81, CXNv2 and a CXC. The CXNv2 sounds a bit better to my ears. But the Node X is not a slouch at all. The only thing I'm missing on the Node X is a display similar to what the CXNv2 has. I like the BluOS app a lot, but I'm not using it that much as I am a lifetime Roon user. Highly recommended.
I’ve been running secondary living room system for a couple of years now with an N130 directly into an Neurochrome Modulus 286 power amp driving a custom DIY pair of MTM speakers and single small active subwoofer. We only stream on this system, either Spotify or the occasional visitor’s AirPlay, and while its functionality may be limited for those with multiple sources, it readily meets or use case, and the sonic performance is very satisfying. This combination replaced - and sounds a shit ton better than - a cute little Marantz MCR 610 that decided to pack it in after only 3 years. Try to get any of that class of gear fixed these days; at $1000+ CDN, disposability wasn’t high on my desirable features list. Love the BluOS app.
Did I miss something? You mentioned that the DAC in the node x was superior as blue sound claims. You then made several comparisons of sound quality but you didn't say whether you were using an external DAC or if you are using the internal DAC that comes with the Nodes. I have the n130 and use it with an external DAC. Therefore I'm curious to know how the streamers compare in sound quality as opposed to how the DACs compare. Thank you
Great review....Nevertheless the world changed Q4 2023 when the WiiM introduced a premium 32-bit DAC, AK4493SEQ in their WiiM Pro Plus at $299 Cdn. or $ 210 US$. It's going to be very interesting to see how Lenbrook/ Bluesound responds
Great review. Is this a good streamer for the 800S Sennheisers? They are lacking punch and bass. What do you recommend for a separate DAC and headphone amplifier under $10,000. Tube or solid state. Thanks.
Tube amps with the HD800s are a great option. You could use this streamer but I would feed a tube amp for the HD800s for my preferences. Here are some options to consider. thesourceav.com/products/woo-audio-wa22-2nd-gen?variant=41239038623900 thesourceav.com/products/woo-audio-wa8-eclipse-black?variant=41307017412764 thesourceav.com/products/woo-audio-wa5-le-2nd-gen?variant=41239034167452 thesourceav.com/products/woo-audio-wa2-headphone-amplifier-otl-design?variant=41307024720028
Also, see my review here on the HD800s th-cam.com/video/hpWQFhtwfEY/w-d-xo.html, along with some recommendations in my other comment above. @paulhunter6652
I've bought a Node X and I'm using it in my office. Connected my MacBook Pro to its optical input, using a 24/96 Audiotrak sound card. I'm using the RCA output to connect to a set of Presonus Eris E4.5 BT monitor speakers. It sounds really good for the price.
My main hifi system, in my living room, contains a full set of Cambridge Audio gear. CXA81, CXNv2 and a CXC. The CXNv2 sounds a bit better to my ears. But the Node X is not a slouch at all.
The only thing I'm missing on the Node X is a display similar to what the CXNv2 has.
I like the BluOS app a lot, but I'm not using it that much as I am a lifetime Roon user.
Highly recommended.
I’ve been running secondary living room system for a couple of years now with an N130 directly into an Neurochrome Modulus 286 power amp driving a custom DIY pair of MTM speakers and single small active subwoofer. We only stream on this system, either Spotify or the occasional visitor’s AirPlay, and while its functionality may be limited for those with multiple sources, it readily meets or use case, and the sonic performance is very satisfying. This combination replaced - and sounds a shit ton better than - a cute little Marantz MCR 610 that decided to pack it in after only 3 years. Try to get any of that class of gear fixed these days; at $1000+ CDN, disposability wasn’t high on my desirable features list.
Love the BluOS app.
Did I miss something?
You mentioned that the DAC in the node x was superior as blue sound claims.
You then made several comparisons of sound quality but you didn't say whether you were using an external DAC or if you are using the internal DAC that comes with the Nodes.
I have the n130 and use it with an external DAC. Therefore I'm curious to know how the streamers compare in sound quality as opposed to how the DACs compare.
Thank you
Great review....Nevertheless the world changed Q4 2023 when the WiiM introduced a premium 32-bit DAC, AK4493SEQ in their WiiM Pro Plus at $299 Cdn. or $ 210 US$. It's going to be very interesting to see how Lenbrook/ Bluesound responds
I want a internal power supply and metal housing.
Great review. Is this a good streamer for the 800S Sennheisers? They are lacking punch and bass. What do you recommend for a separate DAC and headphone amplifier under $10,000. Tube or solid state. Thanks.
Very complete list, definitely a tube amp, some guys even swear on high end power amps.
Tube amps with the HD800s are a great option. You could use this streamer but I would feed a tube amp for the HD800s for my preferences. Here are some options to consider. thesourceav.com/products/woo-audio-wa22-2nd-gen?variant=41239038623900 thesourceav.com/products/woo-audio-wa8-eclipse-black?variant=41307017412764 thesourceav.com/products/woo-audio-wa5-le-2nd-gen?variant=41239034167452 thesourceav.com/products/woo-audio-wa2-headphone-amplifier-otl-design?variant=41307024720028
Also, see my review here on the HD800s th-cam.com/video/hpWQFhtwfEY/w-d-xo.html, along with some recommendations in my other comment above. @paulhunter6652