Finally, All-In-One Home Audio That Doesn't Suck! Bluesound Powernode - SoundStage! Take 2 (Ep:40) 

I've had the Powernode generation 3 (80 watts/ch) for two weeks and I love it. I wanted to go 100% streaming and get rid of my bulky receiver. Three key features I like: 1) The app - works great. 2) HDMI eARC 3) Two-way adjustable (via the app) crossover when sub is attached. Powernode applies a high pass filter to the mains and the normal low pass filter to the powered sub. So my bookshelves get only the highs + mids, and of course the sub gets only the lows.

Bluesound Powernode hands down the best all in one solution for every hifi beginners OR any hifi enthusiast who want an affordable and simplicity system yet sounds impressive for this price range, tried it with bookshelf or floorstanding, you will be surprise how good this is 👍

I'm planning on purchasing the PowerNode as a gift for my sister. So I've done some research. I've been an audiophile since the early 1970s. For those looking for a bit of advice, consider: IMO, the most useful feature is "you can also set a crossover frequency in the BluOS app, over a range of 40 to 200Hz. This doesn’t just implement a low-pass filter for the sub; it also implements a high-pass filter for the main speakers. In this way, the main speakers are freed from having to produce deep bass, which almost always translates to improved clarity in the mid- and upper bass-and in the lower midrange, as well". Given the above, matching the PowerNode with a good sub is IMO a no brainer. I like the highly rated RSL Speedwoofer 10S MkII @ $449.00 That would leave $500. to stay within the PowerNode's price point. The Paradigm Premier 100b, GoldenEar Aon 2, PSB Alpha P5 and Elac Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 are all fine speakers that fall within that $500. price range. Lots of people love the Klipsch RP-600M Bookshelf Speakers and the Polk Reserve R100 Small Bookshelf Speaker is popular as well. Your room size and listening preferences will determine which of those most satisfies. The PowerNode shows the potential for reasonable upgrades; In Doug Schneider's review, he mentions that the PowerNode comes with a "skinny power cord". That indicates that the PowerNode's fidelity can be improved with the substitution of a good power cord. See SignalCable's power cords or Blue Jeans Cable for cost/effective references. Combining a good power cord with the iFi AC iPurifier would elevate the fidelity even more. Finally, if possible connecting the PowerNode with an Ethernet Cable rather than WiFi will also elevate fidelity. Add in a good Ethernet Filter and the fidelity would be elevated even further. You can do that cheaply ($80) with a 2 Gigabit Ethernet Multi-Mode LC Fiber Media Converter and fiber optic cables, galvanically isolating the data from electrical interference. www.amazon.com/dp/B09P4ZS4QN/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2?pd_rd_i=B09P4ZS4QN&pd_rd_w=TMkqw&pf_rd_p=f9710d1d-8ae7-460f-b546-5e6e42fbe82a&pd_rd_wg=UeIvv&pf_rd_r=VTNEV341XEPZDARN4KMA&pd_rd_r=e48bc782-9dcb-44e5-94b4-994fd86d95d5&s=electronics&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyNEZYWFVQNDIzVDNKJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMjI5NTY0M045MENDNlRXUDFJVSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNjYzNTI0N0FFMERMOEdZOTJQJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfZGV0YWlsMiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU&th=1 Garbage in - garbage out... still applies. Anything you can do to clean up the signal and power that the PowerNode receives will allow it to provide the optimal fidelity of which it is capable. Which reportedly is considerable.

In addition to HDMI, I think that Dolby digital decoding is a huge addition for stereo products as they can’t really do double duty for tv and movies without it. For those of us with limited space or otherwise looking for simplicity, it adds huge value.

I own the 3rd generation, the latest Node, no issues here and it is rock solid. I get home from work, pop up the Bluesound app on my phone, and am listening to music in seconds. I also have an SVS SoundBase, that uses PlayFi, it can take up to an hour, or I just give up trying, to get the exact same station to play using the same phone and network. The Bluesound Node is staying, the SVS is really starting to piss me off, as it is my garage unit, I think I will find a good Boom Box to replace it.

I got this about 6 months ago to replace a set a set of LS50W II. BluOS app is so much better than the Kef app. You can achieve a 4.1 setup with another Powernode for the rears (or a pair of Flex 2i). BluOS also has a really API where I’ve programmed a small square LCD screen to show album art and player info.

You say that you'd love to see a version for home theatre but you can achieve a 4.0 or 4.1 setup with this using 2 of Bluesound's wireless Flex 2i speakers as rears. Would have been nice to hear your opinion on that and how it works for home theatre. Maybe a future follow up vid?

Got the Powernode n330 since it comes out driving the Dali mk2 and I love it

I the new version named POWERNODE, and I agree, it is flawless. I am one of those who had problems with earlier Bluesound node because my wifi was weak. I gambled on the POWERNODE because it is perfect for a place which fortunately has good wifi which I plug into with ethernet. My old problems were on wireless use where the wifi was not good.

Jay, regarding BluOS, I have been using it for a couple of years with my Node 2i and and am very satisfied. I would however like to see Bluesound increase the number of services they support to include Global Player, and BBC’s Sound. Should Bluesound get Apple Music included as Sonos did, I would be a very happy client of theirs.

It’s a simple robust program that my wife and I enjoy. We have the Vault 2i😎👍

I know you have and love relationship with LS50 Metas. I totally agree on your points about practicality vs man caves. I just got my Kefs and need an amp with HDMI. That is a must. Everywhere I read people write that PowerNode 3 is not powerful enough for the LS50s. Do you have any experience with that setup?

I've got this powernode and I've not got no complains for the price it's well worth it. Sounds good with movies to

I've been running the N330 with a pair of Elac Unifi UF52 floor standers for about 9 months now. Apart from some wifi dropouts (fixed with an ethernet connection) it has been a stellar performer. I think the audio quality is every bit as good as most sub $1000 amplifiers. The D class amplifiers from NAD are very clean, open and detailed. Some think they lack sparkle - but for my taste (see speaker choice) it's fine - warm, good bass and impressive soundstage. Just add speakers and enjoy. It makes perfect sense for good sound in most homes. But it probably is not a good choice for those audiophiles who never rest (you know who you are 🙂) - as the upgrade path means dumping the while thing.

Also, it's a class D amplifier so it stays relatively cool. I got one about 2 months ago. I have it powering a couple of Klipsch Heresy IV's. Sounds pretty great to me. Even when I play youtube stuff off of the tv it sounds pretty good.

Got my Powernode 2 weeks ago. I like it but what I am missing is "loudness" or an equalizer function to have a little bit more dynamic when you listen to music at lower volume. Maybe they will add this feature for further software updates? Also there are problems with the ARC from my older Panasonic Plasma TV as I can't get sound of it. There seem to be some problems when connecting to ARC with some TV models.

Great video. Speaking on all-in ones, any thoughts on Technics SA-C600?

bluesound node 2i vs topping d90 which one is better?

Great great review!! Any comps to the NAD C700 ?

I am using BluOS for nearly 10 years now on my NAD M50 and still love it. No need for Roon what so ever…very happy with BluOS.

How do you get the center channel output for that power node for 5.1 surround?

Is anyone else annoyed by the popping through the subwoofer output when you change tracks? I wonder why not one review has mentioned it. The product is pretty good for an all in one device, but the popping noise is a deal breaker for me.

There is a new hub for the powernode with rca inputs and recordplayer support. Love the N330

If only you could use this to play songs/files off your computer

Hello! You tested the Polk Audio R200 loudspeakers. Do you think they will pair well with Powernode? I'm looking for something for myself, and the rival of Powernode is the NAD c700. Thx and have nice day. :)

Do you think it gets enough power for a pear of Kef R3?? Thanks from Germany 😉

I wonder how this would stack up against the new SVS SOUNDBASE PRO that was released today.

Is the NAD M10 better? It's for the Dali Opticon 2 MK2 bookshelf speakers.

Do you think the new power node can drive a ATC SCM 7 iii?

Would this adequately power Polk Audio R700 speaker pair?

Does it have automatic signal-detection and source-switching? Thanks.

Very good app

Node and powernode when using hdmi arc from tv, the sound that come out are really low volume. And blue sound until now didnt do anything about this issue

I liked bluesound allot better than hint 6 with 702s2....am I wrong....?😒

Can you get in touch with bluesound a see if you can get your viewers a discount on the Node & PowerNode. 50% would be great but im a buyer at 10%.

How do you connect the center speaker to work with only two speaker posts?

Not having HDMI in a typical integrated amp offering makes the audiophile geared manufacturers look out of touch with consumers at large I think. In 2012 I could understand but not in 2022. I don't know about anyone else but I hate having to take off my smoking jacket in my classical & jazz critical listening room just to switch on a Bond film or watch a ball game.

Can make a video of sonus faber omnia?

A great device

I thought it was odd you said the IoataVX was far superior in your R200 system, when it costs less than half the price of the Powernode, especially when you said the R200 needed the extra 20 watts from the new Powernode. And what’s with the ‘technically’ no analogue input. 3.5mm is a valid analogue input. It says ‘Analogue in 2’ on the back. You even show it for several seconds.

Sadly, the node has volume control issues that are well documented that the reps discount as network issues where otherwise no network issues exist…

Have the BluSound Node 2i. The company's instructions for the unit are absolute shite. Incredibly disappointing. I'm a total newcomer to streaming. They assume everyone knows all there is to know about the subject. I had to dig around on the interwebs to get any useful info.

Is A take 2..

Damned with faint praise….?

I just tried the bluesound and to he honest no idea what the hype is sounds unbalanced and too much bass and gain added which amplfies the compression from streaming . Paired with my paradigm s6 v3 with Beryllium tweeters and anthem mca 2 amp it sounded off

For the same price tag, I probably prefer the Technics SA-C600.