★ *REVIEWING: **bit.ly/36hNHrB**, **bit.ly/3jPxG40**, **amzn.to/3hloPW8* ★ *QOTD: Is this Powernode your idea of a perfect all in one solution? If not, what is?* ★ *ADDITIONAL INFO IN THE DESCRIPTION⬆︎* ★ *COMMENT RULES: Please be respectful. No outside links, URLs, email addresses, etc. Violations are automatically deleted.*
the reason I stopped using BluOS is that it randomly freezes for lengthy periods (requiring a restart) when adding new items to the library; when it lists songs, it comes up with odd listings and it is much less intuitive and more difficult to use than Roon. Even my old winamp was much better software than BluOS...winamp has nice clear listings by comparison. Roon works very smoothly, easily recognizes new songs in the library and is very intuitive.
I love my new Powernode. It drives my Magneplanars with ease. Sent back the new Marantz integrated I was auditioning (no comparison) and retired my vintage Harman Kardon integrated (which I still love). Also retired my Node 2i until I can set up a new bedroom system. The Powernode’s clarity and soundstage with the Maggies is special. I’ve downsized from turntable, open reel, MD, CD, etc. to Powernode only streaming from Tidal and FLAC files of my CD library on an NAS. I value the simplicity and elegance (and exceptional sound experience) of the Powernode.
After thirty years longing for 2-channel again I went to my local hifi-dealer in 2020. They presented Bluesound Powernode 2i(2x60 watt). They had paired it with B&W 707 s2. At first when listening to it in their listening room I thought they were pulling my leg. My first thought was "How is it possible that these small loudspeakers with this small amplifier can sound so fantastic". It was just jaw-dropping. For instance, the bass coming out from these small elements is amazing. The problem I have now is that it sounds better than my other amplifier which cost 4 times more.
I took your advice and bought 1. I was going to use it in backyard/patio/pool area. It was on back order and finally arrived this week. I plugged it into my brand new Forte iii's (great open box discount/close out on Crutchfield) just to try it out. Wow! I will not be putting this one in the back yard! First, sounds great with the Forte's! Second, great App, and the HDMI Arc as you said, is brilliant, plus the sub-out control is awesome. I liked it so much I just ordered another one for the patio and another one for the back of the house! The sound/quality/App/features at this point seems unbeatable to me! Thanks for the review!
I like the idea of the Powernode for a complete system, with a good bookshelf or efficient speaker like the Klipsch you could have a nice setup. Especially if you don't need or want all the separates. Good thing for people with limited space. I've always enjoyed audio equipment and I absolutely love this channel. I like the honest reviews and the depth you go into for your reviews.
I am so GLAD that you guys have mentioned the Powernode multiple times in various videos! I got one and it has beaten all other receivers I have recently tried out at home. Class A/B amps gave me distortion, warmth, punchy bass and greater listening fatigue. Other class D amps were underwhelming for me --or too much the same as old receivers I had: colder, trebly, empty in the mids, and poor on bass performance (Yamaha, Onkyo in the budget category). Sidenote: the NAD C 268 was the WORST amp I tried recently. The Powernode is the one for me with its sound and its features. Thank you!
I just heard the PowerNode connected to a pair of B+W 705 S2's and was blown away with the overall experience. I had been looking at 2 channel equipment that was many, many thousands of dollars more and just couldn't get over how good the PowerNode was in comparison - kind of a no brainer for me. Thanks for directing me to this great piece of equipment.
Oh mate, thank you for this review. I've been hanging out for you guys to do this Powernode review. I value your better half's comments just as much as yours Andrew. Again, thank you both!!!
Thanks for the review. Was all over the place with what 2 channel setup to go with. After this review I pulled the trigger on it. Tonight hooked it up to a pair of RP-600m and a SVS sub. WOW. I am blown with the sound that came out of such a small package. Honestly when I unboxed it I had my doubts. After playing it for a couple of hours at half volume. More than impressed. The app is very easy to use and setup. Thanks again. Money well spent
As a beginner in the hifi world, this is really appealing to me, especially with the eARC HDMI port. I only wish there was an ability to add a centre channel because I don't care much for rears. This would be perfect.
Just buy a pair of bookshelf’s that have a good center image like the LS50 meta. You will hardly miss the centre channel. Dialogue will appear to come from the middle and will be crystal clear with the meta’s
I’m new to this stuff and I’m very happy. I got my Powernode a couple weeks ago and I watched this video with the audio out via eARC to an old set of Yamaha speakers. I love the convenience and simplicity and the sound. Some day the KLH Model 5’s I ordered 2 months ago will get here and I can truly rock the house! I use the dots on top for changing presets...it’s very handy.
Hello Andrew & Community, I own the Bluesound Powernode N330 paired with ELAC UN-FI 2.0 UB52 Speakers and a Schiit Loki Mini + The speakers are mounted on wall brackets about 5” - 6” from the wall because I’m limited for room space! I’m very pleased with the complete system set up that I have and this is all played through TIDAL MQA The new Powernode for me is an amazing piece of equipment in such a small and attractive (black) package. Simply awesome 👍🏻
This is future - fi and to your question, I do think it will be an all in one quality sound and design solution for many who lean towards a savvy and elegant minimalism and plug & play flex on the digital, aesthetic and set up front. I totally dig their node streamer/dac and the BS App. If they were to ever do a 100W, they could just crush it for the same audience; for those who have more power hungry speakers or who want what an extra 20w would bring. They sure do have some amazing talent designing and marketing their stuff and with years of experience in the industry.
I’m am so glad you reviewed this piece from bluesound. I just got my T778 hooked up and I am enjoying the bluesound app and may want to expand to other rooms. Also since I just hooked up my speakers, has there always been a bass drop when Kristi’s take starts? I thought something dropped when I heard it. 😂 Thanks for another great review and I’m glad you guys are reaching that 200k mark. You guys deserve it. I hope you guys hit the millions mark.
This is a great review. I'm scouting for a new audio system, and this review is hammering home the point that I don't need to spend endless amounts of $$$ for a rock-solid amp. (And I only stream music). Well done. Thank you!
I think you're correct that the Node gets extremely close to the point of diminishing return. For less the Unity Atom, it's possible to purchase the Node, a set of KEF LS 50 Metas, and a decent flat panel TV.
@@spencerjones2035 +1. This is probably a very popular pairing! In fact, Bluesound had an offer months (years?) ago when you bought the LS50 with the Powernode.
Okay, okay, I’m think I have to get this one. The inclusion of ARC/eARC is really the game changer. I have posted on other videos about trying to use zone 2 for the main system and trying to get best sound in a small room. The fact that I can hook my TV and subwoofer to this plus make a 4.1 system AND be able to make whole home audio system with my main AVR when I upgrade to a NAD pretty much seals the deal. The only downside is not having Dirac or another room correction but I think that is outweighed by all the other benefits!
re QOTD: Sonos Amp. Sonos is usually omitted from conversation on audiophile channels but the Amp also appears to offer generous power output that I would think would enhance some of the same speaker pairings you tested. An important differentiator for me is the app integration with Apple Music -- not just Airplay2. Would be great to see a review of that component as a comparable. I've also been in the market for a starter pair of audiophile speakers and plan to pair them with a Sonos Amp (I'm already invested in their ecosystem). The best I can do research-wise is to note the preferred speaker pairings of all the competitor music streaming players (the Naim, Arylic, and now the Powernode) and trust that the same speaker pairings might work with the Sonos.
It works, but you will downgrade any speaker when using a Sonos amp. Don’t let the specs fool you. That was funny because they don’t even release serious specs.
@@BRRAAAPP1 Interesting. Very good to know. I might just be succumbing to their polished marketing (reminds me of at least one other big branded speaker company with large market share). I'll proceed with caution with the Sonos Amp - a side by side comparison with the Powernode is probably what I need to do. Thanks for your comment!
I am learning so much and I'm binging on your videos trying to catch up to the 21st cenrury.i want to thank you so very much to welcoming me to your channel That was truly wonderful to me and very unexpected.
NGL whatever microphone setup you use is working for me. Had to pull this over to my LS50s to listen. Thanks for the great review. This might be what I look for in the future
You guys are really good. Every day I eagerly check RU-vid to see if you have a new review. After seeing John Darko’s review of Powernode I seriously began to consider buying it, instead of a more sophisticated and costly solution like Gato. You have convinced me that this is the way to go for me. Thanks.
You didn’t cover the fact the new Node applies a digital high pass filter to your speakers if you connect a sub and set the sub low crossover in the app. Probably one of the most impressive features of this AIO box!
@@alantty You connect your subwoofer to the subwoofer out on your node. Then connect your line out from your node to the amplifier. And when in app you mark that you are using subwoofer the crossover cuts away bass from your line out like an active crossover. So your amplifier amplifies a signal without bass. Perfect! Super good explanation in not my native language if I may say
I think it's perfect! After my unboxing of the Powernode and in my eagerness to get it up and running, I connected my headphones to it and configured things while listening to the unit. Totally impressed, took me a bit to getting the speakers setup. The unit is small enough to sit comfortably on your desk, which makes the controls on top easily accessible while using the headphone jack (so as to not disturb others). Once away from my desktop, the app is also perfect on either the MacBook or iPhone. My first experience with Bluesound is good :)
One concern probably people of other states do not express. We do not have problem with paying its price, thanks to California salaries, but our houses are too small, so generally I have no space where to put this beautiful device. So your channel is the place where I can enjoy the powernode.
Great video Andrew and Kristi! My QOTD answer is “hell yes” based on your opinion of the amplifier and its ability to drive all of your speakers. Seems like a no-brainer. Love the channel, see you Sunday!
Powernode is an excellent value solution. At $5k the M33 is 6x more expensive with ( Purifi Eigentakt hybrid amp section) maybe 40% improvement in sound quality, but not features. My guess is that the towers you can't yet name are Paradigm'snew 120h. Thank you both for reviewing more accessible products, such as the Powernode, as well as audioplhile gear such as the "unamed" tower speakers.
Don’t forget Thomas, Zeos, and Sean at ZF also dropped vids as well. Might I also suggest a few other channels: Soundnews (Sandu), Passion For Sound (Lachlan), and the next best thing (Sean).
A friend who I never thought would stream anything as he has a house full of vinyl, bought a node recently and loved it. He finds the BluOS app very easy to use. He's a digital technophobe so they're on to something 😉
This review couldn't have been more timely. I'm in the market for a streaming amp and had settled on the NAD M10 but was feeling ambivalent about it. I can afford the M10 but was reeeeaaaally wishing there were a roughly equivalent but less expensive alternative. If the Powernode compares favorably to the NAD M33 (which is out of range for me) then I suspect it's an even better value vs the M10. Thanks to you and Kristi both for all the work you put into the channel which in turn kept a good chunk of cash in my pocket!
Same here! I had my heart set on the M10 but now my wallet is screaming at me. I could possibly hold out to the M10's successor as I know it is in its final stages of the life cycle but...
I'll wait for the review, but if Andrew likes the PowerNode better than the M33 he's off his rocker. It really depends on the speakers (in spite of his claim that the PowerNode works with everything). One of my rigs features a pair of Studio Electric M3's, which really respond to power. I tried both the PowerNode and Naim Uniti Atom with them but both paled in comparison to when I hooked the M33 up. If you are driving a speaker that Andrew tried it with, great--but don't just assume. The PowerNode is really good though and honestly if you don't love it, you can flip it for maybe a $150 loss so it's worth trying first.
@@badgerdms - my strong suspicion is that the issue isn't really whether the M33 is better - I expect it is and I suspect the review to say as much. Heck, the fact the M33 includes the full version of Dirac objectively makes it better. Instead, the question is "does it provide 5x better performance given a 5x higher price?" Like you said, we'll have to wait for the review. That said, for me the M33 was never on the table - I'm not willing to spend M33 kind of kind of money. I was just happy to find an alternative integrated amp that was both well reviewed and less than 1/2 the price of the M10. I ended up getting the Powernode and I'm EXTREMELY happy with it. My speakers are very sensitive (92db@1 watt) and sound noticeably better in several ways with the Node than my previous amp (an 80s vintage MCS).
I previously owned the Node 2i, and sold it to a good friend who loved it. I just ordered the new Node 2 days ago to pair with a Musical Fidelity M2si, a Denafrips Ares II, and a pair of Canton Ergo 22 DC’s.
The Node system is pretty cool. I have the Nad M33 and I would say the DIRAC room correction capabilities of it are an ESSENTIAL feature of the amp, not an interesting aside. Future-fi needs to be reviewed by people who find value in the future-fi capabilities otherwise it's all a bit of a misfit proposition. Thanks for the excellent work. Always enjoy it.
I hope the 8k towers is a PSB, I have a PSB Imagine T2 and its a very good speaker😉 Since you already have the NAD M33 and the Powernode all from Lenbrook Group that's why my guess is a PSB😊 Really enjoyed the review today. And I want one. Thank you Andrew and Kristi!
I was looking at one of these to use for a system in my basement that is primarily used for tv watching and occasionally streaming music. I had a high end Sony soundbar years ago but for what I paid it wasn't worth it. My mission was to find a 2 channel amp/receiver with HDMI ARC. Before I saw this I was on the fence about getting the Marantz NR1200 but I am not sold on the Heos ecosystem. I tried a Sonos amp and didn't care for the sound. Instead of paying $950 for the powernode I ended up getting the Node N130 which is basically the preamp section of this. I have it connected to an Emotiva BasX A2 amp. For a little more money I have 160 watts of Class A/B power at 8 ohms. I'm running a pair of SVS Ultra Bookshelf speakers and an SVS micro 3000. The system does exactly what I wants it to do. Turns on and off with my TV remote, has great sound and allows me to stream on good speakers in my basement.
Thanks for the review, Andrew and Christie. I’ve been using a Bluesound system for several years based on a Vault 2, which allows me to rip and store my CD collection (on-going project) and downloaded HiRes files. I also used a Node 2 for my smaller living room system and have recently added a stereo pair of Pulse Flex 2i. They all sound great, though I do run the digital signal from the Vault through a separate DAC in my main system. Bluesound is very good about keeping their software and firmware up-to-date, which is pretty painless over a wifi or Ethernet connection. The ability to integrate other streaming options such as Tidal, Amazon HD, TuneIn, and Radio Paradise (now in MQA over Bluesound devices) is just the icing on a very user-friendly system. I noticed a great improvement in sound quality once I moved from my Mac Mini based system to Bluesound, and the ease of use, sealed the deal.
Nice review, Ty Andrew. I paired my new Power Node to KLH Model 5's, and No subwoofer, the result: This simple system sounds really really nice, love the combination.
Great video! I really think the Powernode is a great device for someone who just wants to play music and not deal with all the issues with a stereo setup.
"You can set crossover inside the app or subwoofer" is not as simple as stated. Inside the app with the slider knob, it is also setting high-pass-filter for the main speakers. Since output to the sub is low-pass-filtered by the Powernode, knob in the sub should at least be equal to what is set in the app or turned to the higher frequency side.
Answer to your question, Yes, although I tested the previous Powernode versus the NAD M10, I went with the M10 due to the additional power, if the new Powernode was out at the time with the additional power I would have gone with it for sure.
These are such a cool concept. Better than a soundbar and does all the “cool stuff” a soundbar/streaming device does. But you get to use a really nice pair of speakers. Oh, and it’s a much better looking system than a soundbar.
Nice job as usual guys and admittedly I've heard the Powernode in a high end HIFI shop of all places and yes it just sounded amazing ,with a pair of Sonus Faber bookshelves and a pair of Aeperion bookshelves .Both pairings sounded much higher end than the cost of the actual setups .
Great review, A&K. I understand the NAD M10 is no longer new but comparing the Powernode to the M33, while curious, is not really relevant given the price disparity. The M10 isn’t new but it’s the more appropriate comparison to make. IMHO, folks are unlikely to cross-shop Powernode and M33 but maaaay consider stretching to the M10 if it was “worth it”. I’d love to see what you think between the two. Good job!
I auditioned the previous Powernode 2i earlier in the year, and paired with the PSB speakers the dealer set up, I hated it. It was bright and shrill, and didn’t work well with rock, although other genres ranged from ok to not so good. It put me off Class D. I ended up purchasing a used NAD m10, and was scared, as it was another Class D amp, and I really enjoy it. Curious to know how much the new Powernode has closed the gap. Am keen to see your new NAD m33 review - the Hyrbid Digital amplification suggests it would be a class above the Powernode
I agree. These reviewers always gloss over the fact these Node products are SHRILLLLLL! They are bright and super fatiguing. IF you add a separate DAC to the mix, then you have a decent streamer.
I agree with you. It was bright and shrill, and didn’t work well with rock, although other genres ranged from ok to not so good. I had it for 2 months, first on the bw 606s 2. Then on the Dali oberon 3, which is a much better speaker than the 606s 2. Bright, thin and shrill on both. I can not understand that people do not hear it.
I am glad this review was couched as just getting into hi-fi. It informs the viewer this should not be the "end all" of what can be realized. It of course should fall upon the individual interested in hi-fi to grow and discover there can be improvements to what they can hear. Those who need not go any further, awesome. But I"m appreciative the perception isn't that this is all that will be experienced.
@@sleepythi It’s not in the same league as the Sonos. You’d have to spend double to get something a bit better. Just waiting for native Apple Music support to try hi-res out. As I said, I don’t consider Sonos ‘Hi Fi’ it’s for a generation of people raised on MP3s and streaming.
Andrew thank you for such an amazing review I actually have been living with the Bluesound for about six months now on my whole house audio system and it sounds amazing thank you again for a great review and helping me decide the best direction to go you rock keep making videos
As someone quite new to the audiophile world looking to buy my first system I LOVE the idea of this product! Only one thing bothering me in the back of my mind is let's say bluesound were to go out of business, would this make this product useless since everything is controlled by the app? Sorry I'm not at all tech savvy lol. Thanks.
I agree! I picked up the Node 2 (2021 version) and the PowerNode 2 (2021 version) and they're staples in my systems. I will pick up another Node down the line and use it as a digital pre-amp with my Rotel amplifier. Basically do all volume control through the app. I love your reviews man! And your insights and point of views. They line up with my own and I am glad someone is speaking up and afraid to point out the misinformation that goes around and hocus pocus of sound magically improving due to break in or cables or what not.
So you can use a power amp with the node 2021, would that make it essentially a powermode with just better amplification? I’m looking at getting a powermode but would also consider getting a node with a separate two channel amp. My only concern is hdmi, my tv doesn’t have e-arc it’s old, and I have a nvidia shield I would need to get hdmi audio to the powermode and then someone get the video back to the tv. Right now I use a Denon Avr receiver with HEOS for music and it has many hdmi.
Really like the part hearing thoughts from Kristi’s point of view. She seems always be able to read my mind and asking the questions for me every time! So thank you Kristi! Andrew, thanks for keep making these awesome contents. You have all my support. Btw, definitely very interested in the power node + SF lumina ii pair. It seems the only way to pick up a Sonia Faber pair is through a local dealer? Cheers!
I would love the simplicity and convenience of the Powernode but I wonder if I would be better served with something like the Cambridge Audio AXR100 and the Powernode streamer only. Thanks for a great review as always, huge fan of the channel.
This falls in line with my thinking as well. I recently purchased the new Bluesound Node and have it paired with a separate integrated amplifier (the Technics SU-G700 to be exact). I personally like the flexibility of having a few more extra inputs than the Powernode offers. While I have no experience with it, the Cambridge is probably a great option to add to the Node. At the end of the day this would only add about $250 but I would guess it is worth it.
@@jefflacey154 Maybe you should listen to one first. At least check the specs, it has almost double the power. They are both streaming devices with digital amps and the Sonos will drive more types of speakers with greater efficiency.
@@Scalptrash Nope. The Sonos Amp fell flat on it's ass driving a pair of the original KEF LS50s, the Bluesound (and less supposed power) does a much better job.
This is my opinon: The Sonos Amp defently lack depth on all speakers I have compared it with. Even the Bluesound powernode 2I beats the Sonos Amp. The details are more present, cleaner and you get a precise punch. The sonos amp is not bad in any way, but most people wanting the sonos amp are the ones that already have sonos. The new powernode is worth the listen, and if you can compare those two do it! You will be surprised, maybe the sonos amp and its 2x125 watt is what makes it sell, but in my opinion it does not sound that in control nor that good. Would be cool to see how big the sonos amp power supply acctually is. Anyways i think Sonos does not deliver in the HiFi spectrum yet. Sonos is user friendly, has nice design, and is simple.
@@time9002 Thanks for your reply. I did actually test sonos amp and Powernode both with a pair of KEF LS50 metas and one SVS SB2000pro and I agree with you on the fact that Powernode has slightly better clarity and details but sonos amp is not bad or muddy by any means. It is a bit warmer and more laid back which I would prefer for many songs. Bass is more punchier with the Power node but I found Powernode not handling movies well compared to sonos. Sound effects and dialogs were disengaged in movies with the Powernode, it was like artificially bad proportioned sound mixing. But sonos amp did a lot better with movies (I know it does not do as well as a good AVR but it was satisfactory for me) and the last thing is the app, Sonos app is way better than the Powernode both is supported services, day to day work and functionality. Switching between sources is instant and automatic with sonos but not with Powernode. For all of these, I kept the sonos amp and I am happy with that.
@@VahidHm Cool nice insight on movies. I have not tried either for film at all. Which means you are probably right. I just prefer the Bluesound from a music stereo perspective, and I do not really bother that much about how user friendly these brands are. Mostly because it is adaptable and you get used to both. Then again I can really see why people are chosing Sonos due to the user experience. I simply dont bother, because i can easly manage and fully use both systems. So maybe that settles it Sonos for everything ? (Sonos if technoligy is a hassle aswell). Bluesound for HiFi/Stereo experience? There is also the price difference too. Hard choise for many when neither are bad. I guess if you have Nad with bluos, just stick to bluesound in general.
Yes I do think it is a great solution. I had the node 2i and loved it aside from some nasty WiFi issues (not the nodes fault) and wound up returning because of it. But it was pretty damn great when the WiFi worked. I’m actually shocked you don’t already have one.
I bought one and returned it. If you don’t stream Tidal or Deezer, it’s nearly worthless. I stream Apple Music. If you have your own library, the external bit works decently. Though the app is clunky. I honestly found Bluetooth to my receiver just as clean and clear as playing through the Node. Crazy pricey to just stream from one of the three or four hi res audio services this works with.
@@KristiWright oops! Absolutely DON'T want to get crosswise with Kristi! Besides, my real interest here was the performance with the KLHs because they have similar design to my beloved EPI 100s and I could see paring the 'Nodes to the EPIs.
Instead of a Powernode + Passive speaker combo it's probably cheaper to get a Node + Active studio monitors, plus it will probably sound better than most passive speakers since you'll get active crossover and biamping. You get a lot more sound for the money with studio gear compared to HiFi.
Thanks for a great video which aided me a lot in pursuit of my next tv amplifier. And thank you so much for that great sound quality in your videos. It’s a joy to listen to 🤩
I'd be interested in your opinion of the Bluesound Pulse Soundbar+. I installed one this weekend, hooked up a Yamaha audio 10" 100W sub, and it's killer sound... Some 'back info', I had a Definitive Mythos XTR-SSA5 and Polk PSW108 hooked up to a Marantz low profile (don't remember the model) receiver for about 10 years. The receiver died, and the sub was acting funky, so it was time for a new set up. Plus I just replace a 2017 65" LG E7 with a 2023 LG 65" C3 (E7 in now the 'basement' TV). I got the LG SC9S soundbar and sub, did not like it, gave it a couple of weeks but it went back to the store. Took the Bose 600 from the basement TV to give that a shot, OK, but neither were close to the Definitive. After some research and looking at Polk, Sonos, Sennheiser and Nakamichi (not the Dragon, I have a small to mid-size space), I liked the look, specs and the ability to plug in any decent 3rd party sub into the Bluesound, plus the ability to add wireless rears down the road. It not only came close to the Definitive, but surpassed it. And it's very simple plug and play. Plug the HDMI into the eARC port, plug the sub into the sub-out port and it just works. Plus the BluOs app is really easy and offers a fair amount of options and control.
Hi, curious why you didn't like the Powernode on the B&Ws? We have B&W 704s and some 600s as you mentioned in your review. Thanks and love the channel!
Great review! I think the Yamaha NR 803 or the nad C 338 are good alternatives to the Powernode with a phono stage and full size analogue imputs, or for separates the Cambridge audio AXR 100 + Bluesound Node.
Do you still recommend it on 2024? also I'm thinking in pairing the powernode with a pair of KEF Q750, I have an onkyo 8270 and I want to improve my system, and the powernode is on my list
I own a pair of B&W 606 S2, which are they same speakers as you used in your review if i am correct. I was thinking of pairing them with the powernode 2i, why did you think those two were not a match?
Wow, can't really ask for much better of a review.. especially when comparing to way more expensive pieces! Do you guys plan on reviewing the Powernode Edge? Darko seemed to have quite a difficult time finding differences between the Edge, this Powernode, and even the Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 (sound quality wise) 🤯
I had the opportunity to listen to both the Powernode and the Powernode Edge at home for a week. The edge presents a leaner overall sound with clean and forward mid range (especially vocals). In a small room and an easy to run speakers, you may prefer the edge as it's lighter baas presence does not eat into the mid range. The larger powernode can come across a little too boomy. However if you have a larger room, you may find that the edge starts struggling to provide that needed oomph to the sound, especially bass and making vocals clearer. So, all I'm all I would recommend the Powernode. Go for the edge only if you have a small room, easy to power speakers and you like a lean and clear midrange.
I think the Powernode makes perfect sense in small apartments or where space is an issue. Guess the other question is if anyone would cross-shop this against Sonos or any other wireless setup?
Hi. Great review. Can you now do an Apple Music review. I use Apple Music via Apple TV and it now streams CD quality audio for no extra money. Decided to cancel Tidal. And Neal Young has not taken his music off of Apple Music 😇
