Bluesound Node 2i Wireless Music Streamer Black is a comprehensive audiophile device (streamer / transport / receiver) designed to combine wired and wireless sources into a single circuit.
The body of the device is made of pleasant matte plastic, supplemented with a minimum of glossy decor. The dimensions of the streamer allow you to place it even on the desk next to the PC. It is also worth noting the touch panel, which is used to switch tracks, adjust the volume and perform other commands.
The device is able to work with most streaming servers (TIDAL, Spotify and Deezer) and others. By the way, the option of broadcasting audio content from Internet "radio", including from free "stations" TuneIn Radio, iHeartRadio, Calm Radio, etc., was also included. A nice addition was the ability to integrate Bluesound NODE 2i into an Apple or Amazon home system (multiroom) with further cooperation with voice assistants Siri and Alexa.
A high-class Burr-Brown 5122 DAC (PCM 24 bit / 192 kHz) is responsible for receiving and converting the digital stream. As for the sound signature of the device, there is a favorable picture here: the tracks are reproduced cleanly, richly, energetically and voluminously. The characteristics of control of frequency response areas, stereopan transmission, as well as localization of individual instruments are also inspiring.
Control via the BluOs app for Android, iOs, Windows and Mac OS X. It can work as a separate device or as part of a BluOs multiroom system.
A multi-core processor and a large amount of RAM ensure instant switching between compositions from any source.
Supports MP3, AAC (M4A, MP4), WMA, OGG, FLAC, ALAC (M4A), WMA-L, MQA, WAV and AIFF (AIF, AIFC).
Services: CALM Radio, iHeartRadio, Radio Paradise, Slacker Radio, TuneIn, Deezer, Groove, JUKE, Murfie Napster, Qobuz, Spotify, Tidal, WiMP.
Supports Bluetooth 5.0 aptX HD (two-way).
Supports Apple AirPlay 2 (after additional firmware)
Audio inputs: analog (jack 3.5) and digital (TosLink).
Audio outputs: analog (RCA) and digital (Coaxial, TosLink), subwoofer output (RCA) and critical output.
Built-in ADC (analog-to-digital converter) - allows you to connect a source to one media player via the analog stereo input and listen to it on any other c BluOs device in the network. The same works through the digital input.
Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45), Wi-Fi. 1 USB port.
Size 220 x 46 x 146 mm, weight 1.12 kg, power supply 220V 6W (IDLE).
Change Added at 12:32, February 11, 2021