jdh500

The Bluesound node 2i is very capable streamer in terms of overall features and sound quality for the price, never tried the analog outputs but did try the digital out to my Bel Canto C5i integrated DAC and Bel canto DAC 2.5 with no complaints, never bothered to do a detailed side by side comparison, The streamer I use the most is my Bel canto stream followed by my Raspberry Pi4 Touch using the DAC hat on the Pi4. I ended up selling off my two bluesound Node 2i streamers but kept the Bluesound powernode 2i for its built in amplification and hdmi input. Nothing wrong with the node

You could either buy a streamer commercially or roll your own such as a raspberry Pi4, I own a Bel Canto Stream which retails for about $2700 but also have a number of Raspberry Pi4 based streamers that either emulate a Squeezebox Touch or Roon Endpoint, two of my favourite DYI streamers are shown in the photos, ie.. basic Pi4 in simple case (about $150) with usb out to a decent DAC and another called a Raspberry Touch that Audiophonics in France sell as either a kit or ready to go for about $700 to $900 depending on the configuration. Also consider a bluesound Node 2i etc. JDH

Looks like this one has been withdrawn, If interested I have an unused Squeezebox Touch in box, only pulled it out to test it works after being in storage for years. My one being new would be more than $100, will place a formal listing when I get a chance. JDH

If you have the money to spend go the Elektra HD2 its hands down better over the Rotel. I’m currently using a Marantz AV-8802a with both the Elektra HD Reference for front speakers and HD2 for surround speakers, I started off with various Rotel power amps, they are good power amps for the price but the Elektra is substantially better but will cost more, I think the Elektra still comes out on top for overall price vs performance. JDH

Seems like a lot of dodgy dealings needed to secure the discount, reading the link you need to fake your location with a vpn connection followed by a fake credit card !!!! Your better joining an SNA family Tidal account and pay $6 p/m for Tidal HiFi shared across 6 fellow SNA members !!! Seems more sustainable. JDH

Looks like a pretty good quality repair !,, JDH

Both now sold and picked up. JDH

Do you have a photo to share of the final repair ? JDH

Both sold pending pickup of second unit over the weekend. Thanks to all that sent me a PM. JDH

If you decide to separate PM me with a price for the CD3t JDH

Something like a Bel canto C5i or used C7R might work for you, has HT bypass etc, if you can find one. Also Bel canto are working on a replacement to the C5i with upgraded power, digital and network streaming capability ie. Roon ready, I assume it won’t be cheap but will likely consider it as an upgrade to my existing Bel canto C5i. JDH

1 down and 1 to go, send me a message if interested.before I decide to keep the second one :). JDH

Further information: Hello everyone, These black Bluesound Node 2i’s were purchased new locally in October and are only 1 month old, they were only really used a few times to test and load the latest firmware which I believe now offers Tidal Connect. Both unit are 'as new' with all original packaging and accessories, only used the power cord all other accessories are unused, manual etc. I’ve decided to sell either one or both at the price offered for each plus $25 each for registered post if needed. I have a lifetime Roon account, use a higher end Bel canto

Shame its the old model, obviously would be a bargain if the current node 2i, the link is to factory second site right so would expect it to be heavily discounted ? JDH

The Elektra HD reference can drive pretty much any speaker without compromise such as the S8’s , ie. will drive a hard to drive speaker without sounding strained etc. I needed 9 channels for all my speakers so firstly a single Elektra HD2 would not power all my speakers, the HD2 is still a great amp but the HD 2ch Reference is simply better again hence dedicated to driving my best and hardest to drive speakers mostly for music. The Elektra HD2 drives the centre, surrounds and atmos in ceiling speakers. JDH