Listening to the Node X
Contents
We received from DALI Benelux both the Node X and NODE N130. Thanks for that! So we can easily put these models side by side. And thus also properly assess the sonic differences.
DAC chip Node X
The new Node X has a different dac chip than the N130. The N130 uses a PCM5242 from Burr Brown / Texas. The new NODE X uses an ESS Sabre. The 9028Q2M to be exact. That there is a sonic difference between the two will therefore not surprise anyone. However, a dac chip is only one factor. The filtering and power supply also play – actually a bigger – role
Different balance
What is noticeable is that the sound balance of the Node X is different from that of the NODE. Which one is better, I guess, is a matter of taste, because quite honestly: the differences are not incredibly large. It is audible in a blind test, though. Both players play at a competitive level within their price range. Put a Bluesound NODE next to a Sonos Port and the choice is easy (we think).
With the Node X, frankly, it’s a little different. The field of streaming audio has changed exceedingly in a decade, and especially in this price range, the competition is starting to get tough. Brands like Cambridge, Eversolo, Volumio, IFI are also starting to enter the fray here. And this is noticeable in interesting offerings…
Going back to the sound of the NODE and Node X for a moment, where the big difference is in the midrange. This is just a bit less prominent in the Node X. It may seem because of this that the bass and treble get a little more room, giving the midrange a little more glow. We estimate thatin the end, it is more of a balance that is subtly, but audibly different. Pleasing, by the way. We do find the Node X a little more pleasant to listen to for long periods of time; there is more calmness and space in the soundstage
Imaging
When we pay attention to the imaging of both Bluesound players, we hear that it is quite similar. Placement is tight and space is adequate considering the class these players are in. There are now players that manage to put down more space and air. Consider the Volumio Primo. However, that one has the advantage of a balanced design as well as a balanced output. With both Bluesounds, however, we can place voices just fine and hear where various instruments belong
Ook nog vraag of de digitale output naar een andere dac is getest zodoende de Node alleen als streamer te gebruiken. In een eerdere test was naar voren gekomen dat een externe dac niet veel verschil gaf. Misschien hebben de ontwerpers hierover nagedacht en meegenomen?
Nee, niet getest, want er zijn betere oplossingen voor dat. Denk aan een Volumio Rivo, Primare NP5, etc…
Hallo Jaap,
Eerder heb ik de chromecast based NP5 getest en momenteel de Primo. Beiden prima klinkende streamers maar de bedieningsapp van mijn Bluesound is echt ontzettend veel stabieler en moderner dan die van de concurrentie.
Ik vind dat de Youtube reviewers daar wel erg makkelijk overheen stappen en zonder blikken of blozen melden dat ze geen problemen ervaren!
We kunnen moeilijk iets rapporteren dat we niet ervaren.
Ik heb geen slechte ervaringen. En ik heb heel wat streamers in handen gehad. Als het niet goed is, zeggen we het. Maar wat Martijn zegt: we kunnen niet over iets schrijven wat we niet ervaren…
Waarom is hooftelefoon niet verwerkt in de test deze blijkt nu juist goed te zijn ik was daar wel benieuwd naar met de nieuwe techniek die daarin zou zijn gebruikt
Ik ben geen hoofdtelefoon persoon. Ik ga daar dus niet over oordelen.