Bluesound Node 2i

The Node 2i wireless streamer is one of the best-sounding units of its kind below the £500 mark. It replaces the Node 2, but from a cursory glance at the Node 2i’s spec sheet, nothing much appears to have changed. However, Bluesound has upgraded the high-end circuit design with a new, smaller wi-fi chipset giving Bluesound the freedom to play with the circuit layout.

The bonus features Bluesound has added to its streamer mean you can use wireless headphones via the BLUOS 3.0 app, and there’s a faster processor for a more seamless user experience. The 32-bit/192khz DAC remains, as does its long list of connections, including RCA, coaxial, optical and subwoofer outputs, with physical inputs for optical, analogue and USB-A alongside dual-band wi-fi, Bluetooth aptx HD and Airplay2.

Sound-wise it’s clear that the Node 2i is a different animal to its predecessor. The richness across the frequencies is retained, but the soundstage appears further opened and with even more granular detail fed in. What’s most striking is the improvement in organisation, timing and dynamic expression. The Node 2i picks out the varying intensities of a fingerpicked guitar, arpeggiated piano line or call-and-answer arrangement that may provide rhythm as much as hold a melody.

There is greater life to the performance too; the Node 2i shows not only an increased level of expression but also enthusiasm. Its considerable bass weight, while always supporting a full-bodied midrange, now also adds kick and drives proceedings forward.

Bluesound has come a long way since its previous generation, and the Node 2i still represents good value at this price, even though in pure sound-quality terms it’s now edged out by the more conventionally sized and hugely capable Audiolab 6000N Play.