Bluesound upgrades to 2i
Bluesound offers the most versatile, high-resolution multi-room audio system we stock. From powered speakers and soundbars to CD storage and streaming for your HiFi, there is a solution for every room to get high-res MQA at audiophile quality.
Now it gets better! Generation 2i improves components throughout the range with dual-band Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2 support and upgraded Bluetooth codecs, all with improved amplification and acoustics.
As many audiophiles know, the positioning and isolation of internal circuits can greatly influence sound quality, so having a smaller and superior Wi-Fi chipset trickle down from sister company NAD’s high-end Masters series gave technicians more flexibility to isolate signal pathways. Consequently, the improvements extend beyond the spec sheet.
That being said, this is not a minor upgrade, as there are a number of obvious improvements and additions.
More power…more sound
Newly reconfigured digital amplifiers effectively double the available power, and this will come in handy with the new driver configuration in the Pulse 2i (above). The speaker features all-new driver and amp technologies that more than double the output in the bass frequencies when compared with the previous version. There is also a sophisticated DSP engine that result in a greatly enhanced top-end.
Bluetooth receive & transmit
When we talk about Bluetooth connectivity, we are usually speaking of connecting your device to play through the component. But one of the most exciting features of the new Gen 2i is the ability to transmit Bluetooth (note this ability is not available on the Pulse Flex). This means that you can use your favourite Bluetooth headphones to connect. Great for those late nights!
While we do not recommend Bluetooth connection for everyday use, it is a common platform that adds extra compatibility for a range of devices. And with the newer aptX Bluetooth codec, you can potentially achieve higher resolution playback on all Bluesound devices.
AirPlay 2
AirPlay 2 will integrate your Bluesound devices within the Apple eco-system better than ever. In addition to easily streaming music, essentially anything playing on your Apple device can be streamed, including Netflix or YouTube. And by connecting your Apple to a new Gen 2i device, you can utilise your old Bluesound devices with the new technology. AirPlay 2 functionality will be available through a software release in the near future. AVAILABLE FROM NOVEMBER, THE NEW MODELS INCLUDE: NODE 2i (RRP $999) POWERNODE 2i (RRP $1,549) VAULT 2i (RRP $1,999) PULSE 2i (RRP $1,599) PULSE MINI 2i (RRP $999) PULSE FLEX 2i (RRP $699) and PULSE SOUNDBAR 2i (RRP $1,699 in Black, $1,799 in White, available in December).