Jeff of Arabica
|
Well, I found a local Magnolia store that had one in stock, so I figured the best way to know how it performs in my system is by actually putting it in my system. The thing is, I searched high and low for a solution that had all the features I wanted (which is primarily wireless streaming, native Tidal, and an on-board MQA DAC). Even much more expensive, higher-end solutions did not have all of this in one appliance. Needed two separate units, which put it over $5K. So, considering its duty, I had to see how this $499 solution performed.
I will say, it is a rather nice, sturdy unit. The packaging and build quality certainly exceeded my expectations. Setup was a breeze and in minutes I was streaming Master (MQA) quality Tidal tracks.
I first ran it direct to the ZMA. The output signal level must be on the lower side as I had to get the attentuator knob 3/4 the way up to get the volume to what I would consider the low end of concert level. Typically, with a 2 volt input I can't get it over 1/3 to 1/2 before I reach my max tolerance. Anyway, the sound was good, but a bit lean, and boring. It wasn't the dense, full sound I am used to from my ZMA and Omega SAHO's. My guess was, if I added some tube gain, it would benefit from it.
So, I hooked it up to the 2-channel inputs of my Ultra preamp, and I was right. This Node 2 grew a huge set of balls! Completely different product with a tube preamp between it and the amp.
And as far as the sound, I am really content with it gained up. It was good/fine direct, but it was not an exciting sound - at least unless I cranked up the ZMA but I want it to sound good at all levels.
Anyway, great little product if fed properly and the BluOS controller app is easy enough to navigate and use. Havent done much but play Tidal through it thus far though.
|