Setup recommendation

Hi everyone! I'm new to the forum and haven't found any similar post so excuse me if there is already some thread that might be of help.

I'll try to be concise. I've had a couple Sonos Play:1 (old gen, no airplay) for some years and I really like the controller and the fact that it integrates multiple streaming services I use (Spotify, Tidal, Soundcloud, Bandcamp, Mixcloud, Pocket Casts...). I also have a flash drive attached to the router with .mp3 and .flac files which is also available within the app, so it can all be controlled from a single app.

After moving a lot I have finally settled and decided to get a decent HiFi. I've made some research and talked to friends and staff at good HiFi shops in my town and finally decided to get a Bluesound Node 2i, a Cambridge Audio CXA60 and a pair of Wharfedale Evo 4.2. Also a Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB, but it doesn't affect the question here. The Bluesound is connected to the CXA60 via coax, so I'm actually using the amp's built-in DAC.

Overall I'm very happy with the setup but I must say I don't like BlueOS controller. I can only use it for Tidal, any other service has to connect via AirPlay. It doesn't show up on lockscreen so I have to unlock my phone to play/pause etc.. I don't really care about voice integration (Alexa and such) nor about home cinema setups. I am using the Bluesound as a digital streamer. I've used Roon's trial and I think it is great but a bit costly taking into account I am getting started, so I think maybe in the future could be for me, not just now.

I've seen Sonos has the Port, which I would use the exact same way, but I would be able to control it from a single app which I really like. Considering the way I use my setup, do you think there is a great difference in sound quality between the Bluesound and the Port? Or a slight difference at least? Does the Bluesound have any features regarding Hi-Res audio that you think make it worth keeping it, even though I am not using them just now?

As of now my priorities are sound quality and user experience. I do not intend to make this a fight between brands, I'd just like some advice for my specific setup.

Thanks in advance!

muydelpalo

27. April 2021 21:50

Thank you Seppi!

I know it’s kind of a weird question to ask in this forum but at the same time maybe someone has been through the same situation 🙂

I guess I like the interface and user experience of the Sonos Controller better but I know in theory Bluesound sounds better. Just wanted to know if that applies to my specific setup as well.

I’m just getting started so I don’t need to have the perfect or more HiRes setup right now, but maybe people with more experience can advice on whether at this stage it is better to focus on user experience or sound. Also I am really enjoying my new equipment and spend all day trying to understand better all this stuff and learning new things about it, that’s how I think I started wondering about my streamer.

I will try Bluesound’s internal DAC as you suggest to try and understand for myself what people mean when talking about sound quality.

As for the USB, both Node 2i and Play:1s are connected to the router USB share.

29. April 2021 22:22

Thanks again Seppi! I really appreciate your taking your time to answer and also understanding my question is not just about brands.

It’s funny you found the other post, I should have actually said I was asking on both forums since I am just trying to find as many experienced users who want to share their advice as possible.

I guess it is not a really interesting topic 😂 but your words have been really helpful. By buying separates I definitely want to get into the joy of sound, so I’ll stick with the Bluesound and try to make the most of it.

In my opinion the controller has a lot to improve in terms of usability so I’ll try and suggest new features than may improve everyone’s experience

Setup recommendation

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