Bluesound Flex 2i sound quality improvement coming in future ?

Mindaugas Vislavicius

Hello, 

I am new to the forum so please excuse me if i am touching upon the already discussed topic. I have recently looked into updating my average age Yamaha RN-602 stereo receiver with something smaller and more user friendly (one remote for TV was mandatory) and have a hi-fi oriented sound quality. I am using Dynaudio Emit M20 speakers. 

So I went to a hi-fi dealer and bought 2 amps - the Powernode 2i (basis its excellent reviews) and a SONOS Amp (basis the fact that I already have a SONOS One Gen2 in my kitchen and was planning to get another one for a stereo pair).

I was switching between 2 amps for couple of weeks, and as much as i was trying to convince myself to keep the SONOS Amp, Powernode 2i just was 2 if not 3 steps further in sound reproduction almost at all times - much more separation in instruments, more neutral and accurate sound that SONOS Amp was basically not able to achieve. So I ended up keeping Powernode 2i for my Dynaudios, returning the SONOS and also agreeing on some compromises (i.e. if you want Powernode 2i to play flawlessly, you need to be careful with placement of your router/hotspot to avoid cracks and pops in the sound). 

Now, after the pre-history, my current issue arises - since I kept the Powernode 2i, I went and bough  the Flex 2i, hoping it will blow out SONOS One as its almost double the price, and also nicely integrate into my new ecosystem. And to my surprise - it did not happen. Flex 2i plays very boxed, with almost no soundstage and it feels like someone just covered it with a piece of cloth, not allowing the sound to open up. Played a bit with tone controls, and increasing the treble helped a bit. Now, when I used Tidal connect and switch between SONOS One and Flex 2i -  SONOS, while not able to outperform the FLEX 2i in volume, just outperforms it in the overall roundness and depth, has a bigger image and overall just sounds better to my ears (and to almost everyone I gave a demo to). Not to say that FLEX 2i sounds bad, it just feels like the amp inside it is missing some tuning to open up a sound.

As i am so much tempted to get another FLEX 2i for a stereo in the Kitchen as well as be able to make a surround for movies occasionally in my main system, I am somewhat discouraged by the sound , as I prioritize that. 

My question: is there any near future firmware release planned that includes the sound tuning in the FLEX 2i or maybe a new product planned replacing FLEX 2i ?  I do think and feel the potential in that speaker. 

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Comments

2 comments

Date Votes
  • abramq
    • Edited

    Hello, I am going to buy Flex 2i, but also thinking of Sonos Home 150, after reading many reviews, concerned on sound quality.
    Please, tell me, is the sound of Flex 2i better today, after this 3 years?
    I am also a little afraid about support for this model as it was introduced in 2018. Maybe there will be new model?

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  • Tony W.
    Product Support Manager
    • Edited

    Hi Abram

    The original Bluesond NODE (N100) was released in test markets in December of 2012 and wide in 2013. We proudly support it today and it runs BluOS 4.6.2 today, the latest version of our Firmware and App. Please feel free to purchase with confidence.

    That being said, we are very happy with the current voicing of the FLEX. If you are unable to have a listening demonstration at your Authorised Bluesound Dealer, many of our Dealers offer 30 day return policies to let your ears decide.

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