Options (1) Amp and Node or (2) Powernode

Answered
Karl

HI , I currently have a Rega Elex-r amp and am looking to enhancing my streaming experience so am looking at the Node. 

Is this preferable set-up (Rega Amp + Node) over selling the amp and going with a Powernode? 

I am also in the market for speakers (currently looking at Q-Acoustics 3030i but could go to KEF LS50 Meta) - reason i'm not going all out on speakers is I live in an old concrete frame building with lots of hard surfaces/windows and the bass travels easily, so most of my listening is at low/medium levels) .  

My main music sources are CDs (50%), streaming (40%), vinyl (10%).

 

Any thoughts appreciated. 

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Comments

4 comments

Date Votes
  • Rodger

    One of my COVID projects was to compare several amps against my existing Powernode 2i. I set up a testing arrangement where I could switch real-time between two different amps at the exact same loudness through my famously neutral Paradigm 800Fs. The differences between the Powernode and $2000 amps from Hegel, NAD and Schiit was night and day. Even my non-audiophile friends could tell the difference.

    Bottom line: I'd choose the Powernode only if you (1) prioritize a tidy setup due to limited space and/or (2) want to pair with rear Bluesound speakers and decode Dolby 5.1 for movies. The Powernode sounds far better than the Sonos I was using, but it's clearly inferior to all of the $2000 amps I tested against it (which shouldn't be a surprise). If you prioritize audio reproduction quality, I'm sure the Rega + Node is the better choice.

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  • Seppi Evans
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    • Edited

    I am familiar with the Rega Elex-r, bottom line keep it as it’s a very good amp (had the current  Brio) and get a Node. I still have and use a pair of 2020i’s 😀 with enough watts up em the ports produce trouser flapping air out the ports and have fantastic boogie fun - in many ways like the Royd speakers of old. So much fun I have spare brand new pair hidden away under the stairs and unashamedly have a love for the range of Q speakers.

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  • Karl

    Thanks Roger, thanks Seppi. Your feedback is much appreciated.

    So, it looks like i'm steering to the Rega/Node/Q 3030i set-up.  Will get a demo in the next few weeks.

    Best, Karl 

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  • Sam R.

    Excellent feedback above!

    The third option that might be worth mentioning if it's in your budget is to demo an NAD M10 or M33... 👀

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