Powernode 2 vs 2 (n330) - soundstage

Hans O. Mouridsen

• September 17, 2023 17:52

Hi I have the older Powernode 2, paired with some floor standing transmission line speakers. Is the the n330 an upgrade soundstage vise or just a feature upgrade and a little more power? I do miss Airplay 2, so the n330 is an obvious choice, but for the same money you can buy the NAD C368 with the Bluesound module - actually the NAD is a little cheaper ar the moment. Also I’m considering the Cambridge Audio C75

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  Hans O. Mouridsen

  • September 17, 2023 18:21

  So no soundstage improvement?

  I agree - the form factor makes it fit in every tv furniture.

  The C368 deal includes the Bluesound module, and it’s about 60USD cheaper than the Powernode n330 at the moment. However the c368 model must be pretty old now - I was considering it in 2017, when I bought the Powernode 2

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  Ken

  • September 18, 2023 01:29

  The usual wisdom is that a marginal increase in cost will not yield much audible improvements.  In addition to to the increase in power and connectivity options, it was said that a change in the circuit layout reduced noise from the WIFI module, and some claimed to have heard a big improvement.

  To get audible improvement, you may need a device with a higher level DAC chip and amp module.  If they ever release a "Powernode X", that may do the trick without going up the food chain to something like the NAD M10.

  In any event, trust your ears.  If you can hear any audible improvement, that's what really counts.

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  KriHad

  Lossless

  • September 18, 2023 15:31

  Hans, that is a bargain. And even though c368 chassis may be old, they share firmware with n330. Just ensure it's the BluOS w/airplay module.

  Best, KriHad

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