BluOS controller 4.2.1 on iPhone and HP Pavilion laptop - sound different

I sent an email to Steve Huffman, (stevehuff1@me.com), but haven’t received a response yet. Possibly someone from the support team can answer it.

I have a question regarding Bluesound NODE 3^rd gen. I did speak with my sales person; he didn’t have the answer. The NODE is directly connected to my router using ethernet (not wireless). I am not using the NODE’s DAC as the output is USB that is directly connected to my DDC. My system is listed below.

Here’s my question, when streaming music using BluOS Controller 4.2.1, the song appears on both the iPhone and my computer at the same time and advancing at the same rate. Selecting play from the iPhone, the music is neutral with excellent dynamics and instrument separation, base is solid. During playback, selecting pause on the iPhone, the song stops on both the iPhone and the laptop in the BluOS controller app, (they are mirrored). Then I select play from the laptop, the same song continues to play from that point on both devices with a much different sound. The sound is warmer with less definition and dynamics and with a heavier bass note.

I wanted to make sure there wasn’t a conflict having both players with controllers on at the same time. I turned both devices off, the iPhone and laptop. I then played each device separately with the other off. The audio difference continued.

Why is the audio different from one device to the other when using the same controller to stream the music?  

• BluOS Controller 4.2.1 on both iPhone and HP Pavilion laptop
• Streaming service is Amazon
• Pangea Audio Premier XL MKII USB cable
• USB connected to Denafrips Iris 12^th DDC
• I2S connected to Denafrips Pontus II 12^th DAC
• Rogue RP-1 Preamp
• Yamaha M-80 Amp Class AB
• MartinLogan XT F200 Speakers

Thank you in advance for your reply,

Bob Braunston