2 x PowerNode with no speaker output
Have 2 x PowerNode N150 (gen 1) and both units have stopped outputting sound. Both units have working logic and they have the latest firmware installed. I can control both units from a controller and they respond properly as they should.
The relay click is missing from both apart from one unit booted up with relay click 2 times, when that happened I started playing music and connected the speaker wires afterwards (wasn't hooked when I booted) and that worked with sound output so it's something with the relay not being activated and letting sound output go to the speaker terminals. I've opened both units to inspect and cannot see any suspicious (like leakage from capacitors etc.).
Clearly if I have 2 out 2 units (not bought at the same time) which have failed the same way this must have happened to other users and not just me? I've submitted a support request hoping that BlueSound can direct me to the specific component(s) as I assume this will be too costly to send for repairs. It would be a shame to recycle as it's working apart from the issue described. There was another old thread about someone replacing components on the DDFA board (and as I understand it) and got information from BlueSound on what to replace but that was due to the amplifier was in "protect" mode.
If anybody has either the same experience or a possible solution please reply to this thread - thanks!
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Official comment
Hi Martin
Just to clarify - Bluesound discontinued the POWERNODE N150 in early 2015 in favour of the POWERNODE 2 (N180). We do regret to hear this happened but unfortunately due to the age of the product, and the cost of the DDFA, we no longer are able to provide parts for it. Servicing it would be more costly than updating to newer models. I realise this is not ideal in today's concerns about environmental initiatives but is unfortunately the case. -
I have a similar problem. There is no output to the loudspeakers, the unit has a red blinking light that means "amplifier in protected mode". Bluesound recommends to contact the local dealer but it's unclear if this would fall as "warranty".
Pulse 2 Red Blinking Light – The Bluesound Support Crew
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Hi Martin, The PULSE 2 was discontinued in late 2017 and uses a similar DDFA design. Since The PULSE 2i we have used a newer up to date design so my answer regrettably is the same as it is to Martin.
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Hey Tony, Are you serious? Powernode N150 was discontinued in 2015? I appear to have the same issue, no speaker output & have only had the unit for 4 years. Are you telling me it was well obsolete before I got it?
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Tony, there is no reason for an amplifer to break just like this. The quote I got from the dealer to repair is 600euro, which is a no option. Could you please provide a workable option?
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From looking inside my Pulse and PowerNode units (haven't had the need (yet) to look inside my Node or Vault units), I can say that the BlueSound brand is quality sound for the ear and has a higher price tag than most other streaming solutions on the market, BUT, the quality on the inside is for sure questionable at minimum, electrolytic capacitors used from budget Chinese manufacturer(s) that you never heard of, that fact and that schematics aren't available is a big let down I think. I have other equipment from other manufacturers that are like 3-4 times older without any issues and that is because the components used on the inside is quality (and to get detailed service manuals for them is no problem). I don't know about other streaming manufacturers but I'm very disappointed over my discovery for choosing (at the time at least) the premium manufacturer on the market and I think it was like 50% more expensive than the market competition (like Sonos etc.). Since my own discovery of the poor quality components used I've learned that even newer generation(s) than mine have the similar/same poor capacitors so BlueSound didn't just use budget capacitors on the 1st generation at least.
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