Others' views on Powernode sound
Answered
Have now had my Powernode for about 4 months and I feel that I have now really got to know it and I understand how to get the best out of it in terms of sound performance.
I find that at lower volumes, having the bass set at 4 and treble on 2 gives a lovely rich sound with some deep bass undertones. Whereas at high party volumes the sound is much better in the default neutral "reset" tones, as the sound is much richer and better balanced in terms of the mids, highs and lows. Having the bass at 4 and treble at 2 muffles the vocals somewhat at high volume and it all sounds less bright. So that's my personal view.
I'm using Q acoustics 3050i floor standers and I appreciate that the speakers will also make a huge difference, as do personal tastes, but that's my take.
Would be interested in other views, perspectives and experiences?
Ali
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Thanks Seppi, that was an interesting read. I tend to have an ear bleeding blast when I'm working from home (or supposed to be!) and everyone's else is either at school or work! But don't tell anyone!!!
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Hi Seppi - I think I'm coming around to your preference ie. listening to the Powernode in its default tone settings at all volume levels, other than when it's on as background.
Everything just sounds crisper and you get the full soundstage. I guess Bluesound engineered the sound to perform at its optimum. So why mess with it?0 -
Hi both, interesting read. I have a PowerNode with Kef ls50meta and a tel t5x sub. Seppi - I agree with your comments on sub integration.
I use the sub out setting with crossover set at 80z. I have the rel crossover and gain also set fairly low.
I have noticed a difference in sound profile between tone on (settings at zero) and tone off. I prefer it on. Have you noticed this and which do you prefer? Thanks in advance, Al0 -
That should read REL T5x sub!
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The only difference I notice with the tone switched on (and bass & treble untouched) is a slightly lower volume as you say Alastair to provide the necessary headroom but no difference in sound quality. I tend to still have the bass set at 4 and treble at 2 for low volume listening and then I reset to the defaults when I want to blast the house down.
I have also noticed that when I play the POWERNODE at ear bleeding levels (ie, even louder than it would be played at a party, other than perhaps by my teenagers!) the sound cuts out if I have the bass at 4 - the POWERNODE has obviously reached its ceiling in terms of its 80 watts per channel. That's at about 75% of max volume. I do like it loud and bassy but even I wouldn't listen to it at those types of volumes! Interesting though to test its limits.
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Thanks Seppi - if I listened at those types of volume levels I would soon be deaf! So I'm happy with the performance as I can get it louder than I would ever normally listen to it (and even the teens haven't complained when they crank it up) without any issues and the bass from my Q Acoustics is good. As you said a few months ago, my speakers don't really need a sub-woofer in most average sized rooms.
I do find that certain genres of music sound better than others though which I guess comes down to the sound character of the POWERNODE and my speakers?
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Thanks guys. I use the sub to improve bass extension and also to relieve the very low bass power demand on the amp and main speakers - trick is to get the crossovers right I think. Still experimenting.
Separate to this I’ve still noticed a difference between having tone controls off and tone controls on (and set to zero). This is not only the volume but the sound signature. Have you noticed this?1 -
I haven't personally but you've probably got younger and more receptive ears than me!
Seppi will know better than I whether this is a feature, or Bluesound may need to respond to this question.
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