[Stu Pitt]

I’m contemplating buying a Node 2i. While my laptop sounds acceptable, it’s becoming a bit of a pain logistically for a number of reasons. I don’t have a NAS as I honestly don’t have much need for one (except possibly with a Node).

A few questions for those of you that know about using a Node 2i (or Node 2) without a NAS...

Would I need my main computer running to listen to music? It’s pretty much always on, so not a problem.
Would I need a specific program running? Like how iTunes has to be open on the main computer if I’m using Home Sharing.
If my main computer and attached hard drive are sleeping, will the Node 2 wake them up and/or prevent them from going into sleep mode? I can change the computer’s sleep settings, but I’m not sure about the external hard drive where the music is actually stored.

I’ve heard that directly connecting a hard drive to a Node doesn’t work very well. Why is that?

Sorry for the questions. I started asking my local dealer, but he wasn’t much help. He only knew how he uses it - with a NAS. He didn’t know a hard drive could be hooked up to it directly. I figured I’d ask here instead.

[audio.bill]

If you're going to listen to any of the supported streaming sources including internet radio via the Node your PC does not have to be on. If however you want to access music stored on a drive of the PC then it would have to be powered up to be accessible by the Node over the network, but no specific software has to be running on the PC. You would install and run the BluOS app on a tablet or phone which is then used as a remote to access any of the supported music sources available to the Node. Music is then streamed over your network to the Node either via WiFi or a hardwired Ethernet connection. The advantage of using a NAS is that it remains powered up and visible on the network at all times so your PC wouldn't have to be on. While you can connect a flash drive with music files to the Node, if you connect a large hard drive directly to it there can be issues with indexing the volume of music and its metadata. Hope this helps!

[geowak]

Yes... everything audio.bill said.
The Node 2i is really a great budget way to get into streaming music. Many audiophiles will point out- it's limitations with the SQ. But they will be comparing streamers and DACs costing many hundreds of dollars more in price and often don't take Bluesound's commitment to the brand into account and great customer service (of which I have experienced firsthand). If you stream the Tidal service you will find the MQA albums that many talk about. The Node 2i will play these and you can make up your own mind if it sounds good, or not. For me, it has been the best bargain audio gear I have purchased in about 5 years or so. I think the Magnepan MMGs were equallly as good a bargain when I bought them.

[srb]

I’ve heard that directly connecting a hard drive to a Node doesn’t work very well. Why is that?

Here's the explanation:
How USB Storage Differs From A Local Library

[witchdoctor]

I’m contemplating buying a Node 2i. While my laptop sounds acceptable, it’s becoming a bit of a pain logistically for a number of reasons. I don’t have a NAS as I honestly don’t have much need for one (except possibly with a Node).

A few questions for those of you that know about using a Node 2i (or Node 2) without a NAS...

Would I need my main computer running to listen to music? It’s pretty much always on, so not a problem.
Would I need a specific program running? Like how iTunes has to be open on the main computer if I’m using Home Sharing.
If my main computer and attached hard drive are sleeping, will the Node 2 wake them up and/or prevent them from going into sleep mode? I can change the computer’s sleep settings, but I’m not sure about the external hard drive where the music is actually stor

I’ve heard that directly connecting a hard drive to a Node doesn’t work very well. Why is that?

Sorry for the questions. I started asking my local dealer, but he wasn’t much help. He only knew how he uses it - with a NAS. He didn’t know a hard drive could be hooked up to it directly. I figured I’d ask here instead.

Get a Tidal subscription, leave your PC on and you will be set.

[Stu Pitt]

Thanks, guys. My computer is always on, but it’s usually in sleep mode. Would the Node wake it up, or would I have to change settings to keep it from sleeping?

Regarding the indexing when connecting a hard drive directly, is this something that takes a long time? Like a couple hours or a couple minutes? I have about half a terabyte of music, all in ALAC. Metadata was all done in iTunes as that’s what I’ve ripped everything with. I’m assuming it would have to go through the indexing process whenever I disconnect it to add music. Does it have to re-index any other time? That point may all be moot anyway, as I’ll most likely go wired Ethernet because my WiFi isn’t the most stable thing out there.

I don’t do much streaming, as I own practically everything I care to listen to. I’ve got a free Spotify account, and 99% of the playlists they make for me is stuff I already own. I really like some of the playlists they’ve put together for me so much that I replicated them in iTunes. I’m pretty confident I won’t get much out of a paid service like Tidal. To me it’s not worth $20 a month, but I’ll do a free trial when I get the Node to make sure I’m not missing something.

One more question to add...

I have a SiriusXM account, and I’ve read the Node won’t stream it. But am I correct that I can send it from my iPhone to the Node through Bluetooth and/or AirPlay? I’ve never used AirPlay, but I’m sure I can figure it out if necessary.

[Stu Pitt]

Here's the explanation:
How USB Storage Differs From A Local Library

Thanks for that link. It makes more sense now. I’m not planning on running multiple Bluesound devices like speakers any time soon, but you never know. From that link, it seems like more of a hassle than anything else.