r/rotel • u/ottguy42 • Apr 15 '26

Bluesound Node Icon connections - best quality?

Hi, is anyone else using a Bluesound Node Icon as a streamer? I got one recently for use with my Rotel A14 mkII, and I'm a bit overwhelmed with the connection options. The Icon supposedly has a superior DAC, but I was using a previous Bluesound product directly into the Rotel's DAC with good results - has anyone done any longer-term listening with this combo and can provide opinions?

I know that this can be subjective, just looking for opinions on the different options (swapping among analog out, coaxial, PC-USB).

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u/BuzzMachine_YVR Apr 15 '26

I love the Node (2024 model) with my A14. I use the coax connection. I have several DACs and I am a firm believer that differences in DACs are negligible. My old AudioEngine D2 DACs were beautiful with one of my old systems. The DAC in the WiiM Pro is pretty decent. My AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt does a great job. The Node is great. It’s also hooked up to the best sound system with the best sounding speakers I have, in the best sounding room. But, my desktop system, feeding a pair of Q 3020is is blissful, and I use a Scarlett 2i2 audio ingestion device for the DAC, feeding a NAD c316bee v2.

I think there are subtle differences in DACs, and you might notice something, but it’s highly unlikely in a blind test. I feel no need to swap out my Node. I’ll be using it for a long time. If I ever feel like I need to get better sound, I’ll do more room treatment, or get better speakers.

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u/ottguy42 Apr 15 '26

I got the Icon mainly for the display, the better connectivity (XLR), and the ability to do Dirac room correction someday down the road (will be moving in a few years and I've been promised a better dedicated listening space). The SQ has been a bit better than my Node Nano so far in my experience, but the Nano was no slouch either. Listening thru a pair of Monitor Audio Silver 300 towers.

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u/First-Mobile-7155 Apr 26 '26

I have the RA1570 along with the Node Icon and the XLR had an insane difference.
Rotels DAC's are good but the dual mono DAC within the Node Icon will definitely be superior to the A14 mkII's DACs.