Bluesound releases 2024 ICON streamer

[delamelon]

I confirm that Dirac does not pass with an external DAC in USB... on the other hand zero problem in coaxial

 

[PloddyPastard]

However, from what I see here, there is no individual calibration for that microphone but rather a "generic" one.
View attachment 422191

So I got this room calibration kit and loaded the file from last link above (Room Calibration Kit Mic and USB Adapter normalized) as calibration file . Have I done right or is there another file or no calibration needed with that kit at all?

 

[pogo]

This is correct if you connect the mic to the PC. With this variant you have to load the calibration file manually. When the mic is connected to the node, the calibration file should automatically be present and displayed under the mic image. Please check whether this is also the case with the node.

 

[PloddyPastard]

So far I have to admit that Dirac has significantly improved my listening experience.
However, I am wondering if there a possibility to save dirac measurenents e.g as preset or similiar for easy access via remote control? Thanks

 

[GXAlan]

So far I have to admit that Dirac has significantly improved my listening experience.
However, I am wondering if there a possibility to save dirac measurenents e.g as preset or similiar for easy access via remote control? Thanks

You can have multiple presets via the app. The current Bluesound remote doesn’t have a Dirac button but some of the NAD products do. They will probably update the remote in the future.

 

[pogo]

easy access via remote control?

The NAD BC1 has an additional EQ button compared to the Bluesound RC1. It should be possible to switch through the DL presets using the EQ button.

 

[PloddyPastard]

Do you know if the BC1 would work out of the box with the Icon? Would assume so as there is no option to assign dirac preset for custom RCs. Thanks

Edit: Typo correction

 

[pogo]

I can't tell you 100% which button functions work out of the box with the Icon. You can ask the support team here. But with a Bluesound RC1, all button functions are available for my NAD M33. It should look similar the other way around

 

[PloddyPastard]

Thank you. Maybe I will just give it a try.

 

[pogo]

Please let us know the result if you are going to try this out.

 

[perfektcom]

That's indeed a somewhat strange solution. Some Amps may even not have RCA at all....or use xlr to rca adapter and keeping fingers crossed.

Btw...have you tried their suggested "resolution" with RCA?

I am MEGA pissed at Bluesound. This is sub standard, poor engineering.

I asked them a question whether connecting a trigger cable would solve the problem. They never answered.

I have The two scenarios:

1. House nr 1. Connecting Icon to any of my amps (Accuphase, PS Audio BHK300, D class Purify) via XLR => dead silence
2. Holiday house, house nr 2: Connecting the Icon produces VAST ammount of noise while the VFD motor is operational

Connectng via and RCA yes it solves this problem.Video o buzz / humm from ICON

 

[GXAlan]

I have the ground loop going XLR to XLR on my system. I connected the shell of the RCA to earth ground and it solved the problem.

You could use an XLR to RCA cable for your audio and then do the same

I suspect you can use the RCA input shell to tie the ground as well.

I agree it’s a finicky setup. Still the only mini eARC/Dirac solution out there.

 

[perfektcom]

View attachment 460824
View attachment 460825


I have the ground loop going XLR to XLR on my system. I connected the shell of the RCA to earth ground and it solved the problem.

You could use an XLR to RCA cable for your audio and then do the same

I suspect you can use the RCA input shell to tie the ground as well.

I agree it’s a finicky setup. Still the only mini eARC/Dirac solution out there.

Does anyone know if there is an equivalent plug for the european market?

 

[Usatencu]

I just bought bluesound node icon replaced my wiim ultra. I use just like streamer, i have a good external dac. I don't believe what a huge upgrade from wiim ultra it is, only like digital transport, bigger sound stage, more details, more dynamic, bolder sound, deeper. And than i was thinking, what if a take a bluesound node(normal one) for a test just like digital transporter for less money? Should be same, no? It s not!!!! I made it 2 hours of back to back tests. It s still better than wiim ultra, but it s not on level of node icon. Normal node have same very good dynamics like icon, but it s smaller soundstage, less detailed, voices are little bit thinner and shouty, highs it s not refined like on icon. I m little bit shocked how just a digital transporter can improve sound quality. I tried also with internal dual sabre dac, its sounds good, but not better than my r2r dac. I m thinking maybe eversolo dmp-a6 gen 2 master edition will sound better than node icon just like streamer? What do you think, guys? Somebody tried to test eversolo against node icon?

 

[Rja4000]

What do you think, guys?

Hi
You're here around for more than 3 years now, so if you read the reviews, you know already what we think, don't you ?

We don't think streamers can make an audible difference. Unless they are adding some specific digital effect - which is unheard of so far, and would be detected by measurements anyway.

Actually, the Bluesound serie do transform the sound somehow, by adding noise if you correct the bass. But even if the measured degradation is indeed huge, it's still low enough to not being audible in normal circumstances.

My suggestion is to stop wasting your time on trying to hear differences that don't exist, and rather spend your time on real things, like speakers (and listener) positioning, room correction, source material quality (I mean musical and mastering quality).
And to read some good books or articles explaining sound reproduction challenges and how to improve your system.
(I mean good ones, not disguised marketing)
This all makes sense.

And to enjoy the music.

 

[Usatencu]

Hi
You're here around for more than 3 years now, so if you read the reviews, you know already what we think, don't you ?

We don't think streamers can make an audible difference. Unless they are adding some specific digital effect - which is unheard of so far, and would be detected by measurements.

Actually, the Bluesound serie do transform the sound somehow, by adding noise if you correct the bass. But even if the measured degradation is indeed huge, it's still low enough to not being audible in normal circumstances.

My suggestion is to stop wasting your time on trying to hear differences that don't exist, and rather spend your time on real things, like speakers (and listener) positioning, room correction, source material quality (I mean musical and mastering quality).
And read some good books or articles explaining sound reproduction challenges and how to improve your system.
(I mean good ones, not disguised marketing)
This all makes sense.

And enjoy the music.

O man, you are so wrong! I heard by myself how diferent a streamer can sound in a good system. Yes, in 1000 dollars system, maybe they sound same. It s a lot of reviewers wich they speak about sound streamers

 

[Rja4000]

I heard by myself how diferent a streamer can sound in a good system.

Then I'm afraid your comments should be posted under here:

'Master Thread: Are Measurements Everything or Nothing?'

Nov 18, 2020

Seems like so many review threads get challenged with:

1. Measurements are not everything.

2. You all never listen.

3. I trust my ears, not graphs.

4. I don't listen to graphs. I listen to music.

5. You all must not listen to music at all.

6. Why don't you all buy the best SINAD gear?

7. I have heard your best SINAD gear and they sound terrible. I don't like any of this Chinese stuff.

8. You don't trust your ears. I/we do.

9. All these reviewers/youtubers/audophiles say these amps, DACs, etc. sound different and you say they don't. They can't all be wrong.

10. Surely designers...

• amirm
• Replies: 16,471
• Forum: General Audio Discussions

• 

 

[Usatencu]

Then I'm afraid your comments should be posted under here:

'Master Thread: Are Measurements Everything or Nothing?'

Nov 18, 2020

Seems like so many review threads get challenged with:

1. Measurements are not everything.

2. You all never listen.

3. I trust my ears, not graphs.

4. I don't listen to graphs. I listen to music.

5. You all must not listen to music at all.

6. Why don't you all buy the best SINAD gear?

7. I have heard your best SINAD gear and they sound terrible. I don't like any of this Chinese stuff.

8. You don't trust your ears. I/we do.

9. All these reviewers/youtubers/audophiles say these amps, DACs, etc. sound different and you say they don't. They can't all be wrong.

10. Surely designers...

• amirm
• Replies: 16,471
• Forum: General Audio Discussions

• 

Then, i m afraid you don't read all comments. If you do, you'll see two comments back, my experience with 3 different streamers with external dac, tested for two days back to back in my home system. I m not trying to convince you or to believe me. It s better to try by yourself, of course, in a true hifi solid system. All the best!

 

[perfektcom]

I just bought bluesound node icon replaced my wiim ultra. I use just like streamer, i have a good external dac. I don't believe what a huge upgrade from wiim ultra it is, only like digital transport, bigger sound stage, more details, more dynamic, bolder sound, deeper. And than i was thinking, what if a take a bluesound node(normal one) for a test just like digital transporter for less money? Should be same, no? It s not!!!! I made it 2 hours of back to back tests. It s still better than wiim ultra, but it s not on level of node icon. Normal node have same very good dynamics like icon, but it s smaller soundstage, less detailed, voices are little bit thinner and shouty, highs it s not refined like on icon. I m little bit shocked how just a digital transporter can improve sound quality. I tried also with internal dual sabre dac, its sounds good, but not better than my r2r dac. I m thinking maybe eversolo dmp-a6 gen 2 master edition will sound better than node icon just like streamer? What do you think, guys? Somebody tried to test eversolo against node icon?

I have only compared the Blue Sound Node ICON to Eversolo DMP-A10.

I decided to keep the DMP-A10. To me it sounds better. Wider sound stage, more separation.
The ICON is in the other house being used every day BUT awaiting its destiny... as someone else's component

 

[mikematrix]

I recently compared a Node N130 and a Wiim Pro Plus, both plugged into an amp and with Roon sending the sound simultaneously, allowing for instantaneous switching from one to the other.
I also played a pink file to set the volume to the same level.
I didn't hear any difference in my case.
Then I used a DAC, and there was a difference in the soundstage width. However, it's impossible to say whether the treble or bass were better.