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Bluesound Powernode 2i Wireless Streaming Amplifier and Pulse Flex 2i Wireless Streaming Speaker Preview

See the complete review for the Bluesound Powernode 2i Wireless Streaming Amplifier and Pulse Flex 2i Wireless Streaming Speaker.

The Bluesound Powernode 2i Wireless Streaming Amplifier and Pulse Flex 2i Speakers can do much more than just stream music with high-quality sound.

They can also be configured as wireless surround channels in a 5.1 or 7.1 system. It’s the perfect solution for home theaters and media rooms where wiring extra side and rear speakers is difficult.

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I was recently approached by Lenbrook, distributor of NAD, PSB, and Bluesound products, to try a system using the Bluesound Powernode 2i two-channel amplifier and a pair of Pulse Flex 2i speakers as wireless surround channels. Of course, their streaming capabilities are many and I will also check out their music play. But I’ve always wanted to try adding rear surround channels to my 5.1 theater system and Bluesound is making that super easy.

To install them, I ran a 3.5mm to RCA cable from my Integra DHC-80.1 surround processor to the Powernode 2i’s combo analog/optical input. Then I plugged the two Pulse Flex 2i speakers into wall outlets and fired up the Bluesound app on my iPhone. A few minutes later, I had grouped the three components into a single entity from which I was able to play test tones and set levels and delays.

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I’ve already tried a few movie selections and found the added surround information really expands the sound envelope. It doesn’t take much extra volume from the two rear speakers to open up the space inside my modest theater space. It sounds twice as spacious now. I’m anxious to try more films and some music too. Stay tuned for my full review coming soon!

See the complete review for the Bluesound Powernode 2i Wireless Streaming Amplifier and Pulse Flex 2i Wireless Streaming Speaker.

Chris Eberle

Chris' passion for audio began when he took up playing the bassoon at age 12. During his third year at the New England Conservatory of Music, he won a position with the West Point Band where he served for 26 years as principal bassoonist. He retired from the Army in 2013 and is now writing full time and performing as a freelance musician in Central Florida. As an avid movie lover, Chris was unable to turn away the 50-inch Samsung DLP TV that arrived at his door one day, thus launching him irrevocably into an obsession with home theater. Dissatisfied with the image quality of his new acquisition, Chris trained with the Imaging Science Foundation in 2006 and became a professional display calibrator. His ultimate theater desires were realized when he completed construction of a dedicated cinema/listening room in his home. Chris is extremely fortunate that his need for quality audio and video is shared and supported by his wife of over 25 years. In his spare time he enjoys riding his recumbent trike at least 100 miles per week, trying out new restaurants, going to theme parks and spending as much time as possible watching movies and listening to music. Chris enjoys bringing his observations and discoveries about every kind of home theater product to as many curious and well-informed readers as possible. He is proud to be a part of the Team and hopes to help everyone enjoy their AV experiences to the fullest.