The world of HiFi is ever-changing and it can be said it is getting more demanding as well. You will need an integrated amplifier such as the Bluesound Powernode 2i to cater to most of the demands these days. If you are a proud owner of the Powernode 2i and are currently in search of matching speakers to partner up with the amp, then look no further as we will be showing you a list of the best speakers to go for.
Finding the best matching speakers for your Bluesound Powernode 2i will require us to learn more about its sonic characteristics and capabilities.
Table of Contents
Sonic Characteristics and Capabilities of Bluesound Powernode 2i
The Bluesound Powernode 2i looks compact and streamlined, ideal for listeners who have limited space and/or planning to set up a desktop sound system. The visual design of this amplifier will make it easier to match with most modern speakers aesthetically. Bluesound Powernode 2i has a decent power output of 2×60 Watts into 8 Ohms. This makes it suitable to drive most bookshelf speakers which are not power-hungry. It is still possible to drive floor-standing speakers as long they are very efficient and have high speaker sensitivity.
It comes with a plethora of features such as a built-in DAC that supports up to 32-bit/384kHz resolution and could decode MQA audio files. To make the Bluesound Powernode 2i flexible, it has music services such as Tidal, Spotify, and more been built into it. The integrated amp also supports Apple AirPlay 2 and aptX HD Bluetooth. The subwoofer output is also useful when you want to enhance your sound system’s bass performance especially if you are using bookshelf speakers.
More Details of Bluesound Powernode 2i at Amazon
Bluesound Powernode 2i has an entertaining sound quality with a touch of warmth but never once sounded too smooth or dull due to its rhythmic precision. Pushing the integrated amplifier also doesn’t make it sound harsh or cringe which is great for listeners who are planning to listen to their favorite tunes for long hours. The higher registers produced by the Powernode 2i are clear and detailed, without sounding emphasized. Matching bright-sounding speakers to this integrated amp should not make the sound quality overly bright.
The overall sound reproduction is full-bodied and the lower registers got quite a punch as well. It has a well-balanced music presentation where it would become more subtle when needed to. The soundstage is pretty wide too and stereo imaging is really good for the price. To really make use of its authoritative low-end performance, we do recommend adding an active subwoofer into the mix. A sealed cabinet subwoofer would have more control and the agility to not sound bloated when the Bluesound Powernode 2i starts to get really energetic.
When listening to music wirelessly, we have no complaints about the sound quality and the music delivery is clean. All in all, the Bluesound Powernode 2i is definitely suitable for casual music listeners as well as audiophiles who want a lively musical performance of their favorite tunes. It is difficult not to enjoy listening to the Powernode 2i but it may not be ideal for analytical listeners. We will be listing out the best speakers which you can choose to match with your Bluesound Powernode 2i integrated amplifier, and you can take a look at them below.
Bluesound Powernode 2i Specifications
- Power Output: 60 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms
- Wireless: WiFi, Bluetooth (aptX HD), Apple AirPlay 2
- Inputs: USB input, 2x 3.5mm jack (combined optical), HDMI ARC, Ethernet
- Outputs: Subwoofer output, Headphone output
- Dimensions: 220mm x 70mm x 190mm | 8.7″ x 2.75″ x 7.5″
- Weight: 1.7kg (3.8lbs)
Best Speakers to match with Bluesound Powernode 2i
The Q Acoustics Concept 30 is the worthy successor of the Concept 20 bookshelf speakers. These award-winning stand-mounters are certainly a good match with the Bluesound Powernode 2i. They may be bookshelf speakers but they are capable of dishing out large-scale sound which belies their sizes. The punchy performance suits the musical energy of the Bluesound Powernode 2i integrated amplifier, and together they are able to deliver a lively music presentation with weight. Concept 30 also possesses high accuracy.
Not keen on forking out too much for a pair of speakers? Then the Dali Spektor 2 will be an answer for you. They are more affordable than the Q Acoustics Concept 30 and are excellent bookshelf speakers for the price. The Dali Spektor 2 speakers are capable of delivering an articulate music presentation with amazing agility, adding a bit more energy to the already lively Bluesound Powernode 2i amplifier. Spektor 2 has nice music handling too, and this makes it match very well with the Powernode 2i.
More Details of Dali Spektor 2 at Amazon
The Monitor Audio Bronze 2 is also one of the best speakers to partner with your Bluesound Powernode 2i. Bronze 2 bookshelf speakers are modestly priced and are well-received by both audiophiles and critics. The balanced sound reproduction will fit well with the Powernode 2i amp and the stand-mounters have decent bass weight too. It would be better if there is a supporting subwoofer for Monitor Audio Bronze 2 and you can use the Bluesound amplifier’s dedicated Sub Output to connect it.
More Details of Monitor Audio Bronze 2 at Amazon
The ELAC Debut 2.0 6.2 is another exceptional bookshelf speaker with a very modest price tag and is ideal for listeners who want an energetic musical performance without sounding exaggerated. At this price point and along with the speakers’ sonic characteristics, the ELAC Debut 2.0 6.2 will match well with the Bluesound Powernode 2i. They are pretty transparent about the music too and their bass performance has a nice weight to it. The smoothness of the Powernode 2i does help to ease the harshness and adds some warmth to the midrange reproductions.
More Details of ELAC Debut 2.0 6.2 at Amazon
If you are interested in getting a pair of floor-standing speakers then please check out Klipsch Synergy Black Label F-300. These are highly efficient floor-standers that the Bluesound Powernode 2i is capable of driving without issue. The Klipsch F-300 floor-standing speakers are highly rated by their satisfied owners, all thanks to their impressive level of clarity and lively performance. For floor-standing speakers, the F-300s are considered affordable and the level of sonic performance you are getting is well worth every single penny invested in them.
More Details of Klipsch Synergy Black Label F-300 at Amazon
For listeners who are looking for warm-sounding bookshelf speakers, the Wharfedale Diamond 220 is one of the best to go for and pair up with your Bluesound Powernode 2i. These are award-winning bookshelf speakers with a price point that doesn’t break the bank. They are able to deliver bass with weight and have plenty of music details. The Wharfedale Diamond 220 is easy on the ears and has an expressive midrange reproduction. They will be a suitable match with the Bluesound Powernode 2i full-bodied sound reproduction and for those who want a calmer music presentation.
To Sum It Up
We have considered the price points of speakers chosen for this list and so they are either compatible or more affordable than the Bluesound Powernode 2i amplifier itself. Do take some time to look through these speakers and shortlist a few of them for an audition together with your Powernode 2i. After you have listened to what they sound like, then it will be wise to make the final decision.
