Bluesound Powernode 2i (with HDMI): Bodacious sound from a micro-sized box

Don’t let the petite dimensions and minimalist design of the $899 Bluesound Powernode 2i deceive you. This self-amplified, multiroom streaming music player is packed with audio goodness and will deliver blissful sonic experiences from nearly any source: local or network storage, a disc player, your mobile device, or your streaming service of choice—including their high-res tiers. You can use a turntable, too, but you’ll need to plug it into a preamp first. Just be prepared for a user experience that’s, shall we say, a wee bit rough around the edges.

In my book, the Powernode 2i’s features, capabilities, and performance are worth dealing with a few operational quirks that must be mastered, tolerated, or fixed (more on that in a bit). Its pluses far outweigh its negatives, just like that abiding love of your life whose eccentricities you learn to ignore. I mean, what’s not to love here? You get whistle-clean