Bluesound NODE Wireless Music Streamers – Quick Look
All Image Credit: Bluesound
If you are looking for an easy way into wireless music streaming, look no further, Bluesound have just released three new music streamers. The NODE Nano is the lower cost entry model, followed by the NODE (2024), the original performance hi-res multiroom wireless streamer, and their new flagship the NODE ICON being their reference for wireless hi-res multi-room streamers.
Bluesound’s BluOS platform powers each new model for two-way aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and Roon Ready with Qobuz, Amazon and many more streaming services all wrapped by the BluOS app that is available for iOS, Android, Windows and MacOS.
The NODE Nano is an excellent low cost option entry model for those just starting wireless music streaming, just connect to Wi-Fi and start streaming music and radio stations. Its audiophile quality sound is provided by the latest ESS ES9039Q2M SABRE DAC, supporting audio up to 24-bit/192kHz. It connects via both Gigabit Ethernet or dual-band wi-fi, and features five capacitive touch buttons, two user-programmable for easy access to playlists and radio stations, two for volume up/down and one for play/pause.
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Features:
- ESS ES9039Q2M SABRE DAC
- Stereo RCA output
- Optical, coaxial, and USB outputs
- 2 programmable quick-touch presets
- Quad-core 1.8GHz ARM® Cortex A53 processor
- DSD playback*
- AirPlay 2 integration
- Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Roon Ready
- Two-way aptX Adaptive Bluetooth*
*Available via future software update
The NODE (2024) has been now has re-engineered components and circuitry for improved performance. The original wireless hi-res music streamer now features built-in THX AAA headphone technology, DSD playback, and more. Connect it to your stereo system and stream music, radio, podcasts, and more from popular streaming services or your personal library. With HDMI eARC, Dolby Digital decoding, and Apple AirPlay 2, the NODE has the flexibility to wirelessly connect to Bluesound Players for seamless multi-room music throughout the home. It too uses the latest ESS ES9039Q2M SABRE DAC for audiophile sound quality.
It has a 1/4″ (6.3mm) headphone socket driven by a THX AAA-78 circuit for a power rating of 230mW into 32 Ohms or 22mW into 600 Ohms. In addition to USB, coaxial and TOSLINK outputs, there is an RCA subwoofer output and HDMI eARC. Capacitive touch controls are provided with: five programmable presets, play/pause and a slider for volume. Support for Dirac Live is also available with the purchase of a license from Dirac and a calibration kit with a high-sensitivity mic, also available from Bluesound with additional purchase.
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Features:
- ESS ES9039Q2M SABRE DAC
- Quad-core 1.8GHz ARM Cortex A53 processor
- THX AAA headphone amplifier technology
- Full-sized 1/4″ (6.3mm) headphone output
- HDMI eARC, Optical inputs
- Dirac Live Ready*
- Five programmable quick-touch presets
- User interface with proximity sensor
- AirPlay 2 integration
- Spotify Connect + TIDAL Connect
*Available via future software update
The NODE ICON is the latest flagship wireless music streamer, and is encased in a sleek aluminum chassis with a 5” full-color display. Seamlessly connect it to any amplifier, powered speakers, or headphones, and enjoy BluOS hi-res streaming, Apple AirPlay 2, THX AAA technology, and more. HDMI eARC, Dolby Digital, and Dirac Live* ensure an immersive audio experience for music and TV. In order to activate Dirac Live a license from Dirac and a calibration kit with a high-sensitivity mic from Bluesound, will also need to be purchased.
With a dual-mono DAC design employing two of the latest ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M DAC’s, this flagship provides exceptional audiophile performance. Having an ultra–low-noise power supply the NODE icon mirrors the NODE connectivity plus balanced XLR analogue outputs, a USB-C input, a digitized RCA analogue rear input and a balanced headphone outputs from the THX AAA-78 module. The front panel contains a 5″ full-color display with various top panel capacitive touch controls.
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Features:
- Dual-mono DAC design using 2 x ESS SABRE ES9039Q2M DAC
- THX AAA headphone amplifier technology with 2 x 1/4″ jacks for cable management
- High-quality balanced XLR outputs
- HDMI eARC, optical, analog and USB-C inputs
- RCA, coax, optical, USB outputs
- Apple AirPlay 2 and aptX Adaptive Bluetooth*
- Dirac Live Ready*
- Beautiful 5” full-color HD display and backlit touch panel with presets and controls
*Available via future software update
Quick Feature Comparison:
MSRP (NODE Nano/NODE/NODE Icon):
- US: $299.00/$549.00/$999.00
- UK: £299.00/£499.00/£899.00
- EU: €349.00/€599.00/€1099.00
Read the press release here.
For more information visit the Bluesound web site:
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