Bluesound’s New Powernode (2025) – First Look
All Image Credit: Bluesound
Bluesound has announced a 2025 version of its Powernode streaming amplifier. Carried over from the previous model is the BluOS software system that also supports Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Roon Readiness, Apple AirPlay 2 and aptX Adaptive Bluetooth 5.2. It comes with 100wpc of ‘DirectDigital’ amplification, an upgrade on its predecessor’s 80W per channel of ‘HybridDigital’ amplification, distortion has been reduced and a center channel is now supported. Available in both black and white matte satin finishes.
Inside we find an upgraded circuitry design with improvements to the signal path. The amplifier module has also been updated from Bluesound’s Hybrid Digital to a DAC chip-free Direct Digital circuit with a GaNFET output stage. Stereo mode supports 100W per channel, while in the new 3.1 configuration it drops to 80W per channel.
The powernode can act as a 5.1 AVR thanks to its HDMI eARC support. Just add a subwoofer and a wireless pair of surrounds that use Powernode’s “BluOS Bonded Speaker Link”.
Like other Bluesound products, it runs the BluOS multi-room streaming platform which supports; Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, Amazon Music and Deezer with bit rates up to 24 bit/192kHz and DSD256, plus all the following file formats; MP3, AAC, WMA, WMA-L, OGG, OPUS, FLAC, MQA, ALAC, WAV, AIFF, MPEG-4 SL. As well as streaming services, BluOS can also access locally stored media and internet radio.
Local access is available using the capacitive top touch plate that gives access to favorite playlists, Internet radio stations and a volume control slider. The wired headphone output on the front panel is now a quarter-inch socket and driven by a THX AAA headphone amplifier. Additional control is available using Creston, Control4, RTI, Nice, URC and Lutron plus the unit supports voice control using Amazon Alexa Skills. App control is available for; iOS, Android, Windows, macOS operating systems.
Dirac Live will be available with a future firmware update but you’ll need to buy a Dirac license.
Rear panel input connectivity includes; 1 x stereo RCA line level, 1 x TOSLINK optical, 1 x 3.5mm Optical/Analog Combo, 1 x HDMI eARC, 1 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A. Outputs include; 1 x RCA subwoofer and 3 pairs speaker binding posts. Other connections include; 1 x RJ45 network connection, a 3.5mm IR input and IEC power socket. Wireless connectivity is supported over; 2-way Bluetooth 5.2 aptX Adaptive and Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), dual-band.
The new Powernode (2025) will ship September 2025, with pre-orders starting on August 2025.
- AUDIO:
- Supported Audio File Formats: MP3, AAC, WMA, WMA-L, OGG, OPUS
- Supported High-Quality Audio File Formats: FLAC, MQA, ALAC, WAV, AIFF, MPEG-4 SLS
- DSD Support: DSD256
- Supported Multi-Channel Audio Formats: Dolby® Digital
- Native Sampling Rates: up to 192 KHz
- Bit Depths: 16-24
- Audio Controls & EQ: BluOS Control App
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: -102dBA
- Distortion: THD+N, 0.005%
- Amplification: DirectDigital™
- Rated Power Output: 100W x 2 | 80W x 3 (8 Ohms)
- IHF Dynamic Power: 265W (4 Ohms) | 140W (8 Ohms)
- SOFTWARE & INTEGRATIONS:
- Operating System: BluOS
- App Controller Operating System: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS
- Processor: ARM® Cortex™ -A53, Quad-Core, 1.8GHz per core
- Supported Network File Sharing: Server Messsage Block (SMB) up to 200,000 files
- Album Art Supported: JPG, PNG
- Music Services & Internet Radio: 23+
- 3rd-Party Integrations: AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Roon Ready,
- Dirac Live Ready (available via future software update)
- Control System Integrations: Creston, Control4, RTI, Nice, URC, Lutron
- Voice Control Integrations: Amazon Alexa Skills
- CONNECTIONS:
- Power Supply: Universal 3-pin AC cord input (100-240AC)
- Ethernet/LAN: Ethernet RJ45, Gigabit 1000 Mbps
- Wi-Fi Built In: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), dual-band
- Bluetooth Quality: Bluetooth 5.2 aptX Adaptive
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Two-Way (transmit & receive)
- IR Optical Built In: IR Sensor Built In – front panel with IR Remote Learning
- IR Input: 3.5mm Jack
- Optical/Analog Input: Toslink Optical, RCA Analog, 3.5mm Optical/Analog Combo
- HDMI Input: HDMI eARC
- USB IN: Type A (Fat32, NTFS Formatted) – External Storage Only
- Local Server Mode
- USB Type C (PC input)
- Headphone Output: 6.3mm/1/4″ Stereo, Bluetooth
- Subwoofer Output: RCA x 1; Wireless to PULSE SUB+
- Speaker Terminals: 5-Way Binding Post
- GENERAL:
- Finish: Black or White: Matte Satin Paint
MSRP:
- US: $1,199.00
- UK: £899.00
- EU: €1,099.00
For more information visit the Bluesound web site.
Read the news release here.
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The ability of the BluOS to enable High/Low pass filtration is a highly advantageous function often overlooked. Now with GaN FET transistors and pure digital to the speaker outs, I suspect the 2025 Powernode will set a new higher standard in this category. Adding a few upgrades like the iFi LAN iPurifier PRO’s Ethernet Galvanic Isolation, a higher quality power cable and a good power conditioner will I expect elevate the Powernode’s SQ even further. When Dirac becomes available, judicious use of it may be another plus for many. We are entering a new Golden Age in audio, even well engineered speakers are becoming common.