The Bluesound Node is a long term budget HiFi darling, having shown up on the scene in 2013. That’s a lifetime ago in digital audio years.
Here’s the lowdown on the news(s)—the new Nodes comes in 3 sizes: small with the NODE NANO ($299), medium for the NODE ($549), and large with the NODE ICON ($999).
Each new NODE gets more than a facelift as every new NODE now sport ESS DACs while the NODE and ICON add DIRAC Live Room Correction (with the purchase of a DIRAC license). Of course the beating fun(ctional) heart of every NODE is the BluOS operating system that brings with it multiroom play-ability while supporting Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Roon, and more. Lots more.
The new NODE NANO is available now, the NODE will begin shipping globally on September 24, 2024, and the NODE ICON will start shipping November 15, 2024.
Here’s the (very) compete press release from Bluesound:
Pioneers of the original wireless hi-res multi-room streamer bring you the expertly designed NODE NANO, NODE, and NODE ICON with re-designed hardware and rich, new audio features.
TORONTO, CANADA, AUGUST 20, 2024 – BLUESOUND, the original wireless hi-res multi-room music brand, today announces three new wireless music streamers, the NODE NANO, NODE, and flagship NODE ICON. A slim and compact streamer, the new NODE NANO is the perfect entry streamer, offering only the essentials to transform existing HiFi components and home audio devices into powerful music streaming systems. The NODE is a remastering of the original wireless hi-res music streamer with an all-new ESS SABRE® DAC for ultra-clean processing and even better performance. The flagship NODE ICON sets a new benchmark for wireless music streamers with a stunning 5” full-colour display and Dual-Mono DAC design with two ESS SABRE® DACs. NODE NANO is available globally starting today, August 20, 2024. The NODE is available for pre-order and will begin shipping globally September 24, 2024. The NODE ICON will start shipping November 15, 2024.
“Since 2013 when it was first introduced, the NODE has been our most popular and loved product, with more customers choosing it over any other hi-res music streamer. Today is the next chapter in our mission to bring high-fidelity sound to everyday life,” said Matt Simmonds, Product Manager at Bluesound. “By creating a family of NODE streamers, we can reach more music listeners with hi-res streaming, offering a great entry point for customers, and a sophisticated step-up option for those who are serious about their audio.”
The new NODE family gives customers the most powerful and versatile lineup of wireless music streamers Bluesound has ever offered. With carefully selected componentry and masterfully engineered audio architecture, the three new NODEs stand at the pinnacle of HiFi design, delivering unmatched sound quality and take music streaming to the next level.
- Expert Engineering: Deep audio expertise and HiFi craftsmanship is on full display in the new NODE streamers, featuring an uber transparent signal path with a cleverly designed circuitry layout that uses efficiency and isolation to avoid unwanted noise and distortion. Bluesound’s expert implementation goes beyond standard practices in the industry, meticulously fine-tuning each component to deliver the most true-to-source audio from input to output.
- All the Music Ever Recorded: Stream everything at the highest quality on any NODE, from popular music streaming services like Amazon Music, Tidal and Spotify, to personal music libraries with thousands of tracks in HD quality. Apple AirPlay 2 and aptX Adaptive Bluetooth are also built-in for even more music from more apps and services. The NODE and NODE ICON also now supports high-resolution DSD playback.
- World’s Best Headphone Amplifier Technology: Both the NODE and NODE ICON feature THX AAA™ headphone technology, the leading headphone amplifier technology for the most linear response. Its patented feed-forward error correction delivers exceptional sound with remarkably low noise and distortion. The NODE and NODE ICON are equipped with a full-sized 1/4″ headphone jack, while the NODE ICON features both left and right jacks for cable management.
- State-of-the-art Room Correction: The NODE and NODE ICON are ready for Dirac Live Room Correction, an upgrade available directly from Dirac with a license purchase. Using Dirac’s app and sophisticated room correction technology, users can measure their room acoustics and eliminate standing waves, reverberations, and other unwanted distortions. A calibration kit with a high-sensitivity mic is also required and available from Bluesound with additional purchase.
- Go Beyond the HiFi: All NODE wireless music streamers can wirelessly connect to Bluesound speakers and other stereo components to create a multi-room music system connected by BluOS. Supported by the latest dual-band Wi-Fi technology, music favorites and playlists can be streamed in every room of the house without dropouts or interruptions.
- Seamless Integration: All NODEs are designed to match perfectly with stereo components or in AV rack with support for popular smart home control systems including Control4, Crestron ELAN, RTI, and more. The NODE and NODE ICON feature a full suite of digital/analog inputs and outputs for convenience and flexibility, including RCA, Coax, Optical, HDMI eARC, and USB. The NODE NANO only includes digital/analog outputs.
NODE NANO – Wireless Music Streamer
Built using an industry-leading ESS SABRE® DAC expertly implemented with audiophile-engineered circuitry, the NODE NANO is designed to connect existing stereo or audio systems to the world of music streaming. Its compact and modern design has been thoughtfully engineered to fit virtually anywhere, with high-quality analogue and digital outputs for RCA, Coax, Optical, and USB.
“The NODE NANO is a new and affordable way to stream music in HiFi quality on any audio device in your home,” said Morten Nielsen, Associate Product Manager at Bluesound. “Simply plug it in to your existing stereo system or powered speakers, follow the few simple steps to connect it to your home network, and start streaming. It’s now that easy to unlock a world of streaming and experience the difference of Bluesound.”
- For the Audio Obsessed: From carefully built audio circuitry and components, to its breakthrough processing power and measurements, the NODE NANO is all about design and engineering. At its very core is an industry-leading ESS SABRE® DAC with Hyperstream® IV technology to deliver music (up to 24-bit/192kHz) with breathtaking dynamics and ultra-low distortion.
- Built for Any Streaming Source: NODE NANO is powered by BluOS and natively supports many popular music streaming services including Amazon Music, Pandora, Qobuz, SiriusXM, Tidal, and more. It also features Apple AirPlay 2, aptX™ Adaptive Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect—perfect for listeners and users who want to stream all their favorite music, apps, and services with one device.
- Simple and Easy: NODE NANO features a simple set of digital/analog outputs for connecting to existing audio components via RCA, Coax, Optical, and USB. It also features a backlit front touch panel for quick control and access up to two (2) programmable presets.
NODE – Performance Music Streamer
With re-engineered components and circuitry for even better performance, the original wireless hi-res music streamer now features an industry-leading ESS SABRE® ES9039Q2M DAC, built-in THX AAA™ headphone amplifier, aptX™ Adaptive Bluetooth, and DSD support. Connect the new NODE to a stereo amplifier or pair of powered speakers and stream all the music ever recorded with more detail and clarity than ever before.
“The original NODE set the standard for performance, and it continues to be the most recommended streamer in the category today,” said Matt Simmonds, Product Manager at Bluesound. “We’ve meticulously re-engineered its components and circuitry to not only elevate sound quality but also to streamline its integration into any home audio system. Whether you’re a dedicated audiophile or just someone who loves great sounding music, the NODE is designed to enhance your listening in every way.”
- Better Than Ever: With a new and improved ESS SABERE ES9039Q2M DAC, the new NODE provides a big boost in performance versus the previous generations. It all starts with the engineering of the new NODE. Its DAC and signal path are precision engineered to be even more pristine with circuitry expertly designed to reduce jitter and interference.
- Connect Everything: The NODE is fully equipped with digital/analog inputs and outputs, making it incredibly versatile in any stereo or home audio setup. You can connect the NODE to your TV and gaming console with HDMI eARC for an enriched home entertainment experience. It also features built-in IR learning for universal control and a proximity-sensing touch panel with up to five programmable source presets.
NODE ICON – Reference Music Streamer
The NODE ICON is the flagship wireless music streamer for the most discerning audio enthusiasts. Every detail of the design has been performance engineered to set a new benchmark in the category, from its breakthrough Dual-Mono DAC design implemented to perfection with two ESS SABRE® DACs, to its sleek aluminum chassis and stunning 5” full-colour display. The NODE ICON also features all digital/analog inputs and outputs including HDMI eARC and balanced XLR outputs for high-quality connectivity.
“The NODE ICON represents a new pinnacle in wireless streaming, crafted for those who demand nothing but the best for their music,” said Morten Nielsen, Associate Product Manager at Bluesound. “Every aspect of its design has been engineered to perfection, from the revolutionary Dual-Mono DAC design featuring ESS SABRE® technology that delivers unparalleled sonic clarity, to its stunning aluminum chassis and 5” full-colour display. The NODE ICON isn’t just a streamer—it redefines stereo components for the next generation of HiFi streaming.”
- Our Best Streamer Ever Built: With carefully selected componentry, and a masterfully engineered Dual-Mono DAC design, the NODE ICON sets a new benchmark for wireless music streamers. It uses two ESS SABRE® ES9039Q2M DACs and a low-noise power supply to deliver superior dynamic range, ultra-low distortion, and the highest possible resolution ever heard. DAC performance is further enhanced by MQA Labs’ revolutionary technology, QRONO d2a, which corrects any timing errors in the digital-to-analogue conversion process and realigns the timing response to the original recording.
- Beautifully Designed for Audiophiles: NODE ICON features a high-quality aluminum chassis and a stunning 5” full-colour HD display. Its sleek gloss black finish integrates seamlessly into any home or system, while its balanced XLR outputs are directly connected to the Dual-Mono DACs for exceptionally clear audio. It also features THX AAA™ headphone technology and supports DSD playback for studio-quality recordings.
- High-Performance ADC: The NODE ICON is equipped with the latest two-channel ES9826 SABRE® ADC to power the conversion of analog audio to digital, adding virtually no noise or distortion to the signal path. The result is true-to-source analog audio with the convenience and versatility of digital.
Pricing and Availability
- The NODE NANO is available now at $299 USD ($399 CAD, €349 EUR, £299 GBP) on bluesound.com and in authorized Bluesound dealers around the world. It will begin arriving to customers and available at dealer locations starting today.
- The NODE is available for pre-order now at $549 USD ($749 CAD, €599 EUR, £499 GBP) in both Black and White finishes on bluesound.com and at participating Bluesound dealers globally. It will begin shipping to customers and available at dealer locations starting September 24, 2024.
- The NODE ICON will be available for pre-order at $999 USD ($1399 CAD, €1099 EUR, £899 GBP) starting October 17, 2024, on bluesound.com and at Bluesound dealers. It will begin shipping to customers and dealer locations worldwide on November 15, 2024.
Additional product information and technical specs available at bluesound.com/node.
ABOUT BLUESOUND
An alliance of audiophiles. We are the designers, engineers and individuals who have spent our lives in the music industry. Our founders helped pioneer HiFi in the 70s – innovation and the pursuit of perfection in audio runs deep in our collective DNA. Bluesound’s sole mission is to create innovative wireless audio products and technologies that allow for the most true-to-live performance music reproduction possible, utilizing the most advanced, state-of-the-art digital technology.