The Bluesound NODE ICON is the new flagship wireless music streamer in the NODE range.
Canada-based Bluesound has added three new models to its NODE range of wireless music streamers. The three new designs are the NODE NANO, NODE and NODE ICON. All three streamers feature re-designed hardware and new audio features.
The flagship NODE ICON streamer is a slim and compact model while the NODE NANO is the ideal entry-level streamer with the essentials needed to transform an existing audio system into a digital streaming hub. Finally, the NODE is a remastering of the brand’s original wireless hi-res music streamer and includes an all-new ESS SABRE DAC for ultra-clean processing and improved performance.
The flagship NODE ICON is Bluesound’s new benchmark model for wireless music streaming and features a five-inch, full-color display plus a dual-mono DAC that pairs together two ESS SABRE DACs.
The NODE NANO is Bluesound’s entry-level streamer designed for those who want to add streaming to an … [+]
The NODE NANO will be available globally from August 20, while the NODE can be pre-ordered with shipping anticipated by September 24. The NODE ICON will start shipping on November 15.
“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 NODE is a reworking of Bluesound’s classic wireless music streamer.
The new NODE family is a versatile lineup of wireless music streamers featuring an uber-transparent signal path with a circuitry layout that uses efficiency and isolation to avoid unwanted noise and distortion. Bluesound says it has gone beyond standard practices in the industry and has meticulously fine-tuned each component to deliver the most true-to-source audio from input to output.
The NODE range can stream music at the highest quality from popular music streaming services like Amazon Music, Tidal and Spotify. Apple AirPlay 2 and aptX Adaptive Bluetooth are also built-in for streaming music directly from smartphones. The NODE and NODE ICON also now support high-resolution DSD playback.
Both the NODE and NODE ICON models use THX AAA headphone technology with a linear response. Patented feed-forward error correction delivers sound with very low noise and distortion. The NODE and NODE ICON have full-sized 1/4″ headphone jacks, while the NODE ICON has both left and right jacks for optimum cable management.
The NODE NANO has two presets on its front panel but it’s very much a barebones design.
The NODE and NODE ICON are ready for Dirac Live Room Correction, an upgrade available directly from Dirac via a license purchase. Using Dirac’s app and room correction technology, users can measure the acoustics of their listening room and eliminate standing waves and reverberations, plus other unwanted distortions. A calibration kit with a high-sensitivity mic is also required and available from Bluesound as an additional purchase.
All NODE wireless music streamers can wirelessly connect to Bluesound speakers and other stereo components to build a multi-room music system connected by BluOS. Supported by the latest dual-band Wi-Fi technology is included, enabling music favorites and playlists to be streamed in every room of the house without dropouts or interruptions.
Designed to match stereo components or an AV rack, the NODE range has support for popular smart home control systems including Control4, Crestron ELAN, RTI and more. The NODE and NODE ICON have a full suite of digital/analog inputs and outputs including RCA, Coax, Optical, HDMI eARC, and USB. The NODE NANO only has digital/analog outputs.
The NODE NANO is a basic streamer with limited outputs but it has all the essentials you need for … [+]
Built using an ESS SABRE DAC with Hyperstream IV technology that can handle audio files up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution. The device can connect to existing stereo or audio systems. The compact and modern design has been engineered so it can fit virtually anywhere High-quality analog and digital outputs for RCA, Coax, Optical and USB are included.
The NODE NANO is powered by BluOS and natively supports popular music streaming services including Amazon Music, Pandora, Qobuz, SiriusXM, Tidal and others. It also has Apple AirPlay 2, aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect. There are a basic set of digital/analog outputs for connecting to existing audio via RCA, Coax, Optical and USB. The front panel is backlit and offers access to a couple of programmable presets.
The NODE has been re-engineered by Bluesound with new DACs and circuitry.
The Bluesound NODE is a high-performance music streamer that has been re-engineered with new components and circuitry for improved performance. The NODE now has an ESS SABRE ES9039Q2M DAC, built-in THX AAA headphone amplifier, aptX Adaptive Bluetooth and DSD support. The new NODE can connect to a stereo amplifier or a pair of powered speakers.
The ESS SABERE ES9039Q2M DAC provides a big boost in performance versus older NODE generations. The DAC and signal path have been engineered to reduce jitter and interference. The NODE is equipped with digital/analog inputs and outputs and can be connected to a TV or gaming console using HDMI eARC. The NODE also has built-in IR learning for universal remote control, plus there is a proximity-sensing touch panel with five programmable source presets.
The NODE ICON has a five-inch screen for displaying album artwork.
The NODE ICON is the flagship wireless music streamer and is designed for the most discerning audiophiles. Bluesound says it has been engineered to set a new benchmark in the category. There is a Dual-Mono DAC design that uses two ESS SABRE DACs. The chassis is made from aluminum chassis and there’s a 5-inch full-color display. The NODE ICON also has all the digital/analog inputs and outputs including HDMI eARC and balanced XLR outputs for high-quality connectivity.
Made with hand-picked componentry, the NODE ICON has a low-noise power supply to deliver a better dynamic range, ultra-low distortion and the highest possible resolution. DAC performance is enhanced with MQA Labs’ technology, QRONO d2a, which corrects any timing errors in the digital-to-analog conversion process and realigns the timing response to the original recording.
The flagship NODE ICON has plenty of inputs and balanced outputs for connecting to high-end audio … [+]
Pricing & Availability: The NODE NANO is available now priced at $299 / £299 / €349 from bluesound.com and authorized Bluesound dealers starting today. The NODE is available for pre-order and is priced at $549 / £499 / €599 in both Black and White finishes from bluesound.com and at Bluesound dealers. It will begin shipping from September 24, 2024. The NODE ICON is now available for pre-order and priced at $949 / £899 / €1,099 starting October 17, 2024. The NODE ICON will begin shipping on November 15, 2024.