Bluesound Node Nano: Small size, small price, great sound

The new Bluesound Node Nano is designed to bring high-quality, audiophile-grade sound to users seeking a compact, space-saving form without sacrificing performance. Known for its solid lineup of high-resolution streaming devices, which I’ve enjoyed owning for a few years myself, Bluesound offers a smaller but perfectly capable addition with the Nano.

Designed to fit seamlessly into the Bluesound ecosystem, it’s ideal as an expansion unit for adding high-quality sound to additional rooms, a compact powerhouse for a desktop setup, or even an entry-level device for those new to the brand. With this release, Bluesound targets listeners who want exceptional sound in a smaller form factor without compromising on depth, clarity, or quality.

Design and Build Quality

The Node Nano is sleek and minimalistic, sporting a matte black finish that gives it a premium look and feel while aligning with the Bluesound family’s aesthetic. The design is compact, making it ideal for small spaces like home offices, desktops and bedrooms, or as an easy addition to other rooms in a multi-room setup.

The Nano’s solid build quality, despite its smaller size, suggests a set-and-forget system, and Bluesound’s attention to detail is evident in subtle design choices, from the smooth surface finish to the touch LED status indicators, which signal device status without being obtrusive.

The front panel features five touch-LED status indicators, intuitive controls for two presets, play/pause and volume up and down. These are perfectly pleasing if you are sat in front of the unit while listening in a desktop environment. Otherwise, you would just use the app interface. The build strikes a fine balance between style and functionality, offering a form factor that’s as suitable for a refined home audio setup as it is for a desktop system or as a supplementary unit in multi-room configurations.

Though it doesn’t boast the same footprint as Bluesound’s larger models, the Nano’s aesthetic and build quality make it a seamless and attractive addition to any setup.

Features and Usability

Despite its compact size, the Node Nano doesn’t skimp on functionality. It supports popular streaming services, including Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect and Apple Music, and is also Roon ready, integrating seamlessly with the Bluesound app for playback, customization and firmware updates. I’m quite a fan of the BluOS system that Bluesound runs. It also supports high-resolution audio formats up to 24-bit/192kHz, appealing to audiophiles who expect pristine sound quality in every room. With Wi-Fi, Airplay 2 and Bluetooth connectivity, the Nano makes integrating additional rooms into an existing Bluesound system straightforward and enjoyable.

For new users, setup is quick and intuitive through the Bluesound app, designed for both ease of use and control. The app enables quick adjustments to audio preferences and streaming service configurations, making it easy for even first-time users to optimise their listening experience. Multi-room audio configurations are simple to arrange, allowing the Nano to function as a standalone unit or in harmony with other Bluesound devices in a whole-home setup. For those wanting sound adjustments, the app offers EQ adjustments. Another handy feature is the two personalised preset buttons on the unit for streaming service playlists and radio stations.

Performance: Sound Quality and Listening Experience

The Node Nano delivers impressive sound despite its small footprint. Bluesound’s high-performance ESS ES9039Q2M SABRE DAC ensures remarkable clarity, depth and separation, creating a balanced, accurate soundstage. The Nano’s midrange is rich and detailed, with warm, natural tonality that enhances vocals and acoustic tracks. Even at moderate volumes, the Nano provides a full, room-filling sound that brings out subtle details with precision and clarity, making it perfect for smaller rooms or as a focused desktop setup.

For bass-heavy tracks, the Nano holds its ground with punchy, well-defined low-end that doesn’t overpower the mids or highs.

Listening to Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Dreams’ is a pleasure; the Nano brings out the vocal warmth and detail in the instrumentation, revealing nuances that are easy to appreciate in a smaller, more intimate listening environment. The balanced tuning keeps the bass controlled without overwhelming other frequencies, making it equally suitable for genres ranging from classic rock to jazz.

Value Proposition

The unit is an excellent investment for any music lover, delivering high-quality sound in a compact form ideal for smaller spaces. Its support for high-resolution audio, ease of use and multi-room compatibility make it an outstanding addition to the Bluesound ecosystem. For those already invested in Bluesound, the Nano provides an accessible way to expand into new rooms or create immersive multi-room setups without sacrificing quality. As a desktop unit, it’s more than powerful enough, connected to the appropriate speaker setup, to provide full-bodied sound, making it a superb choice for a home office. For newcomers to Bluesound, the Nano serves as an ideal entry-level product, offering all the brand’s hallmark qualities in a streamlined, space-saving design.

Potential Drawbacks

While the Bluesound Nano delivers impressive sound for its size, there are a few limitations worth noting. The unit’s compact nature means it may not be ideal for larger rooms, where you might opt for more visually dominant devices. The physical controls are somewhat limited, with most features accessible through the app rather than on the unit itself, which may be a consideration for users who prefer hands-on adjustments. There is a remote available for those who don’t like using apps. It’s also worth pointing out that while a few years back Bluesound was leading the pack in terms of a value proposition, other companies like WiiM are now snapping at their heels. Having said that, the Bluesound Node Nano still makes for incredibly good value.

Final Verdict

The Bluesound Node Nano is an impressive addition to the world of compact streaming devices, offering the perfect balance of great sound, high-resolution support, and thoughtful design. It excels as an expansion unit within the Bluesound ecosystem, adding high-quality sound to any room with ease. Whether serving as a desktop setup, a whole-home audio solution, or an entry point for new users, the Nano is versatile, space-efficient, and true to Bluesound’s high standards. If you’re looking to add a compact but powerful streaming solution to your audio setup, the Nano is an excellent investment and a worthy new member of the Bluesound family.

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