Gary SteelBluesound’s NODE is one of the most successful and affordable music streamers on the market. We detail the company’s three dashing new models and give you the chance to win one of your very own.
First, there was the NODE, Bluesound’s tiny but excellent hi-res audio streamer which graces many a hi-fi system in New Zealand. Now, Bluesound has come up with three new iterations of the NODE: NODE NANO, the NODE and NODE ICON.
Handsomely and cleverly designed with rich feature sets, the three new hi-res multi-room streamers offer consumers options and new audio features.
The original wireless hi-res multi-room music brand has announced details of the hotly anticipated new streamers, the NODE NANO, the NODE, and the flagship NODE ICON.
The NODE NANO is a slim and compact streamer that’s perfect for entry-level listeners, offering the essentials to transform existing hi-fi 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.
“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,” says Matt Simmonds, Product Manager at Bluesound. “Today is the next chapter in our mission to bring hi-fidelity sound to everyday life.
“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 hi-fi design, delivering unmatched sound quality and take music streaming to the next level.
What can we expect from the three new streamers?
+ Expert engineering: Deep audio expertise and hi-fi 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 will also now support high-resolution DSD playback (via a future firmware update).
+ World’s best headphone amplifier technology: Both the NODE and NODE ICON feature THX AAA headphone technology, the leading headphone amplifier 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 ¼” 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 bass traps, echoes and other unwanted distortions. A calibration kit with a high-sensitivity mic is also required and available from Bluesound with an additional purchase.
+ Go beyond the hi-fi: 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 favourites 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 racks with support for popular smart home control systems including Control4, Crestron ELAN RTI and more. The NODE and NODE ICON features a full suite of digital/analogue inputs and outputs for convenience and flexibility, including RCA, coax, optical, HDMI eARC and USB. The NODE NANO only includes digital/analogue 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 hi-fi quality on any audio device in your home,” says 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 favourite music, apps and services with one device.
+ Simple and easy: NODE NANO features a simple set of digital/analogue 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 programmable presets.
+ The NODE NANO will retail for $599.
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 (via a future firmware update). 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,” says 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 SABRE 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/analogue 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.
+ The NODE will retail for $1099.
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 aluminium chassis and stunning 5” full-colour display. The NODE ICON also features all digital/analogue 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 aluminium chassis and 5” full-colour display. The NODE ICON isn’t just a streamer – it redefines for the next generation of hi-fi 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, QR0N0 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 aluminium 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 supports DSD playback (expect a firmware update) for studio-quality recordings.
+ High-performance ADC: The NODE ICON is equipped with the latest two-channel ES9826 SABRE DAC ADC to power the conversion of analogue audio to digital, adding virtually no noise or distortion to the signal path. The result is true-to-source analogue audio with the convenience and versatility of digital.
+ The NODE ICON will retail for $1999.
NODE NANO is available from Wednesday 21 August, while the NODE is available for pre-order and will start shipping in September, and the NODE ICON will begin shipping on November 15.
- THIS PRODUCT NEWS STORY CONTAINS ELEMENTS OF BLUESOUND’S PRESS RELEASE.
