On August 20, 2024 Bluesound announced three new digital music streamers, which includes an update to the NODE (2021 model) and two all-new form factors. However, since our original report, pricing in the U.S. has increased about 20% while Canadian prices have held steady.
- NODE NANO ($299): Slim and compact streamer, the NODE NANO is Bluesound’s entry-level streaming with only the essentials to add streaming capability to existing HiFi components and systems. (Available August 20, 2024)
- NODE ($549): 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. (Available September 24, 2024)
- NODE ICON ($999): The flagship NODE ICON sets a new benchmark for wireless music streamers with a stunning 5” full-color display and Dual-Mono DAC design with two ESS SABRE DACs. (Available December 12, 2024)
From Matt Simmonds, Product Manager at Bluesound: “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,…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 Family
The new NODE family provides users with the most versatile lineup of wireless music streamers Bluesound has offered. With carefully selected componentry and precisely engineered audio architecture, the three new NODES exhibit HiFi design, delivering unmatched sound quality and taking music streaming to the next level.
Expert Engineering: HiFi expertise and craftsmanship are on full display in the new NODE streamers, featuring a transparent signal path with a circuitry layout that uses efficiency and isolation to avoid unwanted noise and distortion. Bluesound’s implementation goes beyond standard practices in the industry, fine-tuning each component to deliver the most true-to-source audio from input to output.
All the Music: 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 support high-resolution DSD playback.
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 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.
BluOS: 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 s 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 an AV rack 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/analog inputs and outputs for convenience and flexibility, including RCA, Coax, Optical, HDMI eARC, and USB. The NODE NANO does not include HDMI-eARC,
NODE NANO – Entry-Level Music Streamer ($299)
The NODE NANO may be labeled as entry-level but it offers high-end design and performance.
Built using an industry-leading ESS SABRE DAC implemented with audiophile-engineered circuitry, the NODE NANO is designed to connect existing stereo or audio systems. Its compact and modern design has been engineered to fit virtually anywhere, with high-quality analog and digital outputs for RCA, Coax, Optical, and USB.
Quality Design and Engineering: From carefully built audio circuitry and components to its processing power and measurements, the NODE NANO is all about design and engineering. At its core is an industry-leading ESS SABRE DAC with Hyperstream IV technology to deliver music (up to 24-bit/192kHz) with wide dynamics and ultra-low distortion.
Simple and Easy: NODE NANO includes a straightforward set of digital/analog outputs for connection to existing audio components via RCA, Coax, Optical, and USB. It also features a backlit front touch panel for quick control and access to up to two (2) programmable presets.
From Morten Nielsen, Associate Product Manager at Bluesound: “The NODE NANO is a new and affordable way to stream music in HiFi quality on any audio device in your home,…Simply plug it into 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.”
NODE – Refinement of a Classic ($549)
With re-engineered components and circuitry, Bluesound’s original wireless hi-res music streamer now features an 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 music with more detail and clarity than before.
New DAC: With a new and improved ESS SABRE ES9039Q2M DAC, the new NODE provides a boost in performance versus the previous generations. The DAC and signal path are precision-engineered to be even more pristine with circuitry expertly designed to reduce jitter and interference.
Connectivity: The NODE is fully equipped with digital/analog inputs and outputs. This provides connection flexibility for any stereo or home audio setup. You can connect the NODE to your TV and gaming console with HDMI eARC. It also features built-in IR learning for universal control and a proximity-sensing touch panel with up to five programmable source presets.
From Matt Simmonds, Product Manager at Bluesound: “The original NODE set the standard for performance, and it continues to be the most recommended streamer in the category today,…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.”
NODE ICON – Reference Music Streamer ($999)
The NODE ICON is the new flagship wireless music streamer in the Bluesound line. Every detail of the design is engineered to set a new benchmark in the category, from a Dual-Mono DAC design implemented with two ESS SABRE DACs to a sleek aluminum chassis and 5” color display. The NODE ICON also includes all digital/analog inputs and outputs including HDMI eARC and balanced XLR outputs for high-quality connectivity.
Bluesound’s Best Streamer: With carefully selected components and a well-engineered Dual-Mono DAC design, Bluesound claims that 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. DAC performance is further enhanced by MQA Labs’ QRONO D/A technology. This corrects any timing errors in the digital-to-analog conversion process and realigns the timing response to the original recording.
For Audiophiles: NODE ICON features a high-quality aluminum chassis and a 5” full-color HD display. Its sleek gloss black finish integrates into any home or system, while balanced XLR outputs are directly connected to the Dual-Mono DACs for clear audio. It also features THX AAA headphone technology and supports DSD playback.
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 while minimizing noise or distortion to the signal path. The result is true-to-source analog audio with the convenience and versatility of digital.
From Morten Nielsen, Associate Product Manager at Bluesound: “The NODE ICON represents a new pinnacle in wireless streaming, crafted for those who demand nothing but the best for their music,…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-color display. The NODE ICON isn’t just a streamer—it redefines stereo components for the next generation of HiFi streaming.”
Pricing & Availability
2025 Update: Launch prices have increased from what is shown below.
- NODE NANO is available now for $299 at Crutchfield and Amazon ($399 CAD).
- NODE (model N132) is available for $549 at Crutchfield and Amazon ($749 CAD) in both Black and White finishes.
- NODE ICON is available for $999 USD at Crutchfield and Amazon ($1399 CAD).
Related Reading
