The Bluesound NODE is one of the best-selling network players in the high-end audio world, but it requires a pair of active loudspeakers or stereo system to work its magic. No power. No music. The next generation Bluesound POWERNODE Edge Network Amplifier fixes that issue for you and more.
A cursory look through the specifications makes it clear to us that this is a POWERNODE Lite for those who want something with a more compact design for the desktop or a passive system in a bedroom or den.
The power output is 50% less than the existing POWERNODE and the unit can now be wall-mounted which will make it popular with custom integrators looking for a slimmer box that can be hidden away more easily.
The price is also almost $250 less than the existing POWERNODE at $650 USD or $850 CDN.
Is this Bluesound feeling the inflationary pinch or offering something that delivers a taste of the ecosystem with the hope that purchasers will add multiple pairs of Bluesound wireless loudspeakers at the end of the day.
Just Add Loudspeakers
Other options include adding the PULSE SUB+ wireless subwoofer for a powerful but compact 2.1 stereo system. Alternatively, the POWERNODE EDGE can power the rear channels of a Bluesound wireless surround sound setup, for the ultimate modern home theater experience.
Supports Hi-Res Audio
The 40 watts/channel DirectDigital amplifier in the POWERNODE EDGE efficiently handles hi-res audio tracks up to 24-bit/192kHz and supports MQA playback.
Sleek & Versatile
The POWERNODE EDGE is designed with a compact form factor to suit any décor. An included multi-orientation wall bracket allows it to be hidden in closets or behind sofas. Easy to spec and simple to stack, smart home installers will appreciate its 1U rack height and half-rack width, along with an easy-access touch control panel for everyday playback functions and configuration.
Access It All
Over 20 natively integrated music services and thousands of internet radio stations are accessible directly on the POWERNODE EDGE, and controlled from the BluOS Controller app.
To play from a personal music library, connection via Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet or playback from an external USB drive is available. Built-in AirPlay 2 makes for easy integration into the Apple ecosystem, while users of other devices can take advantage of the high quality aptX™ HD Bluetooth connection to stream audio directly to the POWERNODE EDGE.
More traditional wired sources, such as a TV or a turntable, can be connected using the HDMI eARC input or the combo analog/digital input. You will require an external phono preamplifier to make this work with the Bluesound POWERNODE Edge.
Multi-Room Control
Add multiple Bluesound players around the home to create a high-performance, multi-room system using BluOS, the world’s most versatile whole-home, hi-res audio platform. Send music from player to player or sync up multiple players to one stream for parties and gatherings. Easy control is always readily available via the BluOS Controller app for iOS, Android, Mac, or PC, or using the elegant glass touch panel for quick-access controls like Play, Pause, and Volume Up/Down.
The POWERNODE EDGE can integrate with the most popular smart home controllers like Crestron, Control4, URC, RTI, ELAN, and others, while hands-free control is possible with voice assistants like Apple’s Siri, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant.
Specifications:
- DirectDigital™ Amplifier Platform
- 40 Watts Per Channel Into 8 Ohms
- Quad-Core 1.8GHz ARM® Cortex™ A53 Processor
- HDMI eARC, Optical & Analog Audio Inputs
- BluOS™ Wireless Multi-Room Music Capability
- App Control with Adjustable Audio Settings
- MQA Music And Hi-Res Audio Streaming
- Airplay 2 Integration
- Works With Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Siri
- Dual-Band Wi-Fi + Gigabit Ethernet
- Two-Way aptX™ HD Bluetooth
- Wireless Headphone Output
- Wired & Wireless Subwoofer Output
- IR Remote Learning Capability
- Front Panel Touch Controls
- Compact 1U Form Factor
- Easy Four-Way Mounting System
- Black Or White Finish
The Bluesound POWERNODE Edge will be available October 3, 2022 from your local Bluesound/NAD/PSB dealer. Find it for $649 at Amazon or $849 at Amazon.ca.
For more information: bluesound.com/products/powernode-edge/
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