Bluesound, one of Sonos’s biggest rivals in the multi-room audio space, is known for its expansive lineup of wireless speakers, soundbars and other hi-fi components. This week, the audio maker is doubling down on hi-fi streaming components with the launch of three new Node music streamers, all designed to bring modern, high-fidelity streaming capabilities to older stereo or powered speaker systems.
Bluesound Node Nano: The Entry-Level Option
Bluesound’s Node Nano is its most entry-level wireless streamer and works very similar to the company’s higher-end wireless streamers. It features a built-in ESS Sabre DAC, runs on the same BluOS platform, and supports hi-fi streaming up to 24-bit/192kHz. The Node Nano is compatible with most major streaming services (including Amazon Music, Pandora, Qobuz and Tidal) and supports Wi-Fi streaming over Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect as well.
The Nano features several analog/digital outputs, but unlike Bluesound’s higher-end Nodes, it lacks analog inputs so you can’t connect a turntable or hook it up to the TV. The Node Nano costs $299 and is now available on Bluesound’s website or other authorized Bluesound dealers.
Bluesound Node: The Updated Classic
Bluesound’s fourth-generation Node is the most straightforward new wireless streamer because it’s so similar to its predecessor, the 2021-released Node. It looks almost identical and shares a lot of the same features and capabilities. Most of the improvements are under the hood. The new Node features an upgraded ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M DAC and, notably, a new built-in THX AAA headphone amplifier for a more private listening session. It also supports Dirac Live room correction technology (although you’ll need to purchase this separately).
The new Node features all the same streaming support and built-in connectivity as the Node Nano, but adds a few things. It supports support high-resolution DSD playback and features more analog inputs, including an HDMI eARC port for connecting to the TV. The new Node costs $549 and is available for preorder now in either black or white finishes. It’ll start shipping on September 24th.
Bluesound Node Icon: The Flagship Experience
Bluesound’s Node Icon is the company’s most high-end wireless streamer to date. It features a dual-mono DAC design, with two ESS ES9039Q2M Sabre DACs, and supports MQA Labs’ QRONO d2a (a technology for correcting timing errors in the DAC process) and thus should deliver an even more precise sound.
The most obvious difference between the Node Icon and the new Node is its beautiful five-inch color display that shows album artwork while music is playing. (However, this isn’t a touchscreen display, so you’ll still have to use the touch panel on top of the Node Icon for playback controls.)
Aside from the higher-quality DAC and design differences, the Node Icon shares all the same streaming capabilities and analog/digital connections as the Node, including an HDMI eARC port and support for Dirac Live. Uniquely, it’s the company’s only wireless streamer featuring balanced XLR outputs for high-quality connectivity. The Node Icon costs $999 and will be available for preorder in mid-October — it’ll then start shipping in mid-November.
A Family of Streamers for Every Audiophile
Depending on your preferences or budget, Bluesound will soon offer a wireless streamer to meet your needs. From the entry-level Node Nano, designed for those looking to upgrade their existing audio system with modern streaming capabilities, to the high-end Node Icon, offering a superior audio experience with a built-in display and balanced outputs, there's a streamer in this new lineup for every music lover.
These new additions to Bluesound's Node family are sure to shake up the music streaming landscape, offering a compelling alternative to other popular options in the market. With their modern features, high-fidelity performance and versatile connectivity, these streamers are poised to become favorites among audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
