Bluesound introduces three new NODE Wireless Hi-Res music streamers – Essential Install

BLUESOUND has announced three new wireless music streamers, the NODE NANO, NODE and flagship NODE ICON. 

A slim and compact streamer, the new NODE NANO is an entry streamer, offering only the essentials to transform existing HiFi components and home audio devices into music streaming systems. 

The NODE is a remastering of the original wireless hi-res music streamer with an all-new ESS SABRE DAC for clean processing and even better performance. 

Meanwhile, the flagship NODE ICON sets a new benchmark for wireless music streamers with a 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. Today is the next chapter in our mission to bring high-fidelity sound to everyday life,” says Matt Simmonds, Product Manager at Bluesound. 

“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.”

Deep audio expertise and HiFi craftsmanship is on full display in the new NODE streamers, featuring a transparent signal path with a cleverly designed circuitry layout that uses efficiency and isolation to avoid unwanted noise and distortion. 

Users can 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.  

Both the NODE and NODE ICON feature THX AAA headphone technology, the headphone amplifier technology for the most linear response. Its patented feed-forward error correction delivers “exceptional sound” with 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.

The NODE and NODE ICON are ready for Dirac Live Room Correction, an upgrade available directly from Dirac with a licence purchase. Using Dirac’s app and sophisticated room correction technology, 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.

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. 

All NODEs are designed to match perfectly with stereo components or in AV rack with support for popular smart home control systems including Control4, Crestron ELAN, RTI and more.  

The NODE and NODE ICON feature 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. 

Built using a 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 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 HiFi 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.” 

At its very core is ESS SABRE DAC with Hyperstream IV technology to deliver music (up to 24-bit/192kHz) with what the manufacturer is calling “breathtaking dynamics” and ultra-low distortion.

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.  

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 (2) programmable presets.   

NODE NANO (N030) with Stereo Integrated Amplifier features ESS SABRE ES9039Q2M DAC, built-in THX AAA headphone amplifier, aptX Adaptive Bluetooth and DSD support. 

Users can connect the new NODE to a stereo amplifier or pair of powered speakers and stream music.

“The original NODE set the standard for performance, and it continues to be the most recommended streamer in the category today,” says Matt. “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.” 

With a new and improved ESS SABERE 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.

The NODE is fully equipped with digital/analogue inputs and outputs, making it versatile in any stereo or home audio setup. Users can connect the NODE to a 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.

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 Dual-Mono DAC design implemented with two ESS SABRE DACs, to its sleek aluminium chassis and 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,” says Morten. “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 stereo components for the next generation of HiFi streaming.”

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, claims the manufacturer.

DAC performance is further enhanced by MQA Labs’ technology, QRONO d2a, which corrects any timing errors in the digital-to-analogue conversion process and realigns the timing response to the original recording. 

NODE ICON features a high-quality aluminium chassis and a 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 clear audio. It also features THX AAA headphone technology and supports DSD playback for studio-quality recordings.

The NODE ICON is equipped with the latest two-channel ES9826 SABRE 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 NANO is available now at €349 EUR ($299 GBP) on bluesound.com and in authorised Bluesound dealers around the world. It will begin arriving to customers and available at dealer locations starting today. 

The NODE is available for pre-order now at €599 EUR ($499 GBP) in both black and white finishes on bluesound.com and at participating Bluesound dealers globally. It will begin shipping to customers and available at dealer locations starting September 24, 2024. 

The NODE ICON will be available for pre-order at €1099 EUR ($899 GBP) starting October 17, 2024, on bluesound.com and at Bluesound dealers. It will begin shipping to customers and dealer locations worldwide on November 15, 2024.