Bluesound NODE and POWERNODE get new DAC designs, next generation quad-core processors and intuitive touch panel controls with pre-sets.
Bluesound, makers of hi-res wireless multi-room line of audio players, has announced a new generation of its best-selling NODE Wireless Hi-Res Multi-Room Music Streamer and POWERNODE Wireless Hi-Res Multi-Room Streaming Amplifier. The upgrades include new DAC designs, more powerful processors, and touch panel controls with pre-sets and proximity sensors, while the POWERNODE also receives substantially more power. Both feature an easy-to-clean satin finish in either black or white. In the UK the prices are Node: £549 SRP inc VAT, Powernode: £849 SRP inc VAT. Supply in the UK is from Anatech Distribution.
The new NODE and POWERNODE also feature a powerful ARM Cortex A53 Quad-Core chipset that processes audio 8 times faster than previous generations of Bluesound architecture.
“Since the beginning, Bluesound has set out to provide a modern hi-res multi-room streaming experience for customers who care about audio quality,” says Matt Simmonds, Bluesound Product Manager. “We have seen the NODE and POWERNODE quickly become the go-to streaming components for discerning music lovers, because of our focus on high quality listening and on the software features that make the products – all the way back to our first generation – even better over time. This latest generation, once again, sets the bar for performance and value in their respective categories.”
The BLUESOUND NODE unlocks the world of hi-res music streaming and multi-room audio to create a modern addition to existing Hi-Fi systems or a favourite set of powered speakers. Users can discover all the music ever recorded with access to hundreds of internet radio stations, dozens of streaming music services, or a digital music library, with a few taps of the BluOS Controller app for iOS, Android, Mac or PC computers.
Inside, the NODE features a new audiophile-grade DAC design with notably improved performance that not only supports 24-bit/192kHz audio processing, but also MQA for studio-quality listening. Powerful, user-friendly software features like tone controls and subwoofer crossover optimisation allow the customisation of listening preferences in detail. It is also equipped with an array of digital and analogue inputs and outputs for versatility.
Bring music into the NODE using Wi-Fi or ethernet, Apple AirPlay 2, aptX HD Bluetooth, or USB Type A connectors, to hear audio content from streaming services, internet radio and a music library. The NODE now features an HDMI eARC input on the back panel, to keep setup flexible and future-friendly. Designed to be as comfortable in a two-channel TV system or gaming console as it is in an audiophile’s dedicated listening room, the NODE provides a hi-res experience no matter where it’s used, says its creator. Listen to music through a Hi-Fi system or through wired or wireless headphones, by connecting to the RCA, Toslink optical, aptX HD Bluetooth, 3.5mm jack, Apple devices, or other Bluesound or BluOS enabled players.
Bit-perfect music listening can happen away from the Hi-Fi system with the NODE as a multi-room hub. The BluOS platform is the only platform in the world that can support up to 64 players, all streaming in 24-bit hi-res audio, says the maker. With a growing stable of brands and devices being added to the BluOS platform, the NODE has been made to open up a world of listening options throughout the home.
In addition to using the BluOS Controller app with smart devices, quick access controls like play/pause, track skipping, and volume are available as touch panel controls, via voice assistants like Apple’s Siri, Amazon Alexa, or Google Voice, by programming an IR remote or using the optional Bluesound RC1. The intuitive touch panel control with proximity sensor now also features 5 pre-sets. Advanced controls, including tone controls are available in the BluOS Controller app. The NODE can also be integrated into a smart home with full-feature drivers for Lutron, Elan, RTI, Crestron, and other popular home control systems.
NODE KEY FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS
Quad-core 1.8GHz ARM Cortex A53 processor
32-bit/384kHz premium DAC design
HDMI eARC, optical & analog inputs
Stereo analog, optical, coaxial & USB audio outputs
AirPlay 2 for integration into Apple ecosystem
BluOS™ wireless multi-room music capability
MQA music and hi-res audio streaming
Voice control with Apple’s Siri, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
Dual-band Wi-Fi + Gigabit ethernet
Two-way aptX HD Bluetooth
IR remote learning capability, IR input, 12V trigger output
Wired & wireless headphone output
Touch controls with pre-sets
Black or white finish
The POWERNODE
The Bluesound POWERNODE is described as the Hi-Fi amp reinvented for the streaming age, combining audiophile-grade componentry and multi-room music capabilities to create an intuitive ‘just add speakers’ approach. Source, control, and amplification come packed into the compact and minimalist POWERNODE. With an award-winning, audiophile-grade amplifier that features 80W per channel of zero-distortion power, the product is tested in real-world listening conditions and not just in a lab. A high-grade DAC delivers up to 24-bit/192kHz of hi-res, studio-quality music, including support for FLAC, MQA, and other popular file formats. Access all the music ever recorded through the BluOS Controller app, connecting to popular streaming services like Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, SiriusXM, and dozens of others, or from a user’s own music library through Apple AirPlay 2, aptX HD Bluetooth, or even a network-connected drive or USB hard drive.
In one or many rooms, the POWERNODE is a versatile workhorse, placed either freestanding or in a custom installation rack, allowing users to toggle back and forth amongst a number of listening set-ups with a few taps in the BluOS Controller app. Looking for a traditional 2-channel audiophile listening experience? Just add a pair of favourite speakers. Got a bass-heavy track? Add the PULSE SUB+ to a 2-channel set-up to create a capable and musical 2.1 wireless system. Want to kick back with some movies or video games? Bring a pair of PULSE FLEX 2i to the party as rear channel additions to a 2.1 system for a wireless Dolby surround sound home theater experience. Want to listen to music in other parts of the home? Sprinkle other BLUESOUND players around your home for a multi-room audio solution.
The POWERNODE is equipped with an array of digital and analogue inputs and outputs to give connection flexibility. It supports HDMI eARC, dual-band Wi-Fi and Gigabit ethernet, Apple AirPlay 2, aptX HD Bluetooth receiver and transmitter, RCA, Toslink optical, 3.5mm jack, and USB Type A connectors. Bring music into the POWERNODE from dozens of internet radio and streaming services, Bluetooth devices, TV and gaming consoles, network or local hard drives, nearby Apple devices, CD players, and many others. Then send music into speakers, other BLUESOUND players or BluOS devices, Bluetooth headphones, wired headphones, Apple AirPlay devices, or other network-connected speakers.
With BluOS built-in, easily create a DIY multi-room hi-res audio system with a few taps of the BluOS Controller app. Additional hands-free controls are available through voice assistants like Siri, Google Voice, or Alexa. Like the NODE, full-feature drivers are available for Lutron, Crestron, RTI, Elan, and other popular control systems.
POWERNODE KEY FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS
HybridDigital amplifier platform powering 80W per channel into 8 ohms
Quad-core 1.8GHz ARM Cortex A53 processor
32-bit/384kHz premium DAC design
HDMI eARC, optical & analog inputs
BluOS wireless multi-room music capability
Wireless Dolby® surround sound
MQA music and hi-res audio streaming
AirPlay 2 for integration into Apple ecosystem
Voice control with Apple’s Siri, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
Dual-band Wi-Fi + Gigabit ethernet
Two-way aptX HD Bluetooth
IR remote learning capability, IR input
Wired & wireless headphone output
Wired & wireless subwoofer output
Touch controls with pre-sets
Black or white finish