Audio T Verdict
The Bluesound HUB is a clever solution for anyone who wants to make a turntable, CD player, television or other conventional audio source available throughout a Bluesound or BluOS multi-room system.
Its combination of HDMI eARC, optical, coaxial, stereo line-level and moving magnet phono inputs allows a wide variety of equipment to become a selectable network source within the BluOS Controller app.
The important thing to understand is that the HUB is a source-sharing accessory rather than a standalone music streamer, amplifier or audio player. It requires at least one compatible Bluesound or BluOS player elsewhere on the network to receive and reproduce the audio.
Bluesound HUB Network Audio Source
The Bluesound HUB allows traditional wired audio equipment to become part of a modern BluOS multi-room system.
Connect a turntable, CD player, television or another suitable analogue or digital source to the HUB and it becomes available as an input to compatible Bluesound and BluOS players around the home.
The connected source does not have to be positioned beside the player that reproduces it. A turntable in the living room could, for example, be played through a Bluesound speaker in the kitchen or a BluOS-equipped Hi-Fi system in another room.
Control and source selection are handled through the BluOS Controller app for compatible smartphones, tablets and computers.
What Does the Bluesound HUB Do?
The HUB accepts audio from connected equipment and transmits it through the home network to compatible BluOS players.
The HUB Can
- Bring a turntable into a BluOS multi-room system
- Share audio from a CD player between rooms
- Send compatible television sound to Bluesound players
- Accept analogue and digital audio sources
- Transmit audio at resolutions up to 24-bit and 192kHz
- Supply one analogue and one digital stream simultaneously
The HUB Does Not
- Stream music services by itself
- Contain built-in loudspeakers
- Contain a power amplifier
- Provide conventional analogue audio outputs
- Drive passive loudspeakers directly
- Decode Dolby surround sound formats
A Compatible BluOS Player Is Required
The Bluesound HUB has a network audio output rather than conventional RCA, optical or speaker outputs.
Audio must be received by a compatible product such as a Bluesound NODE, POWERNODE, PULSE speaker or another BluOS-enabled player connected to the same home network.
Five Audio Source Inputs
The HUB provides five different audio input options, allowing it to work with a broad range of existing music and television equipment.
Digital Inputs
- HDMI eARC with CEC
- Toslink optical input
- 75-ohm coaxial digital input
- Suitable for compatible televisions and digital sources
- Supports native sample rates up to 192kHz
Analogue Inputs
- Stereo RCA line-level input
- Stereo RCA moving magnet phono input
- Suitable for CD players, tuners and other line-level sources
- Direct connection for compatible moving magnet turntables
- Low-noise, wide-bandwidth phono stage
Whole-Home Source Sharing with BluOS
Once the HUB has been added to the home network, each connected source appears within the BluOS Controller app.
Select the required HUB input and then choose the Bluesound or BluOS player that should reproduce it.
The same source can be sent to a single room or grouped with compatible players in several rooms, depending on how the BluOS system has been configured.
This provides a practical way to keep physical music sources in their most convenient location without running long analogue cables around the home.
Two Simultaneous Audio Streams
A single HUB can transmit two separate audio streams at the same time.
One stream can come from an analogue input and the other from a digital input. The two streams can be sent to different Bluesound or BluOS players.
For example, a record connected to the moving magnet phono input could play in one room while a CD player connected by optical cable plays in another.
One Analogue and One Digital Stream
The HUB cannot transmit two analogue sources or two digital sources simultaneously.
Its two-stream capability is limited to one source from the analogue input group and one source from the digital input group.
Use Up to Four HUBs on One Network
Up to four Bluesound HUB units can be installed on one compatible network.
As each HUB can supply one analogue and one digital stream at the same time, a four-HUB installation can provide as many as eight simultaneous source streams.
This can be useful in a larger home or custom-installed system containing several turntables, televisions or legacy music sources.
Network capacity, wireless coverage and the number of connected players should be considered carefully when planning a larger installation.
Built-In Moving Magnet Phono Stage
Vinyl listeners can connect a compatible moving magnet turntable directly to the HUB's dedicated phono input.
The built-in low-noise phono stage applies the amplification and equalisation required by a moving magnet cartridge before the signal is converted and transmitted through the BluOS network.
This allows a record player to be heard through compatible Bluesound products in one or several rooms without placing the turntable beside each playback system.
Turntables with a switchable built-in phono stage should normally be set to their cartridge or phono output mode when connected to the HUB's dedicated phono input.
Moving Magnet Cartridges Only
The built-in phono stage is designed for moving magnet cartridges and is not a moving coil phono stage.
A moving coil cartridge requires a suitably matched external phono stage or step-up arrangement. The output from that phono stage can then be connected to the HUB's stereo line-level input.
Connect a CD Player or Other Hi-Fi Source
A CD player can be connected through the HUB's coaxial, optical or stereo analogue input, depending on the outputs available from the player.
Digital connection allows the HUB to receive a compatible PCM signal directly. An analogue connection instead uses the CD player's internal digital-to-analogue converter before the signal reaches the HUB.
Other suitable line-level sources can include radio tuners, cassette decks, external phono stages and the audio output from an existing Hi-Fi system.
The correct connection will depend on the available outputs, the source equipment and which inputs are already being used.
HDMI eARC for Television Sound
The HDMI eARC connection allows compatible television audio to be transmitted through the BluOS network.
This can be particularly useful when the television is positioned away from the Bluesound players or when a pair of compatible PULSE speakers is being used as a wireless television sound system.
HDMI CEC support allows compatible equipment to exchange basic control information, although the available functions will depend on the television and complete BluOS system.
The HUB Is Not a Surround Sound Decoder
The HUB does not decode Dolby Digital or other multi-channel surround sound formats.
A connected television should therefore be configured to provide a compatible stereo PCM signal when the HUB is being used to distribute television sound.
Customers requiring a complete Dolby Atmos or multi-channel surround system should consider a compatible Bluesound soundbar or another dedicated home cinema solution.
Control with the BluOS Controller App
The BluOS Controller app provides access to the HUB's connected inputs and allows each source to be assigned to a compatible player.
BluOS Controller software is available for compatible iOS, Android, Windows and macOS devices.
The app can also be used to name the HUB, identify connected sources, group rooms and manage the wider Bluesound multi-room system.
The exact features available may change as Bluesound develops the BluOS software platform and releases future updates.
Wi-Fi and Gigabit Ethernet
The HUB can connect to the home network using either dual-band Wi-Fi or wired Gigabit Ethernet.
A reliable network is important because the audio is transmitted between the HUB and the receiving BluOS players through the network.
Wired Ethernet
- Uses a standard RJ45 network connection
- Supports Gigabit Ethernet
- Provides a stable connection where cabling is practical
- Recommended for larger multi-room installations
- Ethernet cable is included
Dual-Band Wi-Fi
- Supports Wi-Fi 5
- Compatible with 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks
- Allows flexible placement without a network cable
- Performance depends on local wireless coverage
- May be affected by walls, distance and interference
Wired Ethernet will normally provide the most predictable connection where suitable network cabling is available.
Wi-Fi remains useful when the HUB needs to be positioned beside a turntable, television or other source in a location without a wired network point.
USB Connection and External Power
The HUB is powered through a USB-C connection and includes a universal power adapter, USB-C power cable and international plug adapters.
Keeping the power supply external helps the main enclosure remain compact and provides greater flexibility when positioning or concealing the HUB.
The USB Type-A Port Is for Service Use
The rear USB Type-A connection is intended for BluOS firmware upgrades and service purposes.
It is not a music input and cannot be used to play files from a USB memory stick or external storage drive.
Compact Design and Flexible Installation
Measuring just 143mm wide, 153mm deep and 45mm high, the HUB can be positioned discreetly beside existing source equipment.
Four-way keyhole mounting points and an included mounting template provide additional installation flexibility.
The HUB can therefore be placed on a shelf, mounted behind suitable furniture or installed close to a wall-mounted television, provided there is adequate access to its connections and power supply.
The front function button and LED indicator provide basic local status and control information.
HUB, NODE or POWERNODE?
The HUB, NODE and POWERNODE perform different jobs within a Bluesound system.
Choose the HUB When
- You want to share a physical audio source between rooms
- A turntable needs to become a BluOS source
- A CD player is positioned away from the receiving system
- You need HDMI eARC source sharing from a television
- You already own compatible BluOS players
Choose a NODE When
- You want to add online streaming to an existing Hi-Fi system
- You require conventional analogue or digital audio outputs
- You want streaming-service and internet-radio access
- You need a player that connects directly to an amplifier
- You do not need built-in speaker amplification
Choose a POWERNODE When
- You want streaming and amplification in one unit
- You need to drive conventional passive loudspeakers
- You are building a compact just-add-speakers system
- You want BluOS multi-room compatibility
- You need fewer separate Hi-Fi components
Planning a Bluesound HUB System
The right system configuration will depend on which source needs to be shared and where the music will be reproduced.
Whole-Home Turntable
- Moving magnet turntable connected to the phono input
- HUB connected to the home network
- Audio selected through the BluOS app
- Music sent to one or several Bluesound players
Networked CD Player
- CD player connected by optical, coaxial or analogue cable
- HUB input selected within BluOS
- CD audio sent to compatible players in another room
- No long analogue interconnect required between rooms
Wireless Television Sound
- Compatible television connected through HDMI eARC
- Television configured for compatible stereo PCM audio
- Sound sent to compatible Bluesound players
- Suitable for a straightforward stereo television system
Setup and Network Configuration
Initial installation involves connecting the required audio sources, adding the HUB to the network and completing the setup process within the BluOS Controller app.
The input type should be matched correctly to the connected equipment. A moving magnet turntable should use the phono input, while equipment already providing a line-level signal should use the standard stereo analogue input.
Television installations may also require changes to HDMI CEC, eARC and audio-output settings.
Audio T can help plan the complete system, identify the correct connections, configure the network and demonstrate how the HUB works with the receiving Bluesound players.
Key Features
- Network audio source-sharing accessory for BluOS systems
- Connects conventional wired sources to Bluesound players
- Suitable for turntables, CD players, televisions and other audio sources
- BluOS operating system
- Control through the BluOS Controller app
- Supports compatible iOS, Android, Windows and macOS devices
- Native sample rates up to 192kHz
- 16-bit to 24-bit audio support
- One stereo RCA line-level input
- One stereo moving magnet phono input
- One Toslink optical digital input
- One 75-ohm coaxial digital input
- One HDMI eARC input with CEC
- Low-noise, wide-bandwidth moving magnet phono stage
- One analogue and one digital stream can play simultaneously
- Up to four HUB units supported on one network
- As many as eight simultaneous streams with four HUB units
- Wi-Fi 5 connectivity
- Dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless networking
- Gigabit Ethernet connection
- Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor
- USB-C external power connection
- Front-panel function button
- Front-panel LED status indicator
- Four-way keyhole mounting arrangement
- Compact 143 x 153 x 45mm enclosure
- Black matte satin finish
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bluesound HUB a music streamer?
Not in the conventional sense. It does not provide streaming services or conventional audio outputs by itself. It turns connected equipment into network sources that can be played through compatible Bluesound or BluOS players.
Can the HUB connect directly to an amplifier?
No. The HUB does not provide an analogue, optical or coaxial audio output. A compatible BluOS player must receive the network stream and provide the required output or amplification.
Can I connect a turntable directly?
Yes, provided the turntable uses a compatible moving magnet cartridge. Connect it to the dedicated moving magnet phono input.
Can I use a turntable with a built-in phono stage?
Yes. Set the turntable to its line-level output and connect it to the HUB's standard stereo analogue input rather than the dedicated phono input.
Can I use a moving coil cartridge?
A moving coil cartridge requires a suitably matched external phono stage. Connect the line-level output from that phono stage to the HUB's stereo analogue input.
Can the HUB play two sources at once?
Yes. It can transmit one analogue source and one digital source simultaneously. It cannot transmit two analogue sources or two digital sources at the same time.
How many HUB units can I use?
Up to four HUB units can be installed on one compatible network, providing a maximum of eight simultaneous streams.
Can I connect the HUB to my television?
Yes. A compatible television can connect through HDMI eARC. The television should be configured to provide an audio format supported by the HUB and receiving Bluesound system.
Does the HUB decode Dolby Digital?
No. The HUB is not a surround sound decoder. A connected television should normally be configured to output compatible stereo PCM audio.
Does the HUB work over Wi-Fi?
Yes. It supports dual-band Wi-Fi 5 on compatible 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks. Gigabit Ethernet is also available for a wired network connection.
Can it play music from a USB memory stick?
No. The USB Type-A port is provided for firmware upgrades and service use. It is not an audio or storage input.
Do I need a Bluesound player?
Yes. At least one compatible Bluesound or BluOS player is required to receive and reproduce the audio transmitted by the HUB.
Can Audio T help install the HUB?
Yes. Audio T can advise on source connections, turntable and cartridge compatibility, BluOS players, television settings, network coverage and complete multi-room system configuration.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Expert advice planning a Bluesound and BluOS system
- Help choosing the correct Bluesound player for each room
- Turntable and cartridge compatibility advice
- Moving magnet and moving coil phono-stage guidance
- CD player and digital connection advice
- HDMI eARC and television setup support
- Wi-Fi and wired network configuration
- Multi-room audio planning
- Help installing several HUB units
- BluOS Controller app setup and demonstration
- Integration with NODE, POWERNODE and PULSE products
- Professional home installation options
- Part exchange available on suitable existing equipment
- Ongoing product and system support
Contact your local Audio T store
to arrange a demonstration or discuss adding your turntable, CD player, television or another audio source to a Bluesound multi-room system.