Audio T Verdict
The Bluesound NODE NANO is the most affordable and compact route into the BluOS music-streaming platform.
Its ESS Sabre DAC, high-resolution playback, RCA analogue output and choice of optical, coaxial or USB digital outputs make it an excellent upgrade for an existing amplifier, DAC or pair of active loudspeakers.
It does not have the physical source inputs, HDMI eARC, Dirac Live support or wired headphone amplifier found further up the NODE range. For a system that simply needs high-quality network streaming, however, the NODE NANO offers much of the essential BluOS experience in a smaller and more affordable package.
Bluesound NODE NANO Compact Hi-Res Music Streamer
The Bluesound NODE NANO is a compact network music streamer designed to add BluOS streaming to an existing Hi-Fi system.
Connect it to an integrated amplifier, pre-amplifier, external DAC or compatible active loudspeakers and gain access to online music services, internet radio, network storage, USB music libraries, Apple AirPlay 2, Bluetooth and BluOS multi-room playback.
An ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M digital-to-analogue converter provides the NODE NANO's stereo RCA output, while optical, coaxial and USB digital outputs allow the internal DAC to be bypassed when a suitable external converter is preferred.
Its compact 143mm-square enclosure makes it particularly easy to add to an existing system without requiring the space of a full-width Hi-Fi component.
What Does the NODE NANO Do?
Music Streaming
- Streams music through the BluOS platform
- Provides access to compatible online music services
- Plays internet radio and podcasts
- Supports network-stored music libraries
- Plays music from compatible USB storage
- Supports BluOS multi-room playback
Hi-Fi Connectivity
- Stereo RCA analogue output
- Coaxial digital output
- Toslink optical digital output
- USB Audio 2.0 output
- Fixed or variable output operation
- 12V trigger output for compatible equipment
Wireless Playback
- Apple AirPlay 2
- Two-way Bluetooth 5.2
- aptX Adaptive Bluetooth support
- Wireless Bluetooth headphone playback
- Wireless connection to Bluesound PULSE SUB+
- Dual-band Wi-Fi networking
A Simple Streaming Upgrade for an Existing Hi-Fi
The NODE NANO is designed for systems where the amplifier and loudspeakers are already in place but modern network streaming needs to be added.
Its stereo RCA output can connect to almost any suitable line-level input on an integrated amplifier, pre-amplifier or pair of active loudspeakers.
Alternatively, optical, coaxial or USB digital connections can be used with an amplifier or external DAC that already provides its own digital-to-analogue conversion.
Once connected to the home network, music selection and playback are controlled through the BluOS Controller app.
The NODE NANO Does Not Contain a Power Amplifier
The NODE NANO provides line-level and digital audio outputs rather than amplified loudspeaker outputs.
Conventional passive loudspeakers require a suitable integrated amplifier or power amplifier between the NODE NANO and the speakers.
Customers looking for a compact Bluesound product that can drive passive loudspeakers directly should consider the
Bluesound POWERNODE
.
ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M DAC
The NODE NANO uses an ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M digital-to-analogue converter with fourth-generation Hyperstream technology.
The DAC converts streamed digital music into the analogue signal provided through the rear stereo RCA outputs.
It supports PCM audio at resolutions up to 24-bit and 192kHz, together with DSD playback up to DSD256.
Bluesound publishes a signal-to-noise figure of -118dB and total harmonic distortion plus noise of 0.0007%.
Customers who prefer the DAC built into their amplifier or another external converter can bypass the ESS DAC by using one of the NODE NANO's digital outputs.
High-Resolution BluOS Music Streaming
BluOS provides access to compatible music services, internet radio, local network storage and multi-room playback through a single control platform.
The BluOS Controller app is available for compatible iOS, Android, Windows and macOS devices.
The NODE NANO uses a quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor running at 1.8GHz per core, providing the processing required for high-resolution playback, library indexing, app control and multi-room synchronisation.
BluOS software updates are delivered through the network, allowing Bluesound to update supported services and system functionality over time.
Streaming Services and Direct Integrations
The NODE NANO provides access to more than 20 compatible music and internet-radio services through BluOS.
- Spotify Connect, including compatible Spotify Lossless playback
- TIDAL Connect
- Qobuz Connect
- Apple AirPlay 2
- Roon Ready
- Amazon Alexa Skills
- Internet radio through compatible BluOS services
Service availability, subscription requirements and maximum playback quality are controlled by the individual service provider and may change over time.
Supported Audio Formats
The NODE NANO supports a broad selection of compressed, lossless and high-resolution music formats.
- FLAC
- MQA
- WAV
- AIFF
- Apple Lossless
- MPEG-4 SLS
- MP3
- AAC
- WMA and WMA Lossless
- OGG
- OPUS
- DSD up to DSD256
PCM playback is supported at native sample rates up to 192kHz with bit depths from 16-bit to 24-bit.
Play Music from Network Storage
The NODE NANO can index and play music stored on a compatible computer or network-attached storage device.
Server Message Block network sharing is supported for libraries containing up to approximately 200,000 files.
The practical library size and browsing speed will also depend on the network, storage device, metadata, folder structure and album artwork.
USB Music Storage
A compatible FAT32-formatted USB memory stick or external drive can be connected to the rear USB Type-A port.
Music stored on the drive can then be indexed and selected through BluOS Local Server Mode.
This allows a locally stored music collection to be played without requiring a separate computer or network-attached storage device to remain switched on.
One USB Port with Two Possible Uses
The rear USB Type-A connection can be used for either compatible music storage or USB Audio 2.0 output to an external DAC.
It cannot be used for external music storage and USB audio output at the same time.
No Physical Audio Inputs
The NODE NANO is an output-focused music streamer and does not provide analogue, optical, coaxial or HDMI audio inputs.
A television, CD player, turntable or another wired source cannot therefore be connected directly to the NODE NANO.
Choose the Standard NODE for Additional Sources
The
Bluesound NODE
adds HDMI eARC, analogue and optical inputs, Dolby Digital decoding, a wired headphone amplifier and Dirac Live readiness.
The
Bluesound NODE ICON
adds balanced XLR outputs, dual-mono DACs, a 5-inch display, USB-C computer audio and more advanced headphone amplification.
The
Bluesound HUB
can make a turntable, CD player or television available as a source within a compatible BluOS system.
Stereo RCA Analogue Output
The rear stereo RCA output uses the NODE NANO's internal ESS Sabre DAC.
It can connect to a suitable line-level input on an integrated amplifier, pre-amplifier or pair of active loudspeakers.
Output level can be configured as variable when the NODE NANO is being used to control system volume or fixed when volume is controlled by the connected amplifier.
Do Not Connect the RCA Output to a Phono Input
The NODE NANO produces a standard line-level signal.
It should be connected to an input marked AUX, Line, CD, Tuner or another suitable line-level connection.
A conventional moving magnet or moving coil phono input is designed for a much lower turntable signal and is not suitable.
Optical and Coaxial Digital Outputs
Toslink optical and RCA coaxial digital outputs allow the NODE NANO to operate as a compact streaming transport.
Digital audio can be sent to a compatible external DAC, integrated amplifier, pre-amplifier or pair of active loudspeakers.
Both digital outputs can operate with fixed or variable volume, depending on how the BluOS audio settings have been configured.
This means the NODE NANO can control the level of compatible active loudspeakers that do not provide their own convenient remote volume control.
Use with an External DAC
An external digital-to-analogue converter can be connected through optical, coaxial or USB.
This bypasses the NODE NANO's internal ESS Sabre conversion and allows the connected DAC to perform the final digital-to-analogue conversion.
Optical Connection
- Provides electrical isolation between components
- Compatible with many DACs and amplifiers
- Uses a standard Toslink optical cable
- Can operate at fixed or variable level
- Does not require USB driver compatibility
Coaxial Connection
- Uses an RCA digital connection
- Compatible with many external DACs
- Can operate at fixed or variable level
- Requires a suitable 75-ohm digital cable
- The output is not galvanically isolated
USB Connection
- Supports compatible USB Audio Class 2.0 DACs
- Uses the rear USB Type-A connection
- Operates at fixed output level
- Disables the RCA, optical and coaxial outputs
- Compatibility depends on the external DAC
USB Audio 2.0 Output
The NODE NANO can send digital audio to a compatible external USB DAC through its USB Type-A port.
When a compatible DAC is connected, it can be selected as the active output within the BluOS audio settings.
USB Output Disables the Other Audio Outputs
Selecting USB Audio output disables the NODE NANO's RCA analogue, coaxial and optical outputs.
To reactivate the standard outputs, disconnect the USB DAC or return the output selection to Default within the BluOS Controller app.
USB audio is supplied at a fixed level, so volume must be controlled by the connected DAC, amplifier or active loudspeakers.
Check External USB DAC Compatibility
The NODE NANO uses BluOS software based on Linux and cannot install manufacturer-specific Windows or macOS USB drivers.
An external DAC that requires proprietary drivers or does not support standard asynchronous USB Audio Class 2.0 operation may not work through USB.
Optical or coaxial connection may provide a more compatible alternative.
Fixed and Variable Output Modes
The analogue, optical and coaxial outputs can be configured for either fixed or variable level.
Use Fixed Output When
- Connected to an integrated amplifier
- Connected to a separate pre-amplifier
- The downstream product controls volume
- Using digital passthrough to a suitable external DAC
- You want to avoid two volume controls in the system
Use Variable Output When
- Connected directly to a power amplifier
- Connected directly to compatible active speakers
- The NODE NANO will control listening volume
- Remote volume adjustment is required
- A suitable downstream volume control is unavailable
Reduce the Volume Before Using Variable Output
When connecting directly to a power amplifier or active speakers, select variable output and reduce the NODE NANO's volume before starting playback.
Accidentally sending a full-level fixed signal could produce an extremely high playback level and may damage loudspeakers.
Simultaneous RCA, Optical and Coaxial Outputs
The analogue RCA, optical and coaxial outputs normally remain active together.
This allows the NODE NANO to feed more than one suitable component, although all active outputs share the same playback and volume settings.
The outputs cannot be switched independently within BluOS and cannot be assigned separate fixed and variable volume modes.
Connecting and selecting a USB DAC is the exception, as USB output disables the other audio connections.
Two-Way aptX Adaptive Bluetooth
Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive provides convenient wireless playback from compatible smartphones, tablets and computers.
Two-way Bluetooth means the NODE NANO can receive music from a source device or transmit its audio to compatible Bluetooth headphones and speakers.
Bluetooth quality depends on the source device, receiving equipment, supported codec, distance and local wireless conditions.
Network playback through BluOS will normally provide the most consistent route for high-resolution music.
Wireless Headphone Playback
Compatible Bluetooth headphones can be selected as the NODE NANO's audio output.
This provides a useful personal-listening option without requiring a wired headphone socket.
No Wired Headphone Output
The NODE NANO does not include a 3.5mm or 6.3mm headphone socket.
Wired headphones require a separate headphone amplifier connected to the analogue or digital output, or a step up to the standard NODE or NODE ICON.
Apple AirPlay 2
Apple AirPlay 2 allows compatible iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV devices to send audio to the NODE NANO.
This provides access to audio from compatible applications that may not be integrated directly into BluOS.
The NODE NANO operates as an AirPlay receiving device. It cannot transmit a BluOS source to separate AirPlay speakers.
Roon Ready
The NODE NANO can operate as a Roon Ready network endpoint within a compatible Roon system.
Music selection, library management and playback can then be handled through the Roon interface while the NODE NANO provides the connection to the Hi-Fi system.
A separate Roon subscription and compatible Roon server are required.
BluOS Multi-Room Audio
The NODE NANO can be grouped with compatible Bluesound and BluOS-enabled products around the home.
Grouped players can reproduce the same music in synchronisation, while different rooms can play separate sources at the same time.
Room grouping, playback queues, source selection and individual volume levels are managed through the BluOS Controller app.
Compatible BluOS products are also available from selected partner manufacturers, allowing the platform to be incorporated into a wide variety of Hi-Fi and installed-audio systems.
Wireless Bluesound Subwoofer Connection
The NODE NANO can connect wirelessly to the
Bluesound PULSE SUB+
.
Subwoofer level and crossover settings can then be adjusted through the BluOS Controller app.
No Wired Subwoofer Output
The NODE NANO does not provide a conventional RCA subwoofer connection.
A wired subwoofer normally needs to be connected through the amplifier, active loudspeakers or another suitable component within the system.
Gigabit Ethernet and Dual-Band Wi-Fi
The NODE NANO can connect to the home network through wired Gigabit Ethernet or dual-band Wi-Fi 5.
Gigabit Ethernet
- Uses a standard RJ45 network cable
- Supports network speeds up to 1000Mbps
- Provides a stable connection where cabling is practical
- Recommended for larger local music libraries
- Useful in larger multi-room systems
Dual-Band Wi-Fi
- Supports compatible 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks
- Allows flexible placement without a network cable
- Performance depends on local wireless coverage
- May be affected by walls and interference
- Should be tested in the final equipment position
A wired Ethernet connection will normally provide the most predictable performance where suitable network cabling is available.
Touch Controls and Presets
Backlit touch controls on the top panel provide access to essential playback functions without opening the BluOS Controller app.
- Play and pause control
- Touch-sensitive volume adjustment
- Two programmable preset buttons
- LED status indication
Presets can provide direct access to regularly used playlists, albums, radio stations and other compatible BluOS content.
The NODE NANO does not provide dedicated previous and next-track buttons.
Infrared Remote Learning
A front infrared sensor allows the NODE NANO to learn compatible commands from an existing remote control.
This can provide convenient control over functions such as volume, play and pause without requiring a separate Bluesound handset.
A rear 3.5mm infrared input is also provided for compatible control and custom-installation systems.
12V Trigger Output
The rear 12V trigger output can switch compatible amplifiers and other equipment on or into standby with the NODE NANO.
This can make a separates system feel more integrated by reducing the number of products that need to be switched manually.
Trigger compatibility and the required cable should be checked against the connected equipment.
Compact Design and Flexible Installation
Measuring 143mm wide, 143mm deep and only 36mm high, the NODE NANO can be placed discreetly beside an amplifier or mounted close to other installed equipment.
A bottom-panel keyhole mounting slot provides additional flexibility where shelf space is limited.
The NODE NANO is finished in black matte satin paint and weighs approximately 0.57kg.
Power is supplied through an external 5V and 2A USB-C adapter, which is included with international plug adapters and a USB-C power cable.
NODE NANO, NODE or NODE ICON?
Choose NODE NANO When
- You mainly need high-quality music streaming
- Your system does not require additional wired inputs
- Compact size is important
- You already own a suitable amplifier or DAC
- RCA, optical, coaxial or USB output is sufficient
- You want the most affordable route into BluOS
Choose NODE When
- You need HDMI eARC for television sound
- You want analogue and optical source inputs
- You require a wired headphone output
- You want a wired subwoofer connection
- Dolby Digital decoding is required
- You want Dirac Live readiness
Choose NODE ICON When
- Internal DAC performance is a major priority
- You require balanced XLR outputs
- A large front display is important
- You want two wired headphone connections
- USB-C computer audio input is required
- The streamer will sit in a higher-performance system
Planning a NODE NANO System
With an Integrated Amplifier
- Connect through stereo RCA, optical or coaxial
- Use fixed output when the amplifier controls volume
- Select a suitable line-level amplifier input
- Do not connect the RCA output to a phono input
- Use the internal or amplifier DAC as preferred
With an External DAC
- Connect through optical, coaxial or compatible USB
- Use fixed output where the downstream system controls volume
- Check supported sample rates and formats
- Confirm USB Audio Class 2.0 compatibility
- Remember that USB disables the other outputs
With Active Loudspeakers
- Use RCA or a compatible digital connection
- Select variable output where the NANO controls volume
- Reduce the level before first playback
- Check the speaker input sensitivity
- Add PULSE SUB+ wirelessly if required
Installation and Setup
Initial installation involves connecting the NODE NANO to the Hi-Fi system, providing power and adding it to the home network through the BluOS Controller app.
The app guides the user through network setup, player naming, available software updates and streaming-service sign-in.
Further configuration may include selecting fixed or variable output, adjusting tone controls, programming presets, teaching infrared commands and adding other BluOS players.
Audio T can help identify the most suitable connection, configure the NODE NANO and demonstrate the BluOS Controller app.
Key Features
- Compact Bluesound network music streamer
- BluOS multi-room operating system
- ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M digital-to-analogue converter
- Fourth-generation ESS Hyperstream technology
- PCM playback up to 24-bit and 192kHz
- DSD playback up to DSD256
- More than 20 compatible music and radio services
- Spotify Connect with compatible Spotify Lossless support
- TIDAL Connect
- Qobuz Connect
- Apple AirPlay 2
- Roon Ready
- Amazon Alexa Skills integration
- Two-way Bluetooth 5.2
- aptX Adaptive Bluetooth support
- Bluetooth headphone output
- Stereo RCA analogue output
- Fixed or variable analogue output
- Toslink optical digital output
- RCA coaxial digital output
- Fixed or variable SPDIF output
- USB Audio 2.0 output
- Compatible USB music-storage playback
- BluOS Local Server Mode
- Server Message Block network-library support
- Support for libraries containing up to approximately 200,000 files
- Gigabit Ethernet connection
- Dual-band Wi-Fi 5
- Quad-core 1.8GHz ARM Cortex-A53 processor
- Wireless connection to Bluesound PULSE SUB+
- 12V trigger output
- Front infrared sensor with remote learning
- Rear 3.5mm infrared input
- Touch-sensitive play and pause control
- Touch-sensitive volume controls
- Two programmable preset buttons
- Bottom-panel keyhole mounting slot
- External USB-C power supply
- Compact black matte satin enclosure
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bluesound NODE NANO?
It is a compact network music streamer and digital transport that adds BluOS streaming to an existing amplifier, DAC or pair of active loudspeakers.
Does the NODE NANO contain an amplifier?
No. Passive loudspeakers require a suitable integrated amplifier or power amplifier.
Can it connect directly to active speakers?
Yes. Compatible active loudspeakers can connect through the variable-level RCA, optical or coaxial outputs.
Can it connect directly to a power amplifier?
Yes. Use the variable RCA output, reduce the NODE NANO's volume before playback and confirm that the power amplifier is suitably matched.
Does it have any audio inputs?
No. The NODE NANO does not provide physical analogue, optical, coaxial or HDMI audio inputs.
Can I connect a television?
Not directly. The NODE NANO does not have HDMI eARC or an optical input. Choose the standard NODE if television connectivity is required.
Can I connect a turntable?
Not directly. The NODE NANO has no analogue input or phono stage. A Bluesound HUB can make a compatible turntable available through a BluOS network.
Does it have a headphone socket?
No. Headphones can be connected wirelessly through Bluetooth, or a separate wired headphone amplifier can be connected to a suitable output.
Does it support Dirac Live?
No. Dirac Live readiness is available on the standard NODE and NODE ICON, but not on the NODE NANO.
Can I use an external DAC?
Yes. A compatible DAC can be connected through optical, coaxial or USB.
Does USB output disable the other outputs?
Yes. Selecting a compatible USB DAC disables the RCA analogue, optical and coaxial outputs until the output is returned to Default or the USB DAC is disconnected.
Can it play music from a USB drive?
Yes. Compatible FAT32-formatted storage can be connected to the USB Type-A port and accessed through BluOS Local Server Mode.
Can it play DSD files?
Yes. Current NODE NANO software supports DSD playback up to DSD256.
Does it support Qobuz Connect?
Yes. Qobuz Connect is included among the NODE NANO's current direct streaming integrations.
Does it support Spotify Lossless?
Yes. Bluesound currently lists compatible Spotify Lossless playback through Spotify Connect.
Does it support Apple AirPlay 2?
Yes. Compatible Apple devices can send audio to the NODE NANO through AirPlay 2.
Is it Roon Ready?
Yes. It can operate as a Roon Ready network endpoint with a compatible Roon server and subscription.
Can it connect to Bluetooth headphones?
Yes. Two-way Bluetooth allows the NODE NANO to transmit audio to compatible wireless headphones and speakers.
Can I connect a wired subwoofer?
Not directly. The NODE NANO supports wireless connection to the Bluesound PULSE SUB+, while a wired subwoofer normally connects through the amplifier or active loudspeakers.
Can Audio T configure the NODE NANO?
Yes. Audio T can help with network setup, streaming services, amplifier matching, external DAC connections, output configuration, Bluetooth, multi-room playback and local music libraries.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Expert advice comparing NODE NANO, NODE and NODE ICON
- Demonstrations through participating Audio T stores
- Integrated amplifier and pre-amplifier matching
- Power amplifier and active speaker compatibility advice
- Internal and external DAC comparisons
- Optical, coaxial and USB connection guidance
- Fixed and variable output configuration
- USB storage and local music-library setup
- Network-attached storage advice
- Wi-Fi and wired Ethernet configuration
- Streaming-service account setup
- BluOS Controller app setup and demonstration
- AirPlay 2, Roon and Bluetooth configuration
- Multi-room Bluesound system planning
- PULSE SUB+ wireless subwoofer setup
- Infrared remote-learning configuration
- Professional home installation options
- Part exchange available on suitable existing equipment
- Ongoing Bluesound and BluOS support
Contact your local Audio T store
to arrange a demonstration or discuss adding the Bluesound NODE NANO to your existing Hi-Fi or multi-room music system.