Audio T Verdict
The Bluesound NODE is one of the most versatile ways to add high-resolution music streaming to an existing Hi-Fi system.
Its ESS Sabre DAC, BluOS multi-room platform, HDMI eARC, analogue and optical inputs, THX AAA headphone amplifier and comprehensive range of outputs allow it to work as a streamer, DAC, digital pre-amplifier and television-audio hub.
It sits neatly between the simpler NODE NANO and the flagship NODE ICON. You do not get the ICON's balanced XLR outputs, dual-mono DAC design or front display, but the standard NODE provides considerably more connectivity than the NANO at a very sensible price.
Bluesound NODE Performance Hi-Res Music Streamer
The Bluesound NODE is a network music streamer, digital-to-analogue converter, digital pre-amplifier and headphone amplifier built around the BluOS music platform.
It can stream music from compatible online services, play internet radio, access files stored on a home network or USB drive, receive music through AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth, and reproduce sound from connected analogue, optical and HDMI sources.
Stereo RCA, optical, coaxial and USB outputs allow the NODE to connect to an integrated amplifier, power amplifier, external DAC or compatible active loudspeakers.
A full-size 6.3mm headphone socket, dedicated subwoofer output and Dirac Live room-correction readiness extend its usefulness beyond straightforward network music playback.
What Does the Bluesound NODE Do?
Network Music Streamer
- Streams music through the BluOS platform
- Provides access to compatible music services
- Plays internet radio and podcasts
- Accesses music stored on a home network
- Plays files from compatible USB storage
- Supports BluOS multi-room playback
DAC and Pre-Amplifier
- Uses an ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M DAC
- Provides stereo RCA analogue output
- Supports fixed or variable output operation
- Can connect directly to a suitable power amplifier
- Can control compatible active loudspeakers
- Supports optional Dirac Live room correction
Audio and Television Hub
- HDMI eARC input for compatible televisions
- Dolby Digital decoding for stereo playback
- Combined analogue and optical source input
- THX AAA wired headphone amplifier
- Two-way Bluetooth headphone support
- Wired and wireless subwoofer options
The NODE Does Not Contain a Power Amplifier
The NODE 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 and the speakers.
Customers looking for a BluOS product that can drive passive loudspeakers directly should consider the
Bluesound POWERNODE
.
ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M DAC
The NODE uses an ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M digital-to-analogue converter with fourth-generation Hyperstream technology.
The DAC converts streamed music and compatible connected digital sources into the analogue signal provided through the rear stereo RCA outputs.
Native PCM playback is supported at resolutions up to 24-bit and 192kHz, while DSD support extends to DSD256.
Bluesound publishes a signal-to-noise figure of -118dB and total harmonic distortion plus noise of 0.0007%.
The internal DAC can be bypassed by using the optical, coaxial or USB digital output with a suitable external digital-to-analogue converter.
High-Resolution BluOS Music Streaming
BluOS brings compatible music services, internet radio, network storage, USB libraries and multi-room playback together within one control platform.
Music selection and system configuration are handled through the BluOS Controller app for compatible iOS, Android, Windows and macOS devices.
A quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor running at 1.8GHz per core provides the processing required for high-resolution playback, library indexing, app control and multi-room synchronisation.
Network software updates allow Bluesound to maintain the operating system, update integrations and add compatible features over time.
Streaming Services and Direct Integrations
The NODE 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, subscriptions and maximum playback quality are controlled by the individual provider and may change over time.
Supported Audio Formats
The NODE supports a wide range of compressed, lossless and high-resolution audio formats.
- FLAC
- MQA
- WAV
- AIFF
- Apple Lossless
- MPEG-4 SLS
- MP3
- AAC
- WMA and WMA Lossless
- OGG
- OPUS
- DSD up to DSD256
PCM files are supported at native sample rates up to 192kHz with bit depths from 16-bit to 24-bit.
Play Music from Network Storage
Music stored on a compatible computer or network-attached storage device can be indexed and played through BluOS.
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 home 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 local 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 USB Type-A connection can be used for compatible music storage or as a USB Audio 2.0 output to an external DAC.
It cannot provide USB music storage and USB digital output at the same time.
Stereo RCA Analogue Output
The rear stereo RCA output uses the NODE's internal ESS Sabre DAC.
It can connect to a suitable line-level input on an integrated amplifier, pre-amplifier, power amplifier or pair of active loudspeakers.
The output can be configured as variable when the NODE will control the listening volume or fixed when the connected amplifier or pre-amplifier provides volume control.
Use Fixed Output When
- Connected to an integrated amplifier
- Connected to a separate pre-amplifier
- The downstream component controls volume
- You want to avoid using two volume controls
- The NODE is being used mainly as a source
Use Variable Output When
- Connected directly to a power amplifier
- Connected directly to compatible active speakers
- The NODE will control system volume
- Remote volume adjustment is required
- No suitable downstream volume control is available
Take Care When Changing Output Mode
Fixed output sends a full-level line signal to the connected equipment.
When connecting directly to a power amplifier or active loudspeakers, select variable output and reduce the NODE's volume before playback begins.
Accidentally sending a full-level fixed signal could produce an extremely high playback level and may damage loudspeakers.
Do Not Connect the RCA Output to a Phono Input
The NODE 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 cartridge signal and is not suitable.
Optical and Coaxial Digital Outputs
Toslink optical and RCA coaxial digital outputs allow the NODE to operate as a network streaming transport.
Digital audio can be sent to a compatible external DAC, integrated amplifier, pre-amplifier or pair of active loudspeakers.
An optical connection provides electrical isolation between components, while coaxial SPDIF provides broad compatibility with conventional Hi-Fi DACs and amplifiers.
The best connection will depend on the available equipment, system design and performance of the internal and external DACs.
USB Audio 2.0 Output
The USB Type-A connection can send digital audio to a compatible USB Audio Class 2.0 DAC.
When a compatible DAC is connected, it can be selected as the active output within the BluOS audio settings.
USB Output Disables the Regular Audio Outputs
Selecting USB Audio output disables the NODE's RCA analogue, optical and coaxial outputs.
Disconnect the USB DAC or return the output selection to Default within the BluOS Controller app to reactivate the regular outputs.
Dirac Live processing is not currently available through USB audio output.
Check USB DAC Compatibility
BluOS cannot install manufacturer-specific Windows or macOS USB drivers.
An external DAC that requires proprietary drivers or does not support standard USB Audio Class 2.0 operation may not work through USB.
Optical or coaxial connection may provide a more compatible alternative.
The USB Socket Is Not a Computer Audio Input
The NODE's USB Type-A connection supports compatible storage drives and USB output to an external DAC.
It does not allow a computer to use the NODE as a USB sound device.
Customers requiring a direct USB-C computer audio input should consider the
Bluesound NODE ICON
.
Combined Analogue and Optical Input
A rear 3.5mm combination input can accept either stereo analogue audio or a Mini Toslink optical digital signal.
Analogue sources can include a CD player, tuner, cassette deck, external phono stage or another suitable line-level component.
Optical sources can include a CD transport, television, games console or another compatible digital source.
A Mini Toslink adaptor is included for use with a conventional Toslink optical cable.
Only One Combination Input Source Can Be Used at a Time
The 3.5mm socket is shared between analogue and optical operation.
It cannot accept an analogue source and an optical source simultaneously.
Connect a Turntable
The NODE does not contain a moving magnet or moving coil phono stage.
A turntable with a switchable built-in phono stage can be connected to the analogue input when set to its line-level output.
A turntable without an internal phono stage requires a suitable external phono pre-amplifier between the cartridge and the NODE.
A Cartridge Cannot Be Connected Directly
The NODE's analogue input expects a line-level signal and does not provide the gain or equalisation required by a phono cartridge.
The
Bluesound HUB
includes a dedicated moving magnet phono input and can share a turntable through a compatible BluOS multi-room system.
HDMI eARC for Television Sound
HDMI eARC allows a compatible television to send audio to the NODE through a single HDMI cable.
Television apps, set-top boxes, disc players and games consoles connected to the television can therefore use the main Hi-Fi system.
HDMI CEC allows compatible television remotes to control basic functions such as volume and standby, depending on the television and system settings.
Correct operation may require eARC, CEC and audio-output settings to be enabled within the television menus.
Dolby Digital Decoding
The NODE can decode compatible Dolby Digital soundtracks and convert them for playback through a two-channel system.
This is useful when watching television, films or games through a conventional stereo amplifier and pair of loudspeakers.
The NODE Is Not an AV Receiver
The NODE does not contain multi-channel power amplification, surround speaker terminals or full home cinema processing.
It is designed primarily for stereo playback and downmixes compatible Dolby Digital audio for a two-channel system.
Customers requiring Dolby Atmos, centre speakers or separate surround channels should consider a dedicated home cinema amplifier or compatible Bluesound soundbar system.
Dirac Live Room Correction Ready
The NODE is compatible with Dirac Live room-correction software.
Dirac Live measures how the loudspeakers interact with the room before creating correction filters intended to improve tonal balance, imaging and low-frequency control.
Calibration can be applied to music from BluOS and compatible connected sources, including sound received through HDMI eARC.
Loudspeaker placement and basic room setup should still be addressed before room correction is measured and applied.
Dirac Live Requires Additional Purchases
A Dirac Live licence is not included with the NODE and must be purchased separately.
Calibration also requires a compatible measurement microphone. Bluesound offers an optional Room Calibration Kit containing a suitable microphone and connection accessories.
Dirac Live works through the NODE's RCA, optical and coaxial outputs, but not through USB audio output.
THX AAA Headphone Amplifier
A full-size 6.3mm headphone socket is powered by THX AAA headphone amplifier technology.
Feed-forward error-correction circuitry is designed to reduce noise and distortion while maintaining a linear response across a broad range of headphone loads.
The headphone output is positioned on the rear panel, helping keep the front and top surfaces uncluttered.
Lower-Impedance Headphones
- 160mW continuous output into 16 ohms
- 230mW continuous output into 32 ohms
- Suitable for many conventional Hi-Fi headphones
- THX AAA low-distortion amplifier design
Higher-Impedance Headphones
- 53mW continuous output into 250 ohms
- 22mW continuous output into 600 ohms
- Suitable for many higher-impedance designs
- Final performance also depends on headphone sensitivity
Impedance alone does not determine how difficult a headphone is to drive. Sensitivity and the listening volume required should also be considered.
Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
Two-way Bluetooth allows the NODE to transmit audio to compatible wireless headphones and speakers.
This provides a convenient alternative to the rear wired headphone connection.
Bluetooth quality and range depend on the receiving headphones, supported codec, distance and local wireless conditions.
Two-Way aptX Adaptive Bluetooth
Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive allows the NODE to receive music from compatible phones, tablets and computers.
Two-way operation means it can also transmit its audio to compatible Bluetooth headphones and speakers.
Bluetooth is convenient for applications and devices that do not connect directly through BluOS, although network playback will normally provide the most consistent route for high-resolution music.
Apple AirPlay 2
Apple AirPlay 2 allows compatible iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV devices to send audio to the NODE.
This provides access to sound from compatible applications that may not be integrated directly into BluOS.
The NODE operates as an AirPlay receiving device. It cannot transmit a BluOS source to separate AirPlay speakers.
Roon Ready
The NODE can operate as a Roon Ready network endpoint within a compatible Roon system.
Music selection, library management and playback are then handled through the Roon interface while the NODE provides the connection to the Hi-Fi system.
A separate Roon subscription and compatible Roon server are required.
BluOS Multi-Room Audio
The NODE can be grouped with compatible Bluesound and BluOS-enabled products throughout the home.
Grouped players can reproduce the same music in synchronisation, while separate rooms can play different sources at the same time.
The BluOS Controller app manages room grouping, playback queues, individual volume levels, streaming services and source selection.
Compatible BluOS products are also available from selected partner manufacturers, allowing the platform to be incorporated into a wide range of Hi-Fi and installed-audio systems.
Wired and Wireless Subwoofer Options
A dedicated mono RCA output allows a compatible powered subwoofer to be connected by cable.
Subwoofer level and crossover controls are provided through the BluOS audio settings.
The
Bluesound PULSE SUB+
can also connect wirelessly within a compatible Bluesound system.
A wired connection is normally preferable when the subwoofer can be positioned within practical cable distance of the NODE.
Gigabit Ethernet and Dual-Band Wi-Fi
The NODE 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 installations
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
Wired Ethernet will normally provide the most predictable performance where suitable network cabling is available.
Proximity-Sensing Touch Controls
A touch-sensitive control panel is positioned on the top of the enclosure.
A proximity sensor illuminates the controls as a hand approaches, providing quick access without leaving the panel permanently illuminated.
- Play and pause control
- Touch-sensitive volume slider
- Five programmable preset buttons
- Two LED status indicators
Presets can provide direct access to regularly used playlists, albums, radio stations and other compatible BluOS content.
Detailed browsing, setup and system configuration are handled through the BluOS Controller app.
Infrared Remote Learning
A front infrared sensor allows the NODE to learn compatible commands from an existing remote control.
This can provide convenient control over functions such as volume, play and pause without adding another dedicated 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.
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.
NODE NANO, NODE or NODE ICON?
Choose NODE NANO When
- You mainly need straightforward music streaming
- Your system does not require physical audio inputs
- HDMI eARC is not required
- A wired headphone connection is not required
- Compact size and lower cost are priorities
- You already own a suitable amplifier or DAC
Choose NODE When
- You need HDMI eARC for television sound
- You want an analogue or optical source input
- A wired THX AAA headphone output is useful
- You require 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 more revealing system
Planning a NODE System
With an Integrated Amplifier
- Connect through stereo RCA, optical or coaxial
- Use fixed RCA output if the amplifier controls volume
- Select a suitable line-level amplifier input
- Do not connect the RCA output to a phono input
- Use the NODE or amplifier DAC as preferred
With a Power Amplifier
- Use variable RCA output from the NODE
- Reduce the volume before initial playback
- Connect passive speakers to the power amplifier
- Use the NODE as the system volume control
- Consider Dirac Live after speaker positioning
With Active Loudspeakers
- Connect through RCA or a compatible digital input
- Use variable output where the NODE controls volume
- Reduce the level before initial playback
- Check the speaker input sensitivity
- Add a wired or wireless subwoofer if required
With an External DAC
- Connect through optical, coaxial or compatible USB
- Compare the external DAC with the NODE's internal DAC
- Check USB Audio Class 2.0 compatibility
- Remember that USB disables the other outputs
- Dirac Live does not operate through USB output
Installation and Setup
The NODE should be placed on a stable equipment support with access to its rear connections and sufficient ventilation.
Initial configuration includes connecting the player to the network, installing any available BluOS updates, selecting the required output mode and signing into compatible streaming services.
Additional setup may include HDMI eARC configuration, infrared remote learning, subwoofer adjustment, local music-library indexing and Dirac Live calibration.
Audio T can help configure the NODE, match it with suitable amplification and demonstrate the BluOS Controller app.
Key Features
- Bluesound performance network music streamer
- Current N132 generation
- BluOS multi-room operating system
- ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M digital-to-analogue converter
- PCM playback up to 24-bit and 192kHz
- DSD playback up to DSD256
- MQA file support
- 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
- BluOS multi-room playback
- Dirac Live Ready
- HDMI eARC input
- Dolby Digital decoding
- Combined stereo analogue and Mini Toslink optical input
- Stereo RCA analogue output
- Fixed or variable analogue output
- Toslink optical digital output
- RCA coaxial digital output
- USB Audio 2.0 digital output
- Compatible USB music-storage playback
- BluOS Local Server Mode
- THX AAA headphone amplifier technology
- Full-size 6.3mm wired headphone socket
- Bluetooth headphone output
- Two-way Bluetooth 5.2
- aptX Adaptive Bluetooth support
- Mono RCA subwoofer output
- Wireless connection to Bluesound PULSE SUB+
- 12V trigger output
- Gigabit Ethernet connection
- Dual-band Wi-Fi 5
- Quad-core 1.8GHz ARM Cortex-A53 processor
- Front infrared sensor with remote learning
- Rear 3.5mm infrared input
- Proximity-sensing touch control panel
- Touch-sensitive volume slider
- Five programmable preset buttons
- Available in black or white matte finishes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bluesound NODE?
It is a network music streamer, DAC, digital pre-amplifier and headphone amplifier that can connect to an existing Hi-Fi system, active speakers or external DAC.
Does the NODE contain an amplifier?
It contains a dedicated headphone amplifier but not a power amplifier for passive loudspeakers. Passive speakers 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 output or a suitable digital connection.
Can it connect directly to a power amplifier?
Yes. Use variable RCA output, reduce the NODE's volume before playback and confirm that the power amplifier is suitably matched.
Does the NODE have balanced XLR outputs?
No. It provides unbalanced stereo RCA output. Choose the NODE ICON if balanced XLR outputs are required.
Can I connect a television?
Yes. HDMI eARC allows compatible television sound to play through the NODE and connected Hi-Fi system.
Does it support Dolby Atmos?
No. The NODE supports Dolby Digital and is designed to downmix compatible content for stereo playback. It is not a Dolby Atmos or multi-channel AV receiver.
Can I connect a CD player?
Yes. A suitable CD player can connect through the shared stereo analogue or Mini Toslink optical input.
Does it have a built-in phono stage?
No. A turntable requires a built-in or external phono stage before it can be connected to the analogue input.
Does it support Dirac Live?
Yes. The NODE is Dirac Live Ready, but a separate licence and compatible calibration microphone are required.
Does Dirac Live work through every output?
Dirac Live works through the RCA, optical and coaxial outputs. It does not currently process audio sent through USB digital output.
Can I connect the NODE to a computer by USB?
No. The USB Type-A connection supports compatible music storage and USB output to an external DAC. It is not a computer audio input.
Can it send audio to an external USB DAC?
Yes. The USB Type-A connection supports USB Audio 2.0 output to a compatible external DAC.
Does USB output disable the other outputs?
Yes. Selecting USB output 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 software supports DSD playback up to DSD256.
Does it support Qobuz Connect?
Yes. Qobuz Connect is included among the NODE'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 through AirPlay 2.
Is the NODE 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 to transmit audio to compatible wireless headphones and speakers.
Can I connect a wired subwoofer?
Yes. The NODE provides a mono RCA subwoofer output and also supports wireless connection to the Bluesound PULSE SUB+.
What is the main difference between NODE and NODE NANO?
The NODE adds HDMI eARC, Dolby Digital decoding, analogue and optical input, wired headphones, a wired subwoofer output and Dirac Live readiness.
What does the NODE ICON add?
The NODE ICON adds dual-mono DAC conversion, balanced XLR outputs, a 5-inch display, two wired headphone sockets and USB-C computer audio input.
Can Audio T configure the NODE?
Yes. Audio T can help with network setup, streaming services, amplifier matching, HDMI eARC, headphones, external DACs, subwoofers, output configuration and Dirac Live preparation.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Expert advice comparing NODE, NODE NANO 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, USB and analogue connection guidance
- Fixed and variable output configuration
- Headphone matching and demonstration
- Turntable and phono-stage advice
- HDMI eARC and television setup
- Dolby Digital configuration
- Wired and wireless subwoofer setup
- USB storage and local music-library configuration
- Network-attached storage advice
- Wi-Fi and wired Ethernet setup
- Streaming-service account configuration
- BluOS Controller app setup and demonstration
- AirPlay 2, Roon and Bluetooth configuration
- Multi-room Bluesound system planning
- Dirac Live preparation and installation guidance
- 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 to your Hi-Fi, television, headphone or multi-room audio system.