Bluesound NODE (new version 2021)

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Bluesound presents the third generation Node without adding anything to the name: neither the 3, as it would have been logical to expect, nor any other abbreviation or number. An essential definition that hides, instead, a technological equipment that has made possible a great leap forward compared to the model it replaced.

So many new elements aiming to add power and functionality to what has already been in its previous releases the most efficient high-res wireless streamer in its category.

A product that has been able to make a big step forward compared to its predecessor.

A product that has perfectly combined the hardware qualities with the functionality of BluOS, the Bluesound platform that allows you to easily create and manage a wireless multiroom network of audio devices in the home, with simple and effective interface via smartphone/tablet.

At first glance, the Node 2i (the previous generation) and the new Node appear to have little or no differences: you have to look carefully to spot the larger control panel, which now incorporates a proximity sensor that illuminates the touch buttons as soon as you bring your hand close. Also changing is the type of chassis finish, now matte and always available in black or white.

Inside, the most important and consistent changes, starting with the new processor, also from the ARM Cortex family: there was a single-core A9 at 1 GHz, comes a quad-core A53 at 1.8 GHz. So more computing power and greater speed to ensure performance of a higher category and with superior stability.

Significant change in the DAC section as well, which for a digital audio product par excellence like this means a lot. In the new Node has been integrated a PCM5242 chip with output differential (previously there was a PCM5122 single-ended) that allows, among other things, to achieve a signal-to-noise ratio of -113 dB and with a distortion level of only 0.002%.

Also in the connection area there is a PCM5242 chip with output differential.

The connections area has also been affected by major changes. At the input, an HDMI eArc is added to the analog and digital pair, so you can use the Node in combination with a TV and turn it into the de facto audio and video entertainment center for the whole family. On the output side, the arrival of USB Audio 2.0 allows you to carry the digital audio signal up to 24bit/192kHz to an external DAC or any device with digital input (this feature is not immediately available but will be with the next firmware updates). Specific outputs for subwoofer and headphones. Dual-band Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, support for Bluetooth 5.0 2-way aptX HD.

Airplay2 and Amazon Alexa (soon available also in Italian). Direct management of the most important audio streaming services such as Spotify, Tidal and many others. Support for MQA. There’s one thing that hasn’t changed from the old generation of Node to this latest one, and that’s great news: the list price!