Bluesound Gen 3 streamers
1 August 2021
Bluesound has refreshed its excellent NODE 2i music streamer and POWERNODE 2i streaming amplifier. Gen 3 NODE and POWERNODE incorporate new DAC designs, more powerful quad-core processors and intuitive touch panel controls with presets.
NODE is a hi-res music streamer that works either as a source in a hi-fi system or with active ( powered) speakers. POWERNODE is a music streamer with built-in amplification so requires only a pair of speakers connected.
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. It is also equipped with an array of digital and analogue inputs and outputs for maximum versatility. Bring music into your 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 your own music library. The NODE also now features an HDMI eARC input on the back panel, to keep your setup flexible and future-friendly – NODE can b used in a two-channel TV system or gaming console as well as in a music system.
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 analogue, 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
POWERNODE features all the new streaming capabilities of NODE, with 80 watts p/c of power (20w more than it’s predecessor). A high-grade DAC delivers up to 24-bit/192kHz of hi-res, studio-quality music, including support for FLAC and MQA. Access all the music ever recorded through the BluOS Controller app, connecting you to popular streaming services like Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz and more, from your own music library through Apple AirPlay 2, aptX HD Bluetooth, or even a network-connected drive or USB hard drive.
POWERNODE is equipped with an array of digital and analogue inputs and outputs, 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 your 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 your music into your favourite speakers, other BLUESOUND players or BluOS devices, Bluetooth headphones, wired headphones, Apple AirPlay devices, or other network-connected speakers.
POWERNODE KEY FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS:
- HybridDigital™ amplifier platform powering 80 watts 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 presets