Bluesound Node Hi-Res Music Streamer
Bluesound Node Hi-Res Music Streamer at Vinyl Sound Buffalo, NY The Node is a hi-res wireless music streamer from Bluesound (Mississauga, Ontario, Canada), available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, NY. Powered by a quad-core 1.8GHz ARM Cortex-A53 processor and the audiophile-grade ESS SABRE ES9039Q2M DAC, it delivers precise, low-jitter digital-to-analog conversion at up to 32-bit/384kHz. The Node integrates seamlessly with any existing stereo amplifier, AV receiver, or powered speaker system, and connects to hundreds of streaming services, internet radio stations, and personal music libraries via the BluOS Controller app for iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS. With HDMI eARC, aptX Adaptive Bluetooth 5.0, dual-band Wi-Fi 5, Gigabit Ethernet, and a built-in THX AAA headphone amplifier, the Node is one of the most comprehensively connected streamers in its class. ESS SABRE DAC and THX AAA Headphone Amplification At the core of the Node is the ESS SABRE ES9039Q2M DAC, a precision-engineered conversion circuit designed to minimize jitter and electromagnetic interference for a clean, detailed analog output. Paired with this is a built-in THX AAA headphone amplifier, which uses feed-forward error correction technology to deliver ultra-low distortion and wide dynamic range from the 3.5mm headphone output. The Node also supports DSD playback natively, making it compatible with some of the highest-resolution music files available today. For home theater integration, onboard Dolby Digital decoding via the HDMI eARC input allows the Node to extract and decode multichannel audio from a connected television, delivering a significant upgrade over standard TV audio without requiring a separate processor. BluOS Multiroom Platform and Connectivity The Node runs BluOS, Bluesound's proprietary operating system that enables seamless multi-room audio across all compatible players. The BluOS Controller app provides access to Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Qobuz, Amazon Music, and dozens of additional services, as well as network-shared local libraries of up to 200,000 indexed tracks. Two-way aptX Adaptive Bluetooth 5.0 allows the Node to both receive audio from a phone or tablet and transmit wirelessly to Bluetooth headphones or speakers. Apple AirPlay 2 ensures synchronized playback across AirPlay-compatible devices throughout the home. Amazon Alexa integration via the BluVoice skill allows hands-free voice control. The proximity-sensing top panel illuminates touch controls for five programmable presets, volume, and track navigation only when a hand is nearby, keeping the unit clean and uncluttered at rest. Key Features ESS SABRE ES9039Q2M DAC: Audiophile-grade digital-to-analog conversion at up to 32-bit/384kHz, engineered to reduce jitter and interference for detailed, accurate playback. THX AAA Headphone Amplifier: Built-in headphone stage using THX AAA feed-forward error correction for ultra-low distortion and high clarity from the 3.5mm output. HDMI eARC Input: Extracts audio from a connected TV for high-quality streaming and Dolby Digital decoding, doubling as a home theater upgrade. DSD Playback Support: Handles DSD audio files natively alongside FLAC, MQA, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, and other hi-res formats. aptX Adaptive Bluetooth 5.0: Two-way Bluetooth for both receiving and transmitting audio, with aptX Adaptive codec support for higher bandwidth and lower latency. Dual-Band Wi-Fi 5 and Gigabit Ethernet: 802.11ac Wi-Fi on 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands plus 1000 Mbps wired Ethernet for stable, uninterrupted network playback. BluOS Multiroom Control: Integrates with all Bluesound and NAD BluOS-compatible players for synchronized or independent multi-room playback managed from a single app. Dirac Live Ready: Supports Dirac Live room correction as an optional upgrade, allowing acoustic measurement and digital correction for the listening environment. Proximity-Sensing Touch Controls: Top panel illuminates on approach with touch LED controls for five presets, volume slider, play/pause, and track skip. Roon Ready Certified: Full Roon endpoint support for users of the Roon music management platform. Variable and Fixed Analog Output: Stereo RCA output can operate in variable mode to drive a power amplifier directly or fixed mode for use with a preamplifier or integrated amplifier. Subwoofer Output: Dedicated RCA subwoofer output with BluOS bass management, plus network pairing to the Bluesound PULSE SUB+. Technical Specifications DAC ESS SABRE ES9039Q2M, 32-bit/384kHz Processor ARM Cortex-A53, Quad-Core, 1.8GHz per core Native Sampling Rates Up to 192kHz Bit Depth 16-bit to 24-bit Performance SNR -113dBA; THD+N 0.002% Network (Wireless) Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Dual-Band 2.4GHz / 5GHz Network (Wired) Gigabit Ethernet RJ45, 1000 Mbps Bluetooth Bluetooth 5.0, aptX Adaptive, Two-Way (Transmit and Receive) Audio Input Mini TOSLINK/3.5mm Stereo Combo; HDMI eARC Audio Output (Analog) Stereo RCA (Fixed or Variable) Audio Output (Digital) Coaxial RCA; TOSLINK Optical; USB Audio 2.0 Headphone Output (Wired) 3.5mm Stereo (THX AAA Amplifier) Headphone Output (Wireless) Bluetooth aptX Adaptive Subwoofer Output RCA; Network Pairing to Bluesound PULSE SUB+ USB Type-A Port for External Drive (FAT32 or NTFS) Trigger 12V Trigger Out IR Remote Built-In IR Sensor (Front Panel); IR Remote Learning; 3.5mm IR Input Jack Supported Audio Formats MP3, AAC, WMA, WMA-L, OGG, ALAC, OPUS Supported Hi-Res Formats FLAC, MQA, WAV, AIFF, MPEG-4 SLS, DSD Operating System BluOS App Compatibility iOS, Android, Windows Vista/7/8/10, macOS 10-11 Network File Sharing SMB, up to 200,000 track index 3rd-Party Integration AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Roon Ready, Dirac Live (optional) Voice Control Amazon Alexa (BluVoice); Google Assistant Control Systems Control4, Crestron, URC, RTI, ELAN, Lutron Finish Black or White, Matte Satin Dimensions 220 x 46 x 146 mm (8.7 x 1.8 x 5.7 in) Weight 1.09 kg / 2.4 lbs Power Universal AC Input, 100-240V Operating Temperature 0°C to 40°C Connections at a Glance HDMI eARC Input (TV/AV connection) Mini TOSLINK / 3.5mm Combo Input Stereo RCA Analog Output (Fixed or Variable) Coaxial RCA Digital Output TOSLINK Optical Digital Output USB Audio 2.0 Output 3.5mm Headphone Output (THX AAA) RCA Subwoofer Output 12V Trigger Output 3.5mm IR Input RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet Type-A USB Port (External Storage) What's in the Box Bluesound Node Hi-Res Music Streamer 120V AC Power Cord 230V AC Power Cord Ethernet Cable Stereo RCA to RCA Cable TOSLINK Optical to 3.5mm Mini Adaptor Safety and Warranty Guide Quick Setup Guide Awards and Critical Recognition What Hi-Fi? Award 2022 — Best Music Streamer (Bluesound Node 2021 generation) SoundStage! Network Reviewers' Choice Award 2021 SoundStage! Network Product of the Year 2021 — Exceptional Value category BluOS Platform — SoundStage! Network Product of the Year 2021, Hall of Fame category Frequently Asked Questions What is the Bluesound Node? The Bluesound Node is a hi-res wireless music streamer and streaming DAC from Bluesound, a Canadian audio brand based in Mississauga, Ontario. It features an ESS SABRE ES9039Q2M DAC, a quad-core 1.8GHz ARM Cortex-A53 processor, and a THX AAA headphone amplifier, supporting playback up to 24-bit/192kHz and formats including FLAC, MQA, DSD, and WAV. It connects to any stereo amplifier, AV receiver, or powered speaker system and provides access to streaming services, internet radio, and local music libraries via the BluOS platform. How does the Bluesound Node compare to the WiiM Pro Plus, Cambridge Audio MXN10, and Eversolo DMP-A6? The Bluesound Node competes directly with the WiiM Pro Plus, Cambridge Audio MXN10, and Eversolo DMP-A6 in the hi-res streaming DAC category. The WiiM Pro Plus offers a lower entry point and strong app polish but lacks the Node's THX AAA headphone amplifier and HDMI eARC input. The Cambridge Audio MXN10 is widely praised for outright sonic dynamics and rhythm, though it does not include an onboard headphone amp or subwoofer output. The Eversolo DMP-A6 adds a touchscreen display and more extensive DSP options but at a higher price. The Node differentiates itself through its BluOS multiroom ecosystem, Dirac Live room correction support, HDMI eARC for TV integration, and the broadest range of physical inputs and outputs in its class. Can the Bluesound Node function as a preamplifier? Yes, the Bluesound Node can operate as a preamplifier. Its stereo RCA analog output can be switched to variable mode within the BluOS app, allowing the Node to control volume directly and connect to a power amplifier without an intervening preamplifier. Fixed output mode is also available for use with a traditional preamplifier or integrated amplifier in the signal chain. What is Dirac Live and how does it work with the Node? Dirac Live is a room correction system that measures the acoustic characteristics of a listening room and applies digital filters to compensate for bass buildup, reflections, and frequency response unevenness caused by room geometry. On the Bluesound Node, Dirac Live is available as an optional paid upgrade through the Dirac website. Once activated, a compatible measurement microphone (sold separately) is used with the Dirac app to analyze the room, and the resulting correction filters are applied directly within the Node's signal path for cleaner, more balanced sound at the listening position. What streaming services does the Bluesound Node support? The Bluesound Node supports a broad range of streaming services through the BluOS platform, including Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Qobuz, Amazon Music, and Deezer, along with hundreds of internet radio stations. It is also Roon Ready certified for users of the Roon music management ecosystem. Apple AirPlay 2 and two-way aptX Adaptive Bluetooth 5.0 provide additional pathways for streaming from mobile devices and computers. The full and current list of supported services is available at bluesound.com. Is the Bluesound Node compatible with multi-room audio systems? Yes, the Bluesound Node is a full participant in the BluOS multiroom audio ecosystem. It can be grouped with other Bluesound players, including the Pulse soundbars, Pulse Flex, Powernode, and Vault, as well as select NAD amplifiers and receivers that run the BluOS operating system. All players in a BluOS group can be controlled simultaneously from the BluOS Controller app, with synchronized playback across rooms or independent streams to each zone. The Node also supports AirPlay 2 multiroom for homes using Apple ecosystem devices. Where can I buy the Bluesound Node in Buffalo, NY or the Western New York area? The Bluesound Node is available at Vinyl Sound, located in Buffalo, NY, serving the Western New York and greater Buffalo area. Vinyl Sound is an authorized Bluesound dealer, ensuring full US warranty coverage, factory firmware support, and expert guidance on system matching and setup. Visit vinylsound.com or contact the Buffalo store directly for current availability and to discuss pairing the Node with amplifiers, speakers, or other components in your system.
