Introducing the brand new Bluesound Node Icon Reference Streamer—the latest evolution of Bluesound’s renowned streaming platform, and it has now landed at Audio T Manchester!

With a refreshed look, encased in a sleek aluminum chassis, it features a full-colour 5” HD display that provides clear visibility of track information, album artwork and system settings. This addition enhances the user experience and makes it easier to navigate the menus.

We know you're eager to hear all about it, so join us as we take a quick look at the new flagship steamer from Bluesound.

Who are these people?

Bluesound is a Canadian audio company specialising in high-resolution, wireless, multi-room audio systems. Founded in 2013, it is part of the Lenbrook Group, which also owns other audio brands such as NAD Electronics and PSB Speakers.

The company is renowned for its BluOS software, a proprietary multi-room operating system that supports streaming of high-resolution audio (up to 24-bit/192kHz) and integrates with various streaming services like Spotify, TIDAL, Qobuz, and Amazon Music. Handily, BluOS also allows for seamless integration with smart home systems, voice assistants, and control apps.

Generally, Bluesound products are highly regarded for their emphasis on sound quality and compatibility with a wide range of audio ecosystems.More recently collaborating with Cyrus, Roksan and Monitor Audio, making them a popular choice among audiophiles and home audio enthusiasts.

Ok, so back to the Node Icon Reference Streamer…

Offering a plethora of connectivity options, on the input side we have HDMI eARC, optical (TOS), analog (RCA), and USB-C inputs. Output connectivity options are comprehensive too, including a true balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA output, digital outputs are obtained via optical and USB.

It also has a subwoofer output which works via single RCA, and even lets you connect to the Bluesound Pulse subwoofer wirelessly. Talking of which, “over the airway support” comes courtesy of Apple AirPlay 2 and aptX Adaptive Bluetooth for wireless streaming.

Still looking for a route back to 1977 chromey? , THX it may well be, but not this time lad.

The Tomlinson Holman Experiment?

Now, here's an interesting one, there are two THX AAA enabled headphone outputs, Yes, that's right, the famous THX sound format created by Lucasfilm for cinema back in 1977. Now operating more like an audio electronics company that makes THX tuned digital boards and cables for the home cinema and hifi industry. And in this instance, low noise and low distortion are the key benefits for the Node Icon. Both sockets have an input detector and it is possible to use both outputs simultaneously, however the best performance is to be expected with only one pair of headphones connected at a time.

Dirac!

Another feature that sets the Icon apart and showcases its exceptional audio credentials is Dirac Live. For those unfamiliar, Dirac Live is a sophisticated room correction and audio optimisation software designed to elevate the sound quality of home cinemas, studio setups, and other audio systems. Developed by Swedish audio technology company Dirac, it employs advanced algorithms to analyse and correct room acoustics, speaker placement, and other factors that impact audio performance. It's a thoughtful touch that enhances the overall listening experience.

Screen Time!

The 5” display screen is a fantastic upgrade, offering immediate access to playback information without the need to rely solely on external devices like a mobile or tablet. The BluOS operating system remains impressively robust, and its streaming capabilities support a wide range of services, including Amazon Music, Deezer, Napster, Qobuz, and Tidal, ensuring seamless access to your favourite music.

Sound Quality.

At its core, the Node Icon boasts a dual-mono DAC design with two ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M DACs, delivering exceptional dynamic range and ultra-low distortion. This setup ensures crystal-clear, detailed, and dynamic sound reproduction. Adding to this is the inclusion of THX-certified headphone amplifiers, which provide remarkably low noise and distortion-free listening through quality headphones—an upgrade that makes for an outstanding headphone experience, in our humble opinion.

The dual DAC chips bring a balanced design that gives the Node Icon an openness and clarity, noticeably elevating it above the standard Node. The internal DAC of the Icon delivers significant improvements, offering more refined and nuanced audio performance.

Another standout feature is its support for DSD playback. For those with a library of high-resolution audio formats, the Node Icon has you covered.

In short, it ticks all the boxes, making it a superb choice for any music enthusiast!

As always, the proof of the pudding is in the eating—or in this case, the listening! While the specs and features of the Bluesound Node Icon are undoubtedly impressive on paper, the real magic lies in experiencing its performance firsthand. That's why we invite you to get in touch with us at Audio T Manchester to book a personalised demonstration. We’d be delighted to guide you through the Node Icon's remarkable features. Contact us today to arrange your visit, and discover how the Node Icon can transform your listening experience!

Thanks for reading

Munir, James and Dave - Audio T Manchester

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us.

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