BLUESOUND NODE AND POWERNODE NEXT GENERATION ANNOUNCED

The hi-res multi-room streaming Bluesound NODE and POWERNODE get new DAC designs, next generation quad-core processors and intuitive touch panel controls with presets.

BLUESOUND NODE AND POWERNODE

Bluesound has announced a new generation of its best-selling NODE Wireless Hi-Res Multi-Room Music Streamer and POWERNODE Wireless Hi-Res Multi-Room Streaming Amplifier. The upgrades include new DAC designs, more powerful processors, and touch panel controls with presets and proximity sensors, while the POWERNODE also receives substantially more power. The new Bluesound NODE and POWERNODE feature a powerful ARM Cortex A53 Quad-Core chipset that processes audio 8 times faster than previous generations of Bluesound architecture.

The Bluesound NODE And POWERNODE Next Generation

BLUESOUND NODE WIRELESS MUSIC STREAMER

The BLUESOUND NODE unlocks the world of hi-res music streaming and multi-room audio to create a modern addition to existing HiFi systems or set of powered speakers.

Inside, the NODE features a new audiophile-grade DAC design with improved performance that not only supports 24-bit/192kHz audio processing, but also MQA. User-friendly software features like tone controls and subwoofer crossover optimization allow you to customize your listening preferences in detail. 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 now features an HDMI eARC input on the back panel. Designed to be as comfortable in a two-channel TV system or gaming console as it is in an audiophile’s dedicated listening room, the NODE provides a hi-res experience no matter where it’s used. Listen to your music through your HiFi system or through wired or wireless headphones, by connecting to the RCA, Toslink optical, aptX HD Bluetooth, 3.5mm jack, Apple devices, or other Bluesound or BluOS enabled players.

The rear panel of the Bluesound NODE hi res, multi room streamer

MULTI ROOM

Bit-perfect music listening can happen away from your HIFI with the NODE as your multi-room hub. The BluOS platform can support up to 64 players, all streaming in 24-bit hi-res audio. With a growing stable of brands and devices being added to the BluOS platform, the NODE opens up a world of hi-res listening options throughout your home.

In addition to using the BluOS Controller app with your smart devices, quick access controls like play/pause, track skipping, and volume are available as touch panel controls, via voice assistants like Apple’s Siri, Amazon Alexa, or Google Voice, by programming your own IR remote or using the optional Bluesound RC1. The intuitive touch panel control with proximity sensor now also features 5 presets. Advanced controls, including tone controls are available in the BluOS Controller app. The NODE can also be integrated into a smart home with full-feature drivers for Lutron, Elan, RTI, Crestron, and other popular home control systems.

BLUESOUND NODE SPECIFICATIONS

• Quad-core 1.8GHz ARM® Cortex™ A53 processor
• 32-bit/384kHz premium DAC design
• HDMI eARC, optical & analogue 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
• Wired & wireless subwoofer output
• Touch controls with presets
• Black or white finish

BLUESOUND POWERNODE WIRELESS MULTI-ROOM MUSIC STREAMING AMPLIFIER

The Bluesound POWERNODE is a HiFi amp reinvented for the streaming age, combining audiophile-grade components and multi-room music capabilities to create a “just add speakers” hi-res sound system for modern music. The amplifier features 80 watts per channel of power. A high-grade DAC delivers up to 24-bit/192kHz of hi-res, studio-quality music, including support for FLAC, MQA, and other popular file formats. Access all the music ever recorded through the BluOS Controller app, connecting you to popular streaming services like Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, SiriusXM, and dozens of others, or from your own music library through Apple AirPlay 2, aptX HD Bluetooth, or even a network-connected drive or USB hard drive.

In one or many rooms, the POWERNODE can be placed either freestanding or in a custom installation rack, allowing you to toggle back and forth amongst a number of listening set-ups with a few taps in the BluOS Controller app.

The POWERNODE is equipped with an array of digital and analogue inputs and outputs. It 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.

The rear panel of the Bluesound POWERNODE wireless multi room hi res streamer/amplifier

HANDS FREE CONTROL

With BluOS built-in, easily create a DIY multi-room hi-res audio system with a few taps of the BluOS Controller app. Additional hands-free controls are available through voice assistants like Siri, Google Voice, or Alexa. For professional smart home installers, full-feature drivers are available for Lutron, Crestron, RTI, Elan, and other popular control systems.

BLUESOUND POWERNODE 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
• Black or white finish

PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

Both feature an easy-to-clean satin finish in either black or white. The NODE will retail for US$549 / GBP549 and the POWERNODE for US$899 / GBP£849. Available for pre-order now, they will begin shipping in June 2021.

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