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If you’ve got a higher-end HiFi setup, you’ve probably get everything dialed in just how you like it. And then you’re stuck with either hooking your phone in via some Bluetooth adapter somewhere, or trying to approximate a line out level output from your phone to try and stream whatever your audio streamer of choice is. On the other hand, you could opt for something like the Bluesound NODE ICON to get a great piece of hardware into the mix.
Bluesound NODE ICON: what it is
In short, the Bluesound NODE ICON is just like any other piece of equipment that you’d plug in. You’ve got all the inputs and outputs that you could want, allowing it to fit into just about any system. Where things are different, of course, is the fact that this device will hop onto the internet, courtesy of the wired ethernet port, or 802.11ac WiFi. With that, then, you can stream your audio of choice. What all is that? This piece of hardware can stream from AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Roon Ready, and/or Dirac Live Ready. This is pumped through their DAC, helping you get the highest-quality audio you can hope for off of the internet.
Here’s all the other details
- Dual-Mono DAC Design: At the heart of the NODE ICON is its state-of-the-art Dual-Mono DAC architecture, which employs two ESS SABRE® ES9039Q2M DACs. This custom design by Bluesound is engineered to deliver superior dynamic range, ultra-low distortion, and the highest possible resolution.
- QRONO d2a: The NODE ICON supports MQA Labs’ revolutionary QRONO d2a processing technology, improving the overall impulse response and transparency of digital-to-analog conversion and ensuring the very best performance from the Dual-Mono DAC design.
- High-Performance ADC: The NODE ICON features the latest two-channel ES9826 SABRE® for true analog-to-digital conversion. This advanced technology adds virtually no noise or distortion, allowing for the cleanest possible signal path.
- Premium Build Quality: The NODE ICON’s high-quality aluminum chassis and 5” full-color display not only enhance its design appeal, but also provide durability and deepen the music listening experience with vibrant displays of album artwork and track details. Its sleek matte black finish integrates seamlessly into any home audio system.
- Audiophile Grade Connectivity: With a full suite of analog/digital connections, including HDMI eARC and balanced XLR outputs, the NODE ICON is designed for versatility. Whether connecting to high-end amplifiers or home theater systems, the NODE ICON delivers exceptional performance.
- THX AAA™ Technology: Using THX AAA™ headphone amplifier technology, the NODE ICON offers low-noise, distortion-free headphone listening. It also features dual left and right ¼” headphone outputs, providing greater flexibility when connecting headphones.
- Dirac Live Ready: The NODE ICON will support Dirac Live Room Correction with a future software upgrade and additional license purchase. This state-of-the-art technology allows users to measure and correct room acoustics to eliminate distortions and create a perfectly balanced listening experience in any environment.
- Multi-Room Music: The NODE ICON seamlessly integrates into the BluOS ecosystem, allowing for wireless multi-room playback on Bluesound speakers and components around the home. It also allows users to connect the NODE ICON to other BluOS enabled devices from DALI Loudspeakers, Monitor Audio, NAD Electronics, PSB Speakers, and Roksan.
Want to get one? You can do just that for $999 directly from bluesound.com
Bluesound NODE ICON Tech Specs
| Supported Audio File Formats:MP3, AAC, WMA, WMA-L, OGG, ALAC, OPUS | Native Sampling Rates:up to 192 kHz | Signal-to-Noise Ratio:-129dB (XLR) -121dB (RCA) |
| Supported High-Quality Audio File Formats:FLAC, MQA, ALAC, WAV, AIFF, MPEG-4 SLS | Bit Depth:16-24 | Distortion:THD+N, 0.0004% |
| DSD Support:DSD256 | Audio Controls & EQ:BluOS Controller App | Headphone Continuous Output Power (THD<0.1%):150mW, 16Ω / 235mW, 32Ω / 56mW, 250Ω / 23mW, 600Ω |
| Supported Multi-Channel Audio Formats:Dolby Digital® | DAC:ESS ES9039Q2M x2 |
