The little brother of the best-selling Bluesound Node (2021) and the entry ticket to the new Node range, the Bluesound Node Nano network player uses the same formula in a more compact and affordable format (€349). The many network features are retained, including Hi-Res streaming at up to 24-bit/192kHz, AirPlay 2/Bluetooth aptX streaming and access to major online music platforms such as Qobuz, Tidal, Spotify and Deezer. What can we expect from this Nano version of the most popular audio streamer?
Included accessories
The Bluesound Node Nano network player comes with a quick installation guide, an Ethernet cable and an RCA-to-RCA cable. Also included are an AC adapter and a USB-C power cable. Note that these accessories can be supplemented with the Bluesound RC1 remote control, to operate the player without using the mobile app.
Presentation
Design
The Bluesound Node Nano streamer forms the entry ticket to the new Bluesound Node range that also includes the Bluesound Node 2025, which replaces the Node 2021, and the Bluesound Node Icon, which tops the range with its large screen. By making a few concessions in terms of connectivity (HDMI eARC, headphone and subwoofer output) and by making the touch-sensitive interface smaller, the Canadian manufacturer has succeeded in offering an even more compact and affordable streamer with the Bluesound Node Nano. Its square format, measuring 14.3cm on each side and 3.6cm thick, makes it easy to place in any hi-fi cabinet, close to the amplifier, or even behind it. While we’d have preferred a metal chassis to a polymer one, the overall impression is one of quality, with a one-piece structure and no traces of assembly.
The beveled front of the Bluesound Node Nano streamer features a touch-sensitive interface at the top. The latter allows you to adjust volume, start or pause music, and activate two pre-configured favorites from the mobile app. You can define your favorite streaming service, a particular playlist or web radio, for example. Unlike the Bluesound Node 2021 and Bluesound Node 2025 players, as well as the Bluesound Powernode 2021 amp, the movement sensor that activates backlighting as soon as the hand is near the device has been omitted on this version. As a result, the lighting is constant when the device is in operation, which can disturb you when it is installed close to the TV, or steal the limelight from other elements of the hi-fi system. Fortunately, it is possible to reduce the brightness, or even deactivate it entirely.
24-bit/192kHz DAC
The Node Nano retains the Quad-Core 1.8 GHz ARM Cortex A53 processor that proved its worth on the Bluesound Node 2021 and Bluesound Node X. It offers high computing power to optimize music indexing, ensure smooth navigation through a large collection of digital titles and limit jitter during playback. It is combined with an ESS ES9039Q2M DAC, more modern than the Node 2021 model. The latter supports most audio formats (MP3, AAC, WMA, WMA-L, OGG, ALAC, OPUS, FLAC, MQA, WAV, AIFF, MPEG-4 SLS) at a resolution of up to 24-bit/192kHz. For the first time on a Node streamer, this DAC promises to support DSD after an update. In addition, it benefits from ESS Sabre’s Hyperstream IV technology to maximize dynamics and limit distortion. As a result, the Bluesound Node Nano offers a very high signal-to-noise ratio of 118 dB, with distortion of less than 0.0007%!
HD streaming
The Bluesound Node Nano network player is based on the Canadian manufacturer’s flagship BluOS system. Thanks to the latter, it benefits from numerous streaming options, and can access thousands of worldwide Internet radio stations, as well as the majority of online music services such as Spotify, Deezer, Deezer Hi-Fi, Qobuz, Napster and Tidal. From the BluOS app, it is also possible to play music shared on the local network. However, this is only possible via a Roon system or SMB sharing, which can be complex to configure. A pity, as DLNA support would have made things much easier.
To listen to music stored on a smartphone, tablet or computer, as well as that played from any mobile app, the Bluesound Node Nano network player offers compatibility with the AirPlay 2 protocol. This enables streaming at up to 16-bit/48kHz quality from any Apple device (iPhone, iPod, iPad or Mac). For Android devices or sources not connected to the local network, music can be listened to via Bluetooth thanks to the Node Nano’s built-in receiver, which supports the aptX Adaptive codec in charge of minimizing compression and latency, thus ensuring good sound quality with compatible sources. What’s more, the Bluesound Node Nano’s Bluetooth controller is bidirectional, so it can also be used as a transmitter to stream music to Bluetooth headphones or wireless earbuds.
Multi-room
In addition to streaming, BluOS system compatibility allows the Bluesound Node Nano network player to be integrated into a multi-room group comprising BluOS-compatible NAD, Roksan or Bluesound components. Up to 64 devices can be linked, making it ideal for distributing music throughout the home. What’s more, multi-room groups can also be created with other AirPlay 2-compatible devices and speakers.
Connectors
The concessions made by the brand to make this streamer more affordable are mainly reflected in the connectors. As we said earlier, the Bluesound Node Nano does without the HDMI eARC for TV, the headphone output and the subwoofer output. You’ll need to connect the subwoofer directly to the amp, or opt for the Bluesound Pulse Sub+ wireless subwoofer. Other than that, the connectivity remains decent enough, with an RCA output whose level can be fixed or variable. A coaxial and optical output are also provided for an external DAC, while the USB-A port lets you connect a USB stick or external hard drive. Cleverly, this USB port is bi-directional and can also be used to connect an external DAC.
Control and management
The Bluesound Node Nano network player is controlled mainly via the BluOS mobile app for iOS and Android. The app’s interface is simple, intuitive and stable. You simply navigate through music files shared over the local network (Roon or SMB), web radios and the various associated streaming services. The latter are, on the whole, well integrated, although certain functions such as Qobuz recommendations are absent.
During playback, the player displays the track, album art and additional information on the title, including its resolution. You can also create playlists from your digital files and customize the player (programmable controls, automatic sleep mode, bass and treble settings, etc.). It’s also possible to set an alarm. Coupled with the trigger output, this function automatically switches on the hi-fi system to wake you up to the sound of your favorite playlist or radio.
Configuration
The Bluesound Node Nano network player is easily set up using the BluOS mobile app, available free of charge for iOS and Android. Once launched, it scans for nearby devices and the streamer is detected. All that’s left to do is select the home WiFi network to get the player up and running.
Listening impressions
The Bluesound Node Nano streamer offered an audio experience that was very similar to that of the Node 2021, with a sound reproduction that was both clear and natural. The sound was characterized by purity, transparency and exceptional clarity. Every musical detail stood out, especially with high-resolution files, where the improvement in quality was obvious. The finest nuances of recordings were reproduced with remarkable precision.
Without claiming to match the openness of high-end dual-DAC models like the Eversolo DMP-A6, the Bluesound Node Nano player managed to create a soundstage spacious enough to allow instruments and chords to be expressed freely and naturally. The sound image was ample and well-defined, with remarkably pronounced vocals in the center of the stage. On Diana Krall’s album This Dream of You, the smooth, creamy grain of the singer’s voice was palpably and authentically reproduced. Every intonation was captured with astonishing precision, revealing the subtle nuances of her performance.
Instruments also benefited from this clarity and definition, as each note was distinct and well rendered. Whether it was delicate piano chords or guitar riffs, every element found its place in perfect harmony. The tonal balance was equally well handled, reproducing each performance with naturalness, without artifice. Highs were crystalline without ever becoming aggressive, while the mids were rich and textured. Deep, well-controlled bass added a solid foundation to the whole.
Bluesound Node Nano vs Node 2021
The new Bluesound Node Nano streamer features the key elements of the Bluesound Node (2021) but removes the HDMI eARC input, as well as the headphone and subwoofer outputs, while rethinking certain elements, including the tactile interface and format. These mainly visual and functional changes in no way detract from the performance of this little streamer, which is almost on a par with its big brother. While the Node (2021) remains slightly more dynamic and clear, the Node Nano retains all the characteristics that have made this now comprehensive range so successful, with a transparent, natural, well-balanced reproduction and great ease of use.
Who is this streamer for?
If you’re after the Bluesound Node (2021) or Bluesound Node 2025, the new Bluesound Node Nano offers a more affordable alternative without sacrificing musical performance. If your installation allows you to do without HDMI eARC and a headphone output, this little streamer will bring a modern touch to your system for enjoying digital music and Hi-Res streaming services. It’s also an excellent complement to other Bluesound Node players, enabling you to bring sound to your whole house thanks to the powerful BluOS multi-room ecosystem.
Conclusion
The Bluesound Node Nano streamer has all the cards in hand to enjoy the same success as the Bluesound Node (2021), leader in its category since its release. It preserves the essence of what made the Node (2021) so popular, in a more affordable version that only makes a few concessions regarding connectivity and the control interface. Despite these adjustments, the Node Nano in no way compromises the musical performance, with a transparent, natural reproduction and a balance that honors all frequency ranges. The Bluesound Node Nano is not content to live in the shadow of its predecessor, but asserts its own identity by offering a compact, affordable alternative without sacrificing sonic excellence.
We liked:
- The value for money
- The transparent sound
- The natural tones
We would have liked:
- To have kept the presence sensor for the backlighting
- To have kept the HDMI eARC connector
- A wider soundstage
- DLNA rather than SMB compatibility
