Bluesound renews the Node range with 3 streamers

Audio streamer specialist Bluesound completes its range of network players with three new models: the Bluesound Node 2025, Bluesound Node Nano and Bluesound Node Icon. With this trio, the manufacturer aims to consolidate its leading position in the face of recent arrivals such as Eversolo and WiiM.

The king of streamers

Launched over 10 years ago with the first Bluesound Node, the Node series has established itself over the years as the benchmark for audio streaming. Each model in the range has since met with great success, with the Bluesound Node 2021 being the bestseller in its category, with countless awards including an EISA award and five What Hi-Fi? stars. However, recent rivals Eversolo and WiiM are gaining ground in this competitive market. With this new trio of streamers, Bluesound aims to offer a wider range to cover all needs and budgets.

Bluesound Node Nano: a great way to get started

The entry-level model in the new Node range, the Bluesound Node Nano inherits the best of the Bluesound Node 2021 in a more compact, affordable format. To achieve this, it makes a few concessions in terms of connectivity, with the removal of HDMI eARC, the headphone jack and the subwoofer output. The tactile control interface has also been redesigned, in keeping with the compact format. The audio architecture, however, remains of the highest quality, with an ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M DAC compatible with 24-bit/192kHz, MQA and now DSD (update to come).

Read: Bluesound Node Nano review

The Bluesound Node Nano benefits from the same features as the rest of the range, with access to streaming services, web radios, multi-room and AirPlay 2 or Bluetooth streaming. Its USB-A port lets you play files stored on a USB stick, or connect an external DAC. RCA, optical and coaxial outputs round out the connectivity, making it easy to pair with any amp, active speaker or DAC. This latest-generation streamer is already in stock on Son-Vidéo.com. Priced at €349, it is situated between the WiiM Pro + and WiiM Ultra.

Bluesound Node 2025: the revisited bestseller

A direct replacement for the acclaimed Bluesound Node 2021, the Bluesound Node 2025 retains its shape and touch-sensitive interface with a presence sensor to activate backlighting as soon as you move your hand close. To perfect this model, it uses a new ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M DAC and a redesigned audio circuit to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio and optimize transparency. The headphone amp also gets a makeover with the use of THX AAA-78 modules inherited from the Bluesound Node X.

In terms of connectivity, the Bluesound Node 2025 differs from the Node Nano by the addition of a mini-jack analog and optical digital input, as well as an HDMI ARC port. The latter lets you connect a TV to enjoy the soundtrack on the living room hi-fi system, or in any room equipped with a BluOS-compatible multi-room system. This 2025 version of the Bluesound Node is now available for pre-order on Son-Vidéo.com at a price of €599. First deliveries are scheduled for mid-September 2024.

Bluesound Node Icon: the most ambitious

Flagship of the Bluesound range, the Bluesound Node Icon aims to dethrone the EverSolo DMP-A6 and EverSolo DMP-A6 Master Edition with its large 5″ (12.7cm) front-panel display. Although it’s not touch-sensitive, it adds a playful touch to music playback by displaying cover art and a wealth of information about the tracks currently playing. The screen is complemented by a tactile interface on the top of the device for controlling music without using the mobile app.

The Bluesound Node Icon streamer also stands out from the rest of the range with an even more advanced design, featuring ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M dual DAC architecture. The use of two DACs promises greater openness and precision. It is combined with QRONO d2a technology to eliminate synchronization errors and align the temporal response with the original recording. This promises optimum playback of Hi-Res files up to 24-bit/192kHz, DSD and MQA.

The Bluesound Node Icon uses the same connectors as the Node 2025, to which it adds a USB-C input for use as a USB DAC with a computer, smartphone or tablet. The USB-A port is doubled for reading files from an external hard drive, while an RCA input is added for associating an analog source such as a pre-amplified turntable. This can then be listened to on headphones via the dual 6.35mm jack output, or streamed in a multi-room system. Finally, the RCA output is complemented by an XLR output. The latter are of fixed or variable level, enabling the streamer to be used as a source or preamplifier, with a power amp or active speakers.

Priced at €1099, the Bluesound Node Icon is also available for pre-order on Son-Vidéo.com. It will be previewed at the Paris Audio Video Show 2024, and will be available in late October.

Bluesound Node 2025 vs Node Nano vs Node Icon

All three Bluesound streamers use the BluOS ecosystem and therefore offer the same streaming options. They can play music shared on the network in SMB, access web radios, as well as the majority of streaming services such as Qobuz, Tidal, Spotify or Deezer. Streaming is possible with AirPlay 2 and now with Bluetooth aptX Adaptive. This Bluetooth module is bi-directional, enabling both reception and broadcasting to Bluetooth speakers or wireless headphones. Multi-room is also possible with other BluOS or AirPlay 2 compatible devices. The differences between the Bluesound Node 2025, Node Nano and Node Icon therefore lie mainly in the connectivity and audio components. The table below shows these major differences.

With these three new models, the Canadian manufacturer now offers a comprehensive range of streamers to suit all systems and budgets. All the more reason for the company to maintain its position as leader in this field for many years to come.