HDMI ARC has established itself as the standard in the worlds of hi-fi and home theater, facilitating the integration of connected amplifiers and receivers with TVs for simpler everyday use. With its new Bluesound Powernode 2025 hi-fi amplifier, the brand goes one step further: the device now supports Dolby Digital and inaugurates a third set of speaker terminals dedicated to the center channel for 3.1-channel home theater, or even 5.1-channel by associating it with a pair of Bluesound wireless rear speakers.
Improved DirectDigital amplification
Successor to the best-selling Bluesound Powernode 2021, the Bluesound Powernode 2025 introduces new DirectDigital amplification, now combined with GaN (Gallium Nitride) transistors to drastically reduce distortion while improving energy efficiency. The result is a smoother, more precise sound reproduction, with a full, natural soundstage. This brings power output to 2 x 100W into 8 ohms, compared to 2 x 80W RMS previously. But the real change brought about by the Bluesound Powernode 2025 is embodied in a third pair of terminals for connecting a center speaker. This enables a three-channel configuration (L+C+R), with 80W of power per channel.
A solution designed for modern home theater
While the Powernode 2025 is first and foremost a connected hi-fi amplifier, Bluesound hasn’t forgotten movie buffs. Thanks to its HDMI eARC input, it aims to transform the TV sound into an immersive experience. Audio transmission is perfectly synchronized with the picture, and volume control can be done directly via the TV’s remote control, simplifying day-to-day use.
Dolby Digital compatibility completes the equation by supporting multichannel formats, with the option of 3.1-channel playback (L+C+R mode), allowing a center channel to be added to the stereo speakers to enhance dialogue clarity. It can also be connected wirelessly to Bluesound rear speakers to create a 5.1-channel system.
High-resolution streaming
The Bluesound Powernode 2025 uses the BluOS ecosystem, the backbone of Bluesound and NAD connected equipment. This streaming platform provides access to over 20 online music services (Qobuz, Tidal, Deezer, Amazon Music, Spotify…), thousands of Internet radio stations and a local library of up to 200,000 titles. Hi-Res Audio files are supported in 24-bit/192kHz, DSD256 and MQA, guaranteeing a faithful reproduction of the original recordings. Integration of AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect offers great flexibility, while the Roon Ready certification will appeal to the most discerning music management users.
With BluOS, the Powernode also becomes a link in a multi-room system. It can synchronize playback with other Bluesound or NAD devices to enjoy music throughout the house. Multi-room listening is also possible with AirPlay 2-compatible equipment.
Bi-directional Bluetooth and headphone amplifier
The major new feature of this generation is two-way Bluetooth 5.2 aptX Adaptive. In receiver mode, it makes it easy to stream music from a smartphone or tablet without having to go through the BluOS app. But it’s in transmission mode that this function is particularly attractive: the Powernode 2025 can send sound to Bluetooth headphones or speakers. Wired listening is also possible, thanks to the integrated headphone amplifier. The latter uses THX AAA modules, capable of delivering precisely the right amount of power to a wide range of headphones and earbuds.
Modern design and intuitive interface
Visually, the Powernode 2025 follows Bluesound’s aesthetic codes: sobriety, compactness and elegance. The proximity-sensor touchscreen interface makes daily use easy: five quick-access presets let you launch your favorite playlists, radio stations or sources in a single gesture. Despite its compact size, the Powernode 2025 offers a particularly comprehensive connectivity package:
- HDMI eARC for TVs, optical, mini-jack and stereo RCA inputs for audio sources
- USB-C for PC/Mac and USB-A for external storage
- 6.35mm THX AAA headphone output
- Subwoofer output (wired or wireless with Pulse Sub+)
- 3 sets of speaker terminals compatible with bare cable, spade and banana plugs
- Gigabit Ethernet, dual-band Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.2 aptX Adaptive
Thanks to its comprehensive connectivity, the Bluesound Powernode 2025 amplifier efficiently centralizes all the sources of a modern audio/video system.
With the Powernode 2025, Bluesound has created a compact, elegant connected amplifier that combines power, musicality and versatility. It offers a unique three-channel solution that will convince users looking for a high-performance hi-fi system without sacrificing home theater immersion. It is now available for pre-order on Son-Vidéo.com at a price of €1099.
