Bluesound Node X network player

Bluesound is proud to celebrate its first decade of existence. To mark these 10 years, the brand is offering a 10th anniversary version of the Node, the Node X. Since its inception, the iconic Node has proven that audio quality, convenience, and unmatched value for money can coexist in a compact product.

The Node X offers an optimized version of the Bluesound Node, providing "just add streaming" to a new generation of audiophiles.

BLUESOUND NODE X: NEW FEATURES

The main new feature is the use of the famous and highly efficient Sabre ESS 9028Q2M DAC. This allows the Node X to offer an audiophile design and reproduction. Jitter is close to zero, and the noise level remains ultra-low while providing a wide dynamic range.

The headphone amplifier has been completely redesigned. It now offers truly high-end performance, driven by cutting-edge technologies like THX AAATM technology with its patented error correction system that achieves extremely low levels of noise, distortion, and power consumption, delivering uncompromised headphone listening quality.

The Node X also features HDMI eARC input/output, a new touch control screen, and an ARM® CORTEX™ A53 1.8 GHz management processor.

BLUESOUND NODE X: FEATURES

The Bluesound Node X integrates the BluOS Controller operating system into your existing Hi-Fi setup. This standalone source allows you to access online music services, internet radio, and your own music library stored on your computer, smartphone, or external hard drive (like a USB stick).

This Bluesound Node X network player is equipped with one of the most powerful ARM® CORTEX™ processors: the A53, running at 1.8 GHz. Powerful and extremely fast, this high-end computing component is paired with an 8x oversampled 32-384 kHz architecture!

Additionally, it includes exclusive HybridDigital™ amplification and a digital/analog converter for high-definition music processing.

BLUESOUND NODE X: COMPATIBILITY

The Bluesound Node X provides instant access to millions of tracks. It is fully compatible with many online and high-definition music services: TIDAL®, Spotify®, Rdio®, Qobuz®, and many more.

This network player is also compatible with platforms that group thousands of internet radios. It also allows access to your iTunes library or downloaded audio files stored on your USB NAS, all without turning on your computer. You can control your listening with the app for iOS, Android, Kindle Fire, and computers running Windows and MAC OS X.

The Bluesound Node X is also compatible with the MP3 format as well as most available formats. But it is primarily a high-fidelity network player! It offers the possibility to play high-definition audio formats.

BLUESOUND NODE X: INSTALLATION

Simply connect the Node X to your Hi-Fi or audio-video setup. You can choose between analog or digital outputs.

Then connect it to the network via the RJ45 port or via Wi-Fi. The Bluesound Node X allows you to use your home wireless network. It is also possible to connect it via Bluetooth 5.0 QualCOMM APTX HD (transmitter and receiver).

The Wi-Fi antenna technology is very advanced, and the ARM Cortex processors are ultra-fast, ensuring uninterrupted and latency-free reproduction in all rooms of your home, even with HD audio files. You can sync music throughout your home with multiple Bluesound players and choose different tracks in different places.

The HDMI eARC connectivity allows the connection of a TV or digital video source.

The Node X can be connected to other Bluesound speakers in the house to create and enjoy an intuitive Multi-Room setup. The Node X network player will be controlled directly from the smartphone or computer, or via touch controls with presets, or using the included RC1 remote control, which will also provide access to any nearby Bluesound player.

BLUESOUND NODE X: TESTING AND LISTENING

The playback is characterized by fluidity, precision, dynamics, and transparency, even with relatively complex works. Its resolution and neutrality are significantly superior to the Node version. The use of the Sabre DAC is clearly audible.

The bass is precise, very dynamic, and perfectly controlled. The mid/high range is precise and offers a lot of detail, especially on high-resolution files.

Bluetooth connection, as often, offers a slight drop in quality, but it remains largely acceptable compared to competing products.

Additionally, it always offers the possibility of being connected to a high-end DAC (digital/analog converter) to greatly improve its musical performance. In this configuration, however, this version is less justified. For example, we connected it to the Atoll DAC200 Signature DAC, and the result was exceptional!

Highly recommended +++

AWARDS:

- What Hi-Fi - Best Music Streamer - 2018
- Qobuz - Qobuzissime
- Diapason d'Or 2019
- EISA Award - Best Product - 2021/2022