bluesound node icon network player

After the huge success of the Bluesound Node network player over the last 5 years, the brand is now entering the high-end segment in terms of functionality, ergonomics and musicality. The Bluesound Node Icon features a host of technical and technological innovations designed to offer the widest possible audience the very highest level of Audiophile quality at an unbeatable price.

THE BLUESOUND NODE ICON: Enclosure and connections

The NODE ICON has been designed to meet the requirements of the most demanding music lovers. It is built in an elegant, high-quality black aluminium chassis. The front is equipped with a superb 5-inch (12.7mm) HD colour screen that displays information about the disc, track or artist, depending on the music service used.

The top of the Bluesound Node Icon case features a black lacquered panel incorporating touch-sensitive buttons and status LEDs. It features 5 buttons for accessing presets, a slider for volume and two buttons for accessing the next or previous song.

The blue LED has two functions: depending on the colour (blue, white, red, flight) and the flashing, it indicates a dozen or so functional states of the Node (power on, network connection, silent mode, reset, etc.). On each side of the box, there is a 6.33mm stereo jack headphone socket.

On the back of the Bluesound Node Icon is a connection panel that meets the needs of the most demanding music lovers.

BLUESOUND NODE ICON : TESTS ET ECOUTE

So we installed the NODE ICON on our mid-range reference system. To give it a real chance, we wired it with an RCA output as well as a balanced XLR output.
We use a Qobuz Hi-Res subscription and the BluOs application.
From the very first measurements we found the qualities that have made the ICON such a success. The ICON offers highly dynamic and transparent reproduction. Added to this is a remarkable sense of detail and subtlety for a device in this range. But compared to a Node 2025, the Icon seems even more dynamic and controlled. Transients appear to be free of a certain amount of compression.
The internal dual DAC built around Sabre 9039Q2M chips is remarkable. It's certainly this part that makes all the difference with competing devices. The balanced output is also a plus! Connected to a balanced device, the Icon offers a more open and even more realistic sound reproduction.
We also connected the Icon to a top-of-the-range Dac and the results were very convincing, demonstrating that its digital output is sufficiently powerful.
The Bluesound Node Icon is clearly a reference streamer in the sub-€2,000 price bracket. It's incredibly versatile and sufficiently neutral to allow listening to all musical genres... it excels just as well on rock or electro as on classical music.
It's also important to note that the application is excellent and rivals the best on the market, which also makes a significant difference to certain ‘fashion’ products.
The connectivity offered by the Icon is complete, and its superb screen is highly legible and perfectly usable.
Our favourite!