Bluesound Node Icon Reference Music Streamer

Description

Bluesound NODE ICON Reference Music Streamer

The Bluesound NODE ICON is a flagship high-resolution music streamer designed for listeners who want the convenience and flexibility of BluOS combined with genuinely premium HiFi performance. Featuring a sophisticated dual-mono DAC architecture, balanced XLR outputs, THX AAA™ headphone amplification and a vibrant 5-inch colour display, NODE ICON takes Bluesound's award-winning streaming platform to a new level.

Designed to connect to a high-quality integrated amplifier, power amplifier, active speakers or headphones, NODE ICON brings together high-resolution streaming, extensive connectivity and advanced digital processing within an elegant aluminium chassis.

Dual-Mono ESS DAC Architecture

At the heart of NODE ICON is an advanced dual-mono DAC design featuring two ESS SABRE ES9039Q2M DACs – one dedicated to each audio channel. This architecture provides exceptional channel separation, wide dynamic range and extremely low distortion, helping NODE ICON deliver a clean, spacious and highly detailed presentation.

Bluesound also incorporates QRONO d2a technology from MQA Labs, designed to improve timing performance during digital-to-analogue conversion. The result is greater precision and a more natural, coherent musical presentation.

Balanced XLR Outputs

For integration with premium HiFi systems, NODE ICON features balanced XLR analogue outputs alongside conventional RCA connections. Balanced outputs provide an excellent connection to compatible integrated amplifiers, pre-amplifiers, power amplifiers and active loudspeakers, particularly where longer cable runs are required.

With a signal-to-noise ratio of up to -129dB through the XLR outputs and THD+N of just 0.0004%, NODE ICON has been engineered to provide an exceptionally clean analogue signal.

BluOS High-Resolution Streaming

NODE ICON is built around the acclaimed BluOS multi-room streaming platform, providing access to a huge range of music services, internet radio and locally stored digital music through the BluOS Controller app.

Direct integrations include Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect and Qobuz Connect, while Apple AirPlay 2 provides straightforward streaming from compatible Apple devices. NODE ICON is also Roon Ready, allowing it to become part of a sophisticated Roon-based music system.

High-resolution audio playback is supported at up to 24-bit/192kHz, alongside DSD256, making NODE ICON equally capable with extensive high-resolution music libraries.

aptX Adaptive Bluetooth

For convenient wireless listening, NODE ICON features two-way Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX™ Adaptive.

Music can be streamed directly to NODE ICON from a compatible smartphone, tablet or computer, while Bluetooth transmission allows audio to be sent from the NODE ICON to compatible wireless headphones. This gives you the convenience of everyday Bluetooth listening alongside the higher performance available through BluOS and wired connections.

THX AAA Headphone Amplification

NODE ICON is also a serious headphone listening solution. Built-in THX Achromatic Audio Amplifier (THX AAA™) technology provides extremely low noise and distortion, allowing high-quality headphones to reveal the detail, dynamics and spaciousness within your music.

Twin full-size 6.3mm headphone outputs are conveniently positioned to provide flexible cable routing, while Bluetooth headphone support provides a wireless alternative.

For listeners who regularly switch between speakers and headphones, NODE ICON can effectively replace the need for a separate music streamer, DAC and headphone amplifier.

5-Inch Colour Display

A striking 5-inch full-colour HD display dominates the front panel, displaying album artwork and playback information while giving NODE ICON a more premium visual presence than previous Bluesound streamers. A backlit touch-sensitive control panel provides quick access to volume, playback and five programmable presets, while a proximity sensor illuminates the controls as you approach.

Extensive Connectivity

NODE ICON provides an extensive selection of analogue and digital connections. Optical and analogue inputs accommodate traditional sources, while USB-C provides a direct connection for a compatible computer. USB-A can also be used with external storage, allowing locally stored music to be accessed through BluOS. HDMI eARC provides a simple connection to modern TVs.

Output options include balanced XLR and RCA analogue connections alongside coaxial, optical and USB digital outputs. A dedicated subwoofer output is also provided, with wireless connectivity available for compatible Bluesound subwoofers.

Dirac Live Ready

NODE ICON is Dirac Live Ready, allowing sophisticated room correction to be added as an optional upgrade. Using acoustic measurements taken within your listening room, Dirac Live can compensate for room-related problems such as standing waves and unwanted resonances. This can provide tighter bass, improved tonal balance and greater clarity from a carefully set-up HiFi system.

*A compatible Dirac Live licence and calibration kit are required separately.

Premium Aluminium Design

The NODE ICON's flagship status is reflected in its construction. Its anodised aluminium chassis provides a significant visual and tactile step up from conventional music streamers, while the gloss black finish and large colour display give it an understated but distinctly premium appearance.

Compact dimensions allow NODE ICON to integrate easily into both traditional HiFi racks and contemporary living spaces.

Key Features:

BluOS high-resolution multi-room streaming

Dual-mono DAC architecture

THX AAA™ headphone amplifier

5-inch full-colour HD display

High-resolution playback up to 24-bit/192kHz

Spotify Connect including Spotify Lossless, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect

Apple AirPlay 2, Roon Ready

Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive

Gigabit Ethernet and dual-band Wi-Fi

Anodised aluminium chassis

The Bluesound NODE ICON is an outstanding choice for anyone looking to build a premium streaming system without sacrificing ease of use. Combining the flexibility of BluOS with dual ESS DACs, balanced XLR outputs, THX AAA headphone amplification and extensive connectivity, it offers a significant step up from a conventional music streamer while remaining remarkably straightforward to use.