Bluesound Node Icon Streamer Review

[ban25]

I wonder if the slow filter is a moot point when running with Dirac enabled at 192 kHz.

 

[Mnyb]

That’s not quite accurate. To demonstrate that people prefer wearing bra’s, a large and varied sample will fail to demonstrate a preference. But if you separated men and women, then you can start to show differences. Same with political parties in the U.S.

But you do need a sufficient number of repeated tests for those who do have a preference for a slower filter though. Everyone doesn’t have to prefer it. You just need a market of preference.

Even a study showing a strong dislike for QRONO would be interesting because it shows there is an audible difference.

As it stands, it may not be audible at all.

+1
And as QRONO is not reproducing the signal correctly it reflects badly on the content creator if it were audible at all .
Hence it’s should be optional even if it worked for some content, there is actually well recorded stuff out there too .
Switch it on if some content need it ( if audiable) .

But it feels like the people behind this have tried this for at least fifteen years or more without proving anything. It is the meridian apodizing filter then turned a part of MQA then turned into QRONO ? It’s sadly also part of ROON as they also comes from that sphere of influence, but they have the courtesy of making it optional as you should so you can simply choose proper reconstruction of your signal if that’s what needed .

 

[Mnyb]

I wonder if the slow filter is a moot point when running with Dirac enabled at 192 kHz.

Yes the artifacts this product shows when running Dirac or eq dwarfs the filter pseudo problems .

 

[GXAlan]

Yes the artifacts this product shows when running Dirac or eq dwarfs the filter pseudo problems .

The real frustrating part is that if it’s now $1149+249 for Dirac = $1400

Vs

https://www.adorama.com/onktxrz50.h...pMg8HyPCvbccR_A2&utm_source=inc-google-shop-p

The Node Icon is a luxury/lifestyle product where you are now being asked to pay a lot extra just for the convenience of a smaller form factor.

 

[MaadScience]

The real frustrating part is that if it’s now $1149+249 for Dirac = $1400

Vs

View attachment 434497
https://www.adorama.com/onktxrz50.h...pMg8HyPCvbccR_A2&utm_source=inc-google-shop-p

The Node Icon is a luxury/lifestyle product where you are now being asked to pay a lot extra just for the convenience of a smaller form factor.

If the “lifestyle” you refer to is that of an audiophile, then well… yes. Absolutely a luxury product, with a price to match, and for that you get apparently a far better measuring (and one would hope, sounding) product, despite the shortcomings.

If anything, the AVR that combines streaming, dac, amp, etc. into one box is more convenient than building a system yourself.

 

[darth]

Pay a lot extra just for the convenience of a smaller form factor.

Weirdly enough my frugal wife would rather want me to pay more for a smaller footprint than a monstrosity lol

 

[blackiridium]

Thanks for the review! I recently purchased a Node Icon and can offer my perspective on what made it a no-brainer for my particular use case and why its price didn’t seem out of line for me (a recently retired married guy in a smallish house). I use the Icon along with an Apollon Purifi 1ET6525SA ST amp, KEF LS-50 Meta speakers, and a Bluesound Pulse Sub+. The Icon and amp live out-of-sight in a cabinet.

1. It runs BlueOS. After having an older Node and an NAD C399 with BlueOS module, my wife and I have gotten used to and actually like the app despite its “quirks” and are loathe to change. The app has been rock-solid stable, runs well on iPhone, and is frequently updated and well-supported.
2. It integrates wirelessly with the Pulse Sub+. This is a great sub for me. I have in-home auditioned at least six other subs and the combination of form, size, and sound of the Pulse hit the sweet spot. Because of its location, running a sub cable is out of the question. I’ve tried three wireless adapters and found them either unreliable or to hum/buzz. In contrast, the integrated wi-fi connection to Bluesound devices is reliable and silent.
3. It has integrated Dirac support. I find it really easy to calibrate for various listening positions and love the ability to switch instantly between up to five filters in BlueOS. (I don’t think I need to convince ASR members of the benefits of equilization!)
4. It has an IR in jack. I know, “a what??” My hi-fi doubles as an AV receiver and I love the ability to control the TV, Roku box, and Icon with a single Logitech Harmony remote when streaming movies or watching OTA TV.

Of course, now I’m bummed to discover from this review that my new Icon has a sub-optimal reconstruction filter, which keeps it out of the “recommended” category. Can someone help me understand the impact of this filter choice? Is it more like “for $1K you should expect a better filter even though the sound difference is inaudible” or more like “this unit would sound better if the filter didn’t suck” or even as one commenter implied, “this crummy filter will fry your tweeters”?

Thanks! --Mark

I have the Apollo dual mono version with my Node. Out of curiosity, what gain setting are you using on your amplifier?

 

[xray]

Weirdly enough my frugal wife would rather want me to pay more for a smaller footprint than a monstrosity lol

WAF overrides a lot of things. It's a universal law

 

[antcollinet]

I have the Apollo dual mono version with my Node. Out of curiosity, what gain setting are you using on your amplifier?

Their situation may (most likely will be) different from yours.

Just use the lowest gain setting that still allows you to get the highest volume you want to use.

 

[Miniyouuuu]

Any chance to set a 2.2 layout from the bluesound Icon? Any alternative with 2 subs out?
I have a bluesound Node (streamer) + miniDSP flex digital + Dirac, and I’m trying to simplify the whole layout.

 

[pogo]

Any chance to set a 2.2 layout from the bluesound Icon?

Currently not, but should be added later.

 

[Truder]

https://mqalabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/MQA-Labs-QRONO-White-Paper_updated.pdf

 

[vinyl_slayer]

im gutted about measures i bought it this winter. I enjoy it but knowing that i put 1000€ in it and it's bad makes me sick aha. Anyway next purchase i'll wait for more test.

 

[Mnyb]

im gutted about measures i bought it this winter. I enjoy it but knowing that i put 1000€ in it and it's bad makes me sick aha. Anyway next purchase i'll wait for more test.

Its probably good enough for human hearing eq and room correction ( dirac ) are such important features that this product is still better than any dac/streamer that lacks these features.

Some of us just thinks its sad that it has some sloppy engineering when the potential for greatness is there

 

[pogo]

im gutted about measures i bought it this winter. I enjoy it but knowing that i put 1000€ in it and it's bad makes me sick aha. Anyway next purchase i'll wait for more test.

You can sit back and relax. The Icon sounds very good and with Dirac Live it's ahead of the competition anyway.

 

[antcollinet]

im gutted about measures i bought it this winter. I enjoy it but knowing that i put 1000€ in it and it's bad makes me sick aha. Anyway next purchase i'll wait for more test.

I'd stop stressing about it.

The defects, such as they are, are not audible.

If I already had one, I would not worry one tiny bit about it.

 

[Truder]

Sound was in this review better than Eversolo A6.

 

[Truder]

Eversolo DMP A6

 

[pogo]

A test will be published tomorrow by AUDIOstereoplay

 

[Truder]

EVERSOLO DMP A6 Master edition