Bluesound Node Review (Streamer)

[rudy]

has anyone compared the usb vs. the coax outputs connected to a external DAC with the Node 130? i have a Node 2i and thinking about upgrading to a 130 so that i can take advantage of the usb option? does Bluesound offer a trade in program?

 

[reddavin]

May depend on your DAC. The guys at Benchmark recommend using the coax for the Node. That works for me and leaves the DAC usb for an AirPad streaming Apple Music occasionally.

 

[pogo]

May depend on your DAC.

Why?

 

[reddavin]

I’m no expert. I suspect it depends on how the vendor implements each input on the DAC.

 

[James240]

Apologies for the late question or if its been answered within the 60 pages but would the headless panther also apply to the 3rd gen NODE 132

 

[pogo]

This is not to be assumed. The Node X has also made gains.
Btw. Dirac Live will be rolled out in the next few days: Link

 

[GXAlan]

This is not to be assumed. The Node X has also made gains.
Btw. Dirac Live will be rolled out in the next few days: Link

This one was about 88 dB SINAD. The Node X reached 100 dB SINAD based upon the Soundstage data.

The weird part is that the THD+N for the Node X is advertised at 0.0003%

The Node Icon’s THD+N is worse, at 0.0004% even though noise should be a lot better

0.0004 is still 108 dB
0.0003 is 110 dB.

The advertised numbers don’t match up with the measurements, but it’s a bit worrisome that the Icon is spec’d lower than the X for THD+N.

 

[Extreme_Boky]

Front LCD panel -> boost backlight driver. Operating frequency... of some 200kHz.

 

[pogo]

the Icon is spec’d lower than the X for THD+N.

A used Node X, which is soon to be equipped with Dirac Live and (maybe) MQA QRONO, could become an insider tip.

 

[GXAlan]

A used Node X, which is soon to be equipped with Dirac Live and (maybe) MQA QRONO, could become an insider tip.

You can get factory refurbs for $600 but we’ll have to see if you can still get it for that price when Dirac is out.

Personally, if the Node Icon isn’t a *regression* in performance and the worse THD+N is from the QRONO d2a leakage from synthetic tests (but sounds better with music), then I would readily pay the extra $ for the Icon which now has established Dirac, XLR out, and lower noise (which is more likely to be audible than lower distortion).

It still befuddles me that despite the superb PR launch of the Icon, there are no real reviews from even places like whathifi.

I have mentioned this indirectly, but TMR can offer a discount off retail if you ask…

 

[pogo]

The device has only been delivered for one month!
But here is a short review: Link

 

[ivayvr]

You can get factory refurbs for $600 but we’ll have to see if you can still get it for that price when Dirac is out.

Personally, if the Node Icon isn’t a *regression* in performance and the worse THD+N is from the QRONO d2a leakage from synthetic tests (but sounds better with music), then I would readily pay the extra $ for the Icon which now has established Dirac, XLR out, and lower noise (which is more likely to be audible than lower distortion).

It still befuddles me that despite the superb PR launch of the Icon, there are no real reviews from even places like whathifi.

I have mentioned this indirectly, but TMR can offer a discount off retail if you ask…

I would say that we are lucky that there is no review by whathifi! Their "reviews" are the worst jokes around.

 

[pogo]

BluOS 4.8.21​

Release date: March 04, 2025

​

WHAT’S NEW​

• DSD Playback on Bluesound NODE (N130), NODE X (N131), POWERNODE (N330), POWERNODE EDGE (N230) and PSB Speakers Alpha IQs with MQA QRONO dsd
• Resolved issue with Pandora Users in US skipping tracks while forming group playback
• Resolved time zone not selected properly when starting a NODE ICON

 

[pogo]

Dirac Live now available for N130 & N131.
Promo code: BLUE30

BluOS 4.8.22. Released April 15, 2025
• Dirac Live Ready support for the Bluesound NODE (Gen 3) & NODE X
• This release applies to the Bluesound NODE (Gen 3) & NODE X only

 

[srrxr71]

Amazing they came through even for the 2021 Node. Tempted to try it even though I have both Genelec GLM and Trinnov.

 

[Lsc]

Dirac Live now available for N130 & N131.
Promo code: BLUE30

BluOS 4.8.22. Released April 15, 2025
• Dirac Live Ready support for the Bluesound NODE (Gen 3) & NODE X
• This release applies to the Bluesound NODE (Gen 3) & NODE X only

Does Dirac only work if you use the N130 as a streamer and a DAC? I only use mine as a steamer and have an outboard DAC.

 

[pogo]

Should also work via SPDIF as with the N132.
You can ask the support whether this also works via the USB output.

 

[srrxr71]

Does Dirac only work if you use the N130 as a streamer and a DAC? I only use mine as a steamer and have an outboard DAC.

Same issue for me. Good question.

 

[pogo]

Tempted to try it even though I have both Genelec GLM and Trinnov.

The promo code will not be valid for long. It was already the case with the N132 and N530.

 

[srrxr71]

Dirac Live now available for N130 & N131.
Promo code: BLUE30

BluOS 4.8.22. Released April 15, 2025
• Dirac Live Ready support for the Bluesound NODE (Gen 3) & NODE X
• This release applies to the Bluesound NODE (Gen 3) & NODE X only

Great deal. Bought. Can’t wait to try.