Bluesound Powernode Streaming Amplifier Review

[Vovgan]

The general message is "good enough" measured performance.

Yeah, who needs such nonsense devices when Denon 3800 (and probably 2800 too) does all the same but so much better + much much more for ~ the same price

 

[nick-v]

The BlueOS is, before anything, a very efficient multi room system.

It's also Roon Ready, which is great!

 

[JoetheLion]

Yeah, who needs such nonsense devices when Denon 3800 (and probably 2800 too) does all the same but so much better + much much more for ~ the same price

I don't know what's nonsense about that. It is simply an elegant all-in-one solution with very good functionality, excellent software and a sound that probably no one can distinguish from more expensive devices in a blind test. Additionally, if the general message is "good enough" measured performance, where's the nonsense in that? Paying $949 for a device that can do everything you want and whose measurement results below the audibility threshold are worse than another that might be much less practical for someone? Question is, what is nonsense here.

 

[JoetheLion]

I have a couple of their products to review and they did not impress, to say the least

Would be interesting to see that.

 

[AltoVariago]

I am the owner of a Powernode (last model). I used it to replace a nad D3020 (1st version) to drive a pair of KEF LS50 in a second setting. I am extremely happy with the sound and I would recommend this matching. My main rig is an all-QUAD with modded ESL63.

 

[Beershaun]

A few years ago when this came out is was really the only viable solution beyond a raspberry pi for audiophile streaming. The market has now caught up and surpassed it technically so it's no longer price competitive. Hopefully the next iteration has a better dac section and updated higher quality and power hypex modules.

 

[Timcognito]

To be fair, I think the Powernode (has there been multiple versions? Someone will chime in) has been around a while. But this review regardless shows the need for a refresh even if this "old" and certainly is this is a newer revision.

I'll chime in and that comment is spot on. I bought three Nodes starting in 2017 and Roon Lifetime when I got tired screwing with my computer, Foobar and 1000+ CDs. At the time it was the only multi-room device next to Sonos, and Sonos was not Roon ready. Since that time other less expensive devices have caught up with the Bluesound systems. The highly functional BluOS system stagnates despite hundreds of feature requests by users for years on the website, many requests are simple updates that would keep up with competitors. The only thing I come up with for and explanation is that their settlement with Sonos limits what features they can change, because it seems like bad business to go on ignoring competition. It does work quite well in integrating rooms and outside services but is dated compared to others. To get flavor for ire of many who like their Bluesound stuff but want it updated read some of the comments here.

https://support1.bluesound.com/hc/en-us/community/topics/200017256-Feature-Requests

 

[SMc]

I am the owner of a Powernode (last model). I used it to replace a nad D3020 (1st version) to drive a pair of KEF LS50 in a second setting. I am extremely happy with the sound and I would recommend this matching. My main rig is an all-QUAD with modded ESL63.

Interesting! My main system was long ESL63s with a NAD D3020. Good enough in a small room!

Add room-correction to that Powernode and it's a different story.

 

[jbattman1016]

And my 2013 macbook air. Except it has a broken 3.5mm jack inside that I can't get out.

Did you try a putting a small screw into the broken jack and pulling it out? like the horrible way to remove a wine cork.

 

[testp]

It is nice to have some hard evidence if I end up in another dispute about this. ;-)

unfortunately this might not help you,

there are way too many ppl in forums honestly believing: if a product (let's say speakers) cost more, then it must sound more, if it doesn't for you, YOU are not feeding it with the right (pricier) amplifier it deserves.. & they absolutely can't fanthom the idea that higher price might != better sound quality

;-) i know.. shocking!!!

 

[nick-v]

A few years ago when this came out is was really the only viable solution beyond a raspberry pi for audiophile streaming. The market has now caught up and surpassed it technically so it's no longer price competitive. Hopefully the next iteration has a better dac section and updated higher quality and power hypex modules.

Here you're essentially talking about the much more expensive NAD M10. The M10 V1 tested significantly better than the Powernode, but still isn't perfect by any means. IMO, the NAD C399 appears to be a better value (albeit in a full size case).

 

[antcollinet]

Did you try a putting a small screw into the broken jack and pulling it out? like the horrible way to remove a wine cork.

Ive tried a wood screw - possibly not thin enough. It wouldn't engage with the broken jack

 

[PeteL]

Here you're essentially talking about the much more expensive NAD M10. The M10 V1 tested significantly better than the Powernode, but still isn't perfect by any means. IMO, the NAD C399 appears to be a better value (albeit in a full size case).

A better product, maybe, certainly more feature, but at 2899 a better "value"?

 

[nick-v]

A better product, maybe, certainly more feature, but at 2899 a better "value"?

A better value than the even more expensive sibling M10, not a better value than the Powernode.

I actually sell & install Bluesound gear on occasion (amongst many others including NAD and SONOS). Haven't had any complaints that I can think of with the Bluesound gear. Looks good, works well, good app, "sounds" good.

 

[doodlebro]

Bought this review model to see how those new class D amps perform. Less than stellar SINAD, but this is replacing an Allo Volt+ D driving Kef Q10 Compacts, so should get me a couple dB in headroom. This was factory refurbished, bought from one of NADs outlet stores.

I really like BluOS, its API is quite robust and you can automate a lot through it. Multi-room is unmatched, as others have said.

 

[Deleted member 51584]

I can't recommend the Bluesound Powernode streaming amplifier.

Is this the original version from years ago? It's been upgraded a couple of times.
This has been hugely successful, for good reason, a lot to do with the excellent BluOs software that has extended to the NAD range. I really enjoyed one of these, I think it was the next generation
It performed perfectly fine sonically, into a pair of Harbeth P3ESR.
Part of the popularity is that it is one of the very few such devices to have Amazon HD onboard and can now be voice controlled with Alexa.

 

[dweeeeb2]

The lack of parametric EQ is a deal breaker.
BluOS devices have so many options, supported services and features but PEQ is too much to ask for?

finding PEQ in general is hard, atleast for me.

 

[Billy Budapest]

That $650 integrated DAC/amp from Audiophonics that I did not think was a good value, even though it had very good performance, I’d starting to look better and better . . .

 

[amirm]

Is this the original version from years ago? It's been upgraded a couple of times.

I don't know. How can you tell? FYI I asked it to upgrade and it did so to the latest firmware.

 

[pablolie]

A better product, maybe, certainly more feature, but at 2899 a better "value"?

Actually the ill-fated NAD D7050 measures better than these, but it was too early for an only-digital experience, and had serious reliability issues. And use a Squeezebox system and multi-room synched audio was a solved problem nearly 20 years ago.