Bluesound releases 2024 ICON streamer

[Scoobz1]

Thought this would be out and reviewed by now !

 

[vinyl_slayer]

I can't wait for the reviews of this streamer to arrive. I'm hesitating between three products to upgrade my vintage setup.
Wiim Ultra, this bluesound node and eversolo dmp a8.
Bluesound seems to be in the sweet spot in terms of pricing for me but i need to see the first test to see if it's good and then I will go to my local dealer that sells this brand and not wiim or eversolo. I'm kinda worried about the touch screen at the top it could fail easy maybe. But it sure looks nice and has a good headphone output not like the eversolo :/

 

[AdamG]

Let’s try our very best to not allow this thread about a new Bluesound Streamer to slide into derailing conversation about MQA. To mention or confirm that it supports MQA is fine. But if you want to hash out what value, if any, MQA presents please start a separate thread for that purpose. Just the mere mention of MQA can cause a thread to self destruct. So we are pleading with you to please take further examination of this topic to a separate thread.

Thank you for your cooperation, understanding and support.

 

[pogo]

I agree with you when it comes to the MQA file format. When it comes to the new MQA Labs technologies, for the first time in a new product, you should be allowed to discuss this here.

 

[Phorize]

MQA Labs' groundbreaking QRONO d2a technology further refines DAC performance by correcting timing errors during digital-to-analogue conversion, ensuring the timing response aligns perfectly with the original recording for an authentic listening experience.

That's definitely not woo woo

 

[Scoobz1]

I have no idea what MQA is (and whether it is used by Eversolo and Wiim) but if it is a potential thorn and could impact the performance of this model and similar ones I would like to see it discussed here or at least a good heads up given on how it could impact the relative performance of different players

 

[pogo]

It can be assumed that Bluesound/(NAD) will not degrade their devices with the new MQA Labs technologies. After all, there should be an improvement over the previous generations.

 

[pogo]

This also make users of older devices happy:

 

[Snoopy]

Very interesting option.. all I need is roon and a digital input for my turntable with waxwing phono stage. Getting Dirac into my turntable setup would definitely be nice!

 

[vinyl_slayer]

Quick question because I can't find the answer online, if a plug a turntable on RCA in will the sound will be digitized before the output ? Or like the eversolo dmp a8 it will not ? That's the main thing i'm hesitating with, because what's the point of listening to a record if it gets digitized ?

 

[pogo]

I wouldn't worry about digitizing analog sources. The ICON will make it transparent.
Dirac Live requires a PCM signal anyway.

 

[PloddyPastard]

Dirac Live requires a PCM signal anyway.

Can Dirac be applied also to RCA connected sources, e.g. turntable pre amp?

 

[pogo]

Yes.

 

[pjug]

It can be assumed that Bluesound/(NAD) will not degrade their devices with the new MQA Labs technologies. After all, there should be an improvement over the previous generations.

i assume it will have the same kind of weak filtering so that Jim Austin sees a pretty impulse response. So one of us is the ass i guess.

 

[Jedi77]

If one uses the node icon as a network transport though usb, would that render dirac live useless?

 

[pogo]

BluOS 4.8.10
Released December 3, 2024.
• Updates for the Bluesound NODE ICON.
• This release applies to the Bluesound NODE ICON only.

 

[frdranger]

Has anyone that pre-ordered theirs receive theirs yet? I heard they were pushed back until December 10th.

 

[Kenny46]

Has anyone that pre-ordered theirs receive theirs yet? I heard they were pushed back until December 10th.

Pushed back to 15th here now.

 

[frdranger]

Pushed back to 15th here now.

Geez. Wonder if it's something Dirac related or not. I thought I read something earlier in this thread about maybe the finish on the units were bad?

 

[Scoobz1]

Let's hope they are better at delivering all the promised future functionality than the actual base launch product