Bluesound releases 2024 ICON streamer

[Siltech]

All this QRONO business feels like them just trying to get some coverage in audiophile press with whatever's left in the MQA kitchen junk drawer. Analog audio marketing was so about each company's "special sauce" which gets kinda challenging when you get into the digital domain, I think they're using this stuff to try to differentiate from other companies to that market. Don't forget: magazines and sites for the 65 years+/$10k+ set breathlessly promoted MQA for years.

I'm honestly interested in the Icon, first as a streamer only then later as a Dirac preamp once I figure out my next steps with speakers. I hope it sounds and tests well and I can get a good used or refurb unit.

There just starting to ship them now. You kidding? How you going to get a refurb unit, or even used now. Maybe later, you can get used. I highly doubt they’ll sell refurb units.

I’m laughing so much now, thank you.

 

[qirex]

There just starting to ship them now. You kidding? How you going to get a refurb unit, or even used now. Maybe later, you can get used. I highly doubt they’ll sell refurb units.

I'm going to wait until refurb or used units are available.

 

[darth]

Anyone try HDMI input on this device and able to control volume / power using TV remote? Or apple/google TV remote?

 

[vinyl_slayer]

As already written, by many knowledgeable people here (i'm definely not one of them btw.) sound quality wise there won't be much if any between them (properly conducted testing), so it will come down to looks, built quality, functions and so on, or which device (you trust or expect) to be still working properly after X years, service , updates.

I chose my latest DAC purchase after it's positive test here by Amir, (Eversolo Z8) that's the objective part, however additional the final decision was made subjectively, based on looks ; built quality enz.

That was a little over one year ago, still extremely happy with this product!, i could have had similar sound quality for a few 100$ less, but hey, we all have our subjective preferences.

i need a streamer + dac solution and please don't mention wiim ultra i don't like the look at all. but I'm leaning towards the icon since it's a more known brand than eversolo which is quite new in the game compared to nad

 

[Kenny46]

Still some issues getting the Icon out to the masses. Now not likely to go out to customers in time for Christmas here in Scandinavia.

 

[Vive la dissonance!]

Still some issues getting the Icon out to the masses. Now not likely to go out to customers in time for Christmas here in Scandinavia.

Where did you receive this news? I pre-ordered a unit, and haven't heard anything, yet.

 

[graycat]

Where did you receive this news? I pre-ordered a unit, and haven't heard anything, yet.

I have received mine yesterday. I found that when using Airplay, the music volume was occasionally inconsistent. I needed to turn it up from 28 to 40+. It didn't happen when I am using USB-C as the source. Do any of you have similar experience?

ps. I used it's 6.3mm jack for my headphone.

 

[Vive la dissonance!]

I have received mine yesterday.

Where do you live? When did you pre-order?

I still see "processing" as the status of my order.

 

[graycat]

Where do you live? When did you pre-order?

I still see "processing" as the status of my order.

Hong Kong

 

[vinyl_slayer]

I have received mine yesterday. I found that when using Airplay, the music volume was occasionally inconsistent. I needed to turn it up from 28 to 40+. It didn't happen when I am using USB-C as the source. Do any of you have similar experience?

ps. I used it's 6.3mm jack for my headphone.

Maybe because not all the tracks you play have the same volume ? Like a loudness normalisation

 

[graycat]

Maybe because not all the tracks you play have the same volume ? Like a loudness normalisation

The volume changed itself even on the same track

 

[vinyl_slayer]

The volume changed itself even on the same track

Ok really strange

 

[xray]

ps. I used it's 6.3mm jack for my headphone.

Wiggle the plug and see if you can make the volume change. I had a similar issue in my car where the Aux volume changed when I hit a bump because the jack contacts were not firm.

 

[pogo]

The volume changed itself even on the same track

Do you have another Apple device to check?

 

[Koeitje]

A friend is at Bluesound. Bluesound releases a new streamer with a screen. $1K US.

NODE ICON - Reference Music Streamer

The NODE ICON is a flagship wireless music streamer, designed for the audio obsessed. With its sleek aluminum chassis, and vibrant 5” full-color display, it sets a new benchmark for wireless music streamers.

www.bluesound.com

HDMI, subwoofer, Dirac Live and balanced outputs? That looks damn good.

 

[pogo]

The inputs of the ICON can be expanded by up to four Bluesound HUBs.
It would be interesting to have a new HUB that can also connect other inputs, such as balanced, ...
A HUB ICON, so to speak

 

[Kenny46]

Where did you receive this news? I pre-ordered a unit, and haven't heard anything, yet.

From the distributor in Scandinavia. Unconfirmed stock date 19th of desember.

 

[Esprit]

A8 very pinpoint with slight warm. Icon to me is more analog sounding and dynamic

 

[graycat]

Do you have another Apple device to check?

Do you have another Apple device to check?

yes both my iPhone and iPad. i now connected it to my rme adi2 dac fs and use the rme for controlling volume (Node Icon set at full volume on the app). i hope bluesound will fix the volume inconsistency issue soon :-(

 

[pogo]

Did you open a ticket via the BluOS app?