Description
The Bluesound NODE ICON is a premium reference-grade network music streamer and digital-to-analogue converter, engineered to deliver exceptional sound quality, sophisticated connectivity and intuitive music control.
Featuring a dual-mono DAC architecture with two ESS SABRE ES9039Q2M converters, balanced XLR outputs, THX AAA headphone amplification and a striking 5-inch colour display, the NODE ICON provides an outstanding digital music source for high-performance hi-fi systems.
With BluOS multi-room technology, high-resolution music streaming, HDMI eARC and Dirac Live room correction capability, it combines advanced audio engineering with exceptional versatility.
Reference-Grade Dual-Mono DAC Architecture
The NODE ICON features two ESS SABRE ES9039Q2M DACs arranged in a dual-mono configuration.
This architecture provides dedicated digital-to-analogue conversion for the left and right audio channels, helping deliver excellent channel separation, low distortion and outstanding musical detail.
The result is precise stereo imaging, impressive dynamic range and natural, engaging sound reproduction.
High-Resolution Music Streaming
The NODE ICON supports high-resolution audio playback up to 24-bit/192kHz, together with DSD256 support through compatible playback paths.
Enjoy music from supported streaming services, internet radio and locally stored music collections.
Compatible audio formats include FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, MQA, MP3, AAC and other popular digital formats.
BluOS Wireless Multi-Room Audio
Bluesound’s BluOS platform provides intuitive control of music throughout your home.
Using the BluOS Controller app, you can browse supported streaming services, manage playlists, access network music libraries and group compatible BluOS devices for synchronised playback.
Different rooms can also play independent music selections.
Premium Balanced XLR Outputs
Balanced stereo XLR outputs allow the NODE ICON to connect directly to compatible high-performance amplifiers, preamplifiers and active loudspeakers.
Conventional RCA stereo outputs are also provided, making the NODE ICON suitable for a wide variety of traditional and modern hi-fi systems.
Both analogue output types support fixed-output operation for integration with an external preamplifier or integrated amplifier.
THX AAA Headphone Amplification
The NODE ICON incorporates advanced THX Achromatic Audio Amplifier technology, designed to provide exceptionally low distortion and detailed headphone listening.
Two full-size 6.3mm headphone outputs allow compatible wired headphones to be connected directly.
This makes the NODE ICON an excellent solution for private listening without requiring a separate headphone amplifier.
Dirac Live Room Correction
The NODE ICON is Dirac Live Ready, providing the option to optimise audio reproduction for your room acoustics.
Dirac Live uses acoustic measurements and digital processing to help improve tonal balance and reduce the effects of problematic room reflections.
Dirac Live licensing and a compatible measurement microphone or calibration kit are purchased separately.
HDMI eARC Television Audio
An HDMI eARC connection allows compatible televisions to send audio directly to the NODE ICON.
This enables television sound to be reproduced through a connected stereo amplifier or active loudspeaker system.
Dolby Digital decoding and downmixing provide additional flexibility for compatible television and home entertainment sources.
Comprehensive Digital & Analogue Connectivity
The NODE ICON includes a wide selection of audio connections:
- Balanced stereo XLR outputs
- RCA stereo analogue outputs
- Optical digital output
- Coaxial digital output
- USB audio output
- Dedicated subwoofer output
- HDMI eARC input
- Optical digital input
- RCA analogue stereo input
- USB-C computer audio input
- USB-A external music storage connection
- Two 6.3mm headphone outputs
- Gigabit Ethernet
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
- Two-way Bluetooth
Apple AirPlay 2 & Bluetooth aptX Adaptive
Apple AirPlay 2 enables wireless audio streaming from compatible Apple devices.
Two-way Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive allows compatible wireless audio sources and Bluetooth headphones to be used.
Elegant Aluminium Construction
The NODE ICON features a premium anodised aluminium chassis with a gloss-black front panel.
Its large 5-inch colour display presents album artwork and playback information, while proximity-sensitive touch controls provide convenient operation.
Five programmable presets offer quick access to favourite music sources and playlists.
The colour display is not a touchscreen.
Smart Home & Control4 Integration
The NODE ICON supports integration with compatible smart home control platforms, including Control4, Crestron, RTI, ELAN, URC and Lutron.
This makes it particularly suitable for professionally designed residential audio systems and integrated multi-room installations.
Key Features
- Reference-grade wireless network music streamer
- Dual-mono ESS SABRE DAC architecture
- 2 × ESS ES9039Q2M converters
- High-resolution PCM playback up to 24-bit/192kHz
- DSD256 support
- Balanced XLR and RCA stereo outputs
- THX AAA headphone amplification
- Two full-size headphone outputs
- 5-inch colour display
- BluOS multi-room music platform
- Apple AirPlay 2
- Spotify Connect and TIDAL Connect
- Roon Ready
- Dirac Live Ready
- HDMI eARC
- Optical, coaxial and USB connectivity
- Two-way Bluetooth aptX Adaptive
- Dual-band Wi-Fi and Gigabit Ethernet
- Dedicated subwoofer output
- Control4 smart home integration
- Premium aluminium chassis
Complete Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Bluesound |
| Model | NODE ICON |
| Product version | N530 |
| Product type | Reference network music streamer and DAC |
| DAC configuration | Dual-mono |
| DAC chipsets | 2 × ESS SABRE ES9039Q2M |
| Analogue-to-digital converter | ESS ES9826 |
| Maximum native PCM resolution | 24-bit/192kHz |
| DSD support | DSD256 |
| Supported audio formats | MP3, AAC, WMA, WMA-L, OGG, OPUS |
| High-resolution formats | FLAC, MQA, ALAC, WAV, AIFF, MPEG-4 SLS |
| Multichannel decoding | Dolby Digital |
| Signal-to-noise ratio, XLR | Published noise figure: −129dB |
| Signal-to-noise ratio, RCA | Published noise figure: −121dB |
| Total harmonic distortion + noise | 0.0004% |
| Headphone amplifier | THX AAA |
| Headphone output power at 16Ω | 160mW |
| Headphone output power at 32Ω | 235mW |
| Headphone output power at 250Ω | 56mW |
| Headphone output power at 600Ω | 23mW |
| Operating system | BluOS |
| Processor | Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53, 1.8GHz |
| Network library support | SMB, up to 200,000 files |
| Ethernet | Gigabit RJ45 |
| Wi-Fi | Dual-band Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive |
| Bluetooth operation | Two-way transmission and reception |
| Apple AirPlay 2 | Supported |
| Spotify Connect | Supported |
| TIDAL Connect | Supported |
| Roon Ready | Supported |
| Dirac Live | Ready; additional licence and calibration equipment required |
| HDMI input | HDMI eARC |
| Optical digital input | TOSLINK |
| Analogue input | Stereo RCA |
| USB computer input | USB-C |
| USB storage connection | USB-A |
| Balanced analogue outputs | Stereo XLR |
| Unbalanced analogue outputs | Stereo RCA |
| Optical digital output | TOSLINK |
| Coaxial digital output | RCA |
| USB audio output | USB-A |
| Subwoofer output | RCA |
| Wireless subwoofer compatibility | Compatible Bluesound PULSE SUB+ |
| Headphone outputs | 2 × 6.3mm stereo |
| Bluetooth headphone output | Supported |
| IR control | Built-in IR learning and 3.5mm IR input |
| Trigger output | 12V |
| Display | 5-inch non-touch colour display |
| Preset controls | 5 programmable touch presets |
| Proximity sensor | Yes |
| Controller compatibility | iOS, Android, Windows, macOS |
| Smart home integration | Control4, Crestron, RTI, ELAN, URC, Lutron |
| Power supply | AC 100–240V |
| Operating temperature | 0°C–40°C |
| Chassis | Anodised aluminium |
| Finish | Black |
Dimensions & Weight
| Measurement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Width | 220mm |
| Height | 84mm |
| Depth | 193mm |
| Overall dimensions (W × H × D) | 220 × 84 × 193mm |
| Net weight | 2.23kg |
Included Accessories
- AC mains power cables
- Ethernet cable
- Stereo RCA-to-RCA audio cable
- Product documentation
Installation & System Matching
The NODE ICON is a dedicated music streamer and DAC. It does not contain a power amplifier for passive loudspeakers.
It should be connected to a compatible integrated amplifier, preamplifier and power amplifier combination, or active loudspeakers.
For premium stereo systems, the balanced XLR outputs provide a convenient connection to compatible amplification.
A wired Ethernet connection is recommended where practical for stable network streaming.
Dirac Live calibration requires an additional licence and compatible measurement equipment.
When using the NODE ICON with a separate integrated amplifier, fixed-output operation may be preferable so that volume is controlled by the amplifier.
Ideal Applications
The Bluesound NODE ICON is ideal for:
- Premium two-channel hi-fi systems
- High-resolution digital music streaming
- Balanced XLR amplifier integration
- High-performance headphone listening
- BluOS multi-room audio installations
- Television audio through stereo hi-fi systems
- Control4 smart home systems
- Upgrading traditional amplifiers with modern streaming
- High-end residential entertainment systems
Expert Bluesound Advice & Installation at Riverside HiFi
At Riverside HiFi, we specialise in premium hi-fi, network music streaming, high-end amplification and integrated smart home entertainment.
Our services include:
- Bluesound streamer and DAC selection
- Amplifier and loudspeaker matching
- BluOS multi-room system design
- Network and Wi-Fi configuration
- Balanced audio system integration
- Dirac Live room correction setup
- Control4 smart home integration
- Professional installation and system optimisation
Whether you’re upgrading an existing hi-fi system or creating a complete high-performance digital music system, Riverside HiFi can help you achieve exceptional results.
Bluesound NODE ICON – Reference Wireless Music Streamer
Riverside HiFi – Hi-Fi | Home Cinema | Smart Home | Professional Installation
