Description
Bluesound NODE (2024) – High-Resolution Wireless Music Streamer
The Bluesound NODE (2024) is a premium wireless network music streamer designed to transform an existing hi-fi system into a versatile high-resolution digital music system.
Featuring an upgraded ESS SABRE ES9039Q2M digital-to-analogue converter, THX AAA headphone amplification, BluOS multi-room technology and HDMI eARC, the fourth-generation NODE combines outstanding connectivity with intuitive music control.
Whether you’re streaming your favourite albums, listening to internet radio, connecting a television or creating a multi-room audio system, the NODE delivers exceptional flexibility in a compact, elegant design.
Premium ESS SABRE DAC Technology
At the heart of the NODE is an ESS SABRE ES9039Q2M DAC, engineered for precise digital-to-analogue conversion.
The upgraded audio circuitry is designed to reduce distortion and interference, helping reveal subtle musical details, accurate stereo imaging and a natural soundstage.
The NODE can connect directly to an existing integrated amplifier, preamplifier or compatible active loudspeakers through its stereo RCA outputs.
Alternatively, its digital outputs allow connection to a separate external DAC.
High-Resolution Music Streaming
The NODE supports high-resolution music playback up to 24-bit/192kHz, allowing you to enjoy compatible recordings from online streaming services, network storage and personal music libraries.
It supports popular formats including FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, MQA, MP3 and AAC.
DSD256 capability is also specified by Bluesound, subject to compatible BluOS software support.
BluOS Multi-Room Audio
Bluesound’s BluOS platform provides intuitive control over your music collection and compatible streaming services.
Using the BluOS Controller app, you can:
- Browse music streaming services and internet radio
- Access music stored on network drives and computers
- Control playback and volume
- Create playlists and favourites
- Group compatible BluOS devices for synchronised playback
- Play different music in separate rooms
- Manage multi-room audio settings
The NODE can form the foundation of a complete Bluesound multi-room audio system.
THX AAA Headphone Amplification
The NODE incorporates THX Achromatic Audio Amplifier technology, designed to deliver exceptionally low distortion and accurate headphone reproduction.
A full-size 6.3mm headphone connection on the front panel allows compatible wired headphones to be connected directly.
This makes the NODE an excellent choice for high-quality private listening.
HDMI eARC Television Integration
The integrated HDMI eARC connection allows compatible televisions to send audio directly to the NODE.
When connected to an amplifier or active loudspeaker system, this provides a convenient way to enjoy television sound through a high-quality stereo system.
Dolby Digital decoding provides additional compatibility with supported television audio formats.
Dirac Live Room Correction
The NODE is Dirac Live Ready, allowing optional acoustic correction to help optimise sound reproduction for your listening environment.
Dirac Live uses microphone measurements and digital signal processing to address acoustic issues affecting the listening room.
A separate Dirac Live licence and compatible calibration microphone or kit are required.
Apple AirPlay 2 & Two-Way Bluetooth
Apple AirPlay 2 enables convenient wireless streaming from compatible Apple devices.
Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive supports compatible wireless audio sources and Bluetooth headphone listening.
Flexible Analogue & Digital Connectivity
The NODE includes a comprehensive selection of connections for modern and traditional hi-fi systems.
These include:
- Stereo RCA analogue outputs
- Optical digital output
- Coaxial digital output
- USB audio output
- HDMI eARC input
- Combined 3.5mm analogue/optical input
- Dedicated RCA subwoofer output
- USB-A connection
- Gigabit Ethernet
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
- Two-way Bluetooth
- 6.3mm headphone output
- 12V trigger output
- Infrared remote learning
Smart Home Integration
The NODE supports integration with compatible home automation platforms, including Control4, Crestron, RTI, ELAN, URC and Lutron.
It is therefore suitable for professionally installed audio systems, multi-room entertainment and integrated smart home projects.
Intuitive Touch Controls
The top panel features proximity-sensitive illuminated controls, including:
- Play/pause
- Volume adjustment
- Track navigation
- Five programmable presets
The understated design is available in black and white finishes.
Key Features
- Fourth-generation Bluesound NODE, model N132
- ESS SABRE ES9039Q2M DAC
- High-resolution playback up to 24-bit/192kHz
- BluOS multi-room streaming
- THX AAA headphone amplifier
- Full-size 6.3mm headphone output
- HDMI eARC television audio
- Dolby Digital decoding
- Dirac Live Ready
- Apple AirPlay 2
- Spotify Connect and TIDAL Connect
- Roon Ready
- Two-way Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive
- Dual-band Wi-Fi and Gigabit Ethernet
- Analogue and digital audio outputs
- Dedicated subwoofer output
- Five programmable presets
- Control4 smart home compatibility
- Compact, elegant design
Complete Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Bluesound |
| Model | NODE (2024) |
| Model designation | N132 |
| Product type | Wireless network music streamer, DAC and preamplifier |
| DAC | ESS SABRE ES9039Q2M |
| Maximum PCM resolution | 24-bit/192kHz |
| DSD support | DSD256, subject to BluOS software support |
| Standard audio formats | MP3, AAC, WMA, WMA-L, OGG, ALAC, OPUS |
| High-resolution audio formats | FLAC, MQA, WAV, AIFF, MPEG-4 SLS |
| Multichannel decoding | Dolby Digital |
| Published noise figure | −118dB |
| Total harmonic distortion + noise | 0.0007% |
| Headphone amplifier | THX AAA |
| Headphone output at 16Ω | 160mW |
| Headphone output at 32Ω | 230mW |
| Headphone output at 250Ω | 53mW |
| Headphone output at 600Ω | 22mW |
| Operating system | BluOS |
| Processor | Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53, 1.8GHz |
| Network music library support | SMB, up to 200,000 files |
| Controller compatibility | iOS, Android, Windows, macOS |
| Ethernet | Gigabit RJ45 |
| Wi-Fi | Dual-band Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive |
| Bluetooth functionality | Two-way reception and transmission |
| Apple AirPlay 2 | Supported |
| Spotify Connect | Supported |
| TIDAL Connect | Supported |
| Roon Ready | Supported |
| Dirac Live | Ready; separate licence and calibration equipment required |
| HDMI connection | HDMI eARC input |
| Analogue/optical input | Combined 3.5mm stereo / mini-TOSLINK |
| Analogue output | Stereo RCA |
| Optical digital output | TOSLINK |
| Coaxial digital output | RCA |
| USB connection | USB-A |
| USB audio output | Supported |
| Subwoofer output | RCA |
| Wireless subwoofer compatibility | Bluesound PULSE SUB+ |
| Headphone output | 6.3mm stereo |
| Bluetooth headphone output | Supported |
| IR remote learning | Supported |
| Trigger output | 12V |
| Front-panel status indicators | 2 LEDs |
| Playback controls | Touch-sensitive |
| Volume control | Touch slider |
| Programmable presets | 5 |
| Proximity sensor | Yes |
| Smart home integration | Control4, Crestron, RTI, ELAN, URC, Lutron |
| Voice control | Compatible Amazon Alexa integration |
| Finish | Matte black or white |
| Operating temperature | 0°C–40°C |
Dimensions & Weight
| Measurement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Width | 220mm |
| Height | 46mm |
| Depth | 146mm |
| Overall dimensions (W × H × D) | 220 × 46 × 146mm |
| Net weight | 1.09kg |
Included Accessories
- AC power cables
- Stereo RCA-to-RCA audio cable
- Ethernet cable
- Mini-jack-to-TOSLINK optical adapter
- Quick setup guide
- Safety and warranty documentation
- Dirac Live Ready information card
Installation & System Matching
The Bluesound NODE (2024) is a dedicated network music streamer and DAC. It does not contain a power amplifier for driving passive loudspeakers.
For a traditional hi-fi system, connect the NODE’s RCA outputs to a compatible integrated amplifier or preamplifier.
Alternatively, the digital outputs can be connected to a suitable external DAC.
For television audio, use the HDMI eARC connection with a compatible television.
A wired Ethernet connection is recommended where practical, although the NODE also supports wireless network operation.
For improved low-frequency performance, a compatible active subwoofer can be connected through the dedicated RCA subwoofer output.
Dirac Live calibration requires a separately purchased licence and suitable measurement equipment.
Ideal Applications
The Bluesound NODE (2024) is ideal for:
- Upgrading traditional hi-fi systems with music streaming
- High-resolution digital music playback
- Premium stereo listening
- BluOS multi-room installations
- Television audio through stereo loudspeakers
- High-quality headphone listening
- Control4 smart home integration
- Compact residential audio systems
- Network music library playback
Expert Bluesound Advice & Installation at Riverside HiFi
At Riverside HiFi, we specialise in premium hi-fi, network music streaming, high-performance amplification and integrated smart home entertainment.
Our services include:
- Bluesound music streamer selection
- Amplifier and loudspeaker matching
- BluOS multi-room system configuration
- Network and Wi-Fi optimisation
- DAC and digital audio integration
- Dirac Live room correction setup
- Television audio integration
- Control4 smart home integration
- Professional installation and system optimisation
Whether you’re upgrading an existing hi-fi system or designing a complete multi-room entertainment system, Riverside HiFi can help you achieve exceptional sound and reliable performance.
Bluesound NODE (2024) – Wireless High-Resolution Music Streamer
Riverside HiFi – Hi-Fi | Home Cinema | Smart Home | Professional Installation
