Wi-fi audio system maker Bluesound has a brand new music streamer, the Node X. It is a Tenth-anniversary particular version of its well-liked $599 Node wi-fi hi-res streamer, however with a number of latest options and a predictably greater value. I went hands-on to search out out if it is price the additional outlay in comparison with the unique.
Design-wise, the $749 Node X is exceedingly much like the Node with its top-mounted contact panel and rounded edges. However for the X, it will get a lovely silver end. Once more, there are a number of new options on the X, together with a devoted headphone amp and an HDMI eARC enter. Although it could be simple to overlook the headphone output on the unique Node, there is no mistaking it right here — it is a big, silver quarter-inch jack entrance and heart on the unit. The output options THX AAA (Achromatic Audio Amplifier) expertise for what the corporate calls a “no-compromise headphone listening expertise.”
Changing the laid-back sounding Burr Brown PCM 5242 DAC of the Node is an ESS 9028Q2M Sabre DAC. This digital converter can be used within the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M and provides it a clearer sound than the unique (extra on that beneath).
Not like a streaming speaker, the Node X is designed to be related to an current stereo system and options over 20 apps, resembling Spotify, Apple Music and Tidal. Connectivity choices embrace HDMI eARC, dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet, aptX HD Bluetooth and USB. On the audio aspect, there are stereo RCA, coaxial digital and a subwoofer output, plus a mixed optical/analog enter. Along with the system’s BluOS streaming platform, the Node X additionally consists of Apple AirPlay 2 compatibility.
Additional propping up the worth proposition of the Node X is the inclusion of the $59 RC1 distant management, which is designed to work with the closest Bluesound system. The streamer can be managed with the BluOS app or via voice assistants like Apple’s Siri, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Fingers-on
The Node X options the $59 RC1 within the field
Ty Pendlebury/CNET
I in contrast the Node X in opposition to the unique Node, each when related to our reference Onkyo TX-RZ50 and Q Acoustic 3050i system and driving a pair of Sony MDR-V6 headphones. I began by listening with headphones, and the variations between the 2 gamers had been instant — the Node X is ready to ship higher element. The Node was noticeably extra relaxed. When you have a superb set of headphones, the Node X can be an effective way to drive them. It may be used as a pre-amp for an amplifier with its eARC and optical inputs.
Utilizing the analog output of the Node on my house system was nice because it helped tame the high-end, however the Node X can be a superb addition to a system that wants a little bit extra pep, too. Listening to people, rock and dance was really pleasing utilizing the analog outputs to the CNET AV system, presenting the identical added element I might seen with the headphone output. For instance, with Tony Molina’s I Do not Like That He, the strummed acoustic guitar had extra presence than by way of the Node, and the bass was a little bit higher outlined.
Whether or not you may have an current Bluesound system or are in search of a higher-end approach to stream to your current hi-fi, then the Node X delivers just about every little thing you might want. Should you’re attempting to determine between the Node and the Node X, the latter is a major improve and greater than justifies the additional $150.
The limited-edition Bluesound Node X is accessible now for $749.
