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Canadian manufacturer Bluesound has released a new generation of its best-selling Node Wireless Hi-Res Multi-Room Music Streamer and Powernode Wireless Hi-Res Multi-Room Streaming Amplifier.
Both models have been upgraded with new digital-to-analogue converters, more powerful DSP processors, and have touch panel controls with presets and proximity sensors. The power output of the Powernode’s onboard stereo amplifier has been increased to 80-watts per channel, both channels driven into 8 .
The Bluesound Node and Powernode unlock the world of hi-res music streaming and multi-room audio to modernise any existing system by allowing you to stream music from your own digital music library, from your own computer or portable device or from the Internet. The Node is designed to be added to an existing hi-fi system or used with a pair of powered loudspeakers, while the Powernode, with its built-in amplifier, needs only a pair of speakers to become a complete audio system. Both devices are controlled by a sophisticated BluOS Controller app that’s available for iOS, Android, Mac and PC.
The new DAC supports up to 24-bit/192kHz audio as well as MQA. Music can be delivered to either device via Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Apple AirPlay 2, aptX HD Bluetooth, or USB Type A, so you can hear audio content from streaming services, internet radio and your own music library and in answer to users wanting to play back audio from their TVs, both new models now have an HDMI eARC input. There’s also an analogue input (RCA) and a digital input (Toslink).
“With BluOS built-in, you can easily create a DIY multi-room hi-res audio system with a few taps of the BluOS Controller app,” said Martin Ireland, National Sales & Marketing Manager of Convoy, which distributes Bluesound in Australia, “plus additional hands-free controls are available through voice assistants such as Siri, Google Voice and Alexa while for professional smart home installers, full-featured drivers are available for Lutron, Crestron, RTI, Elan, and other popular control systems.”
Both new Nodes incorporate DSP controllers to enable control over bass, treble and other controls as well as subwoofer crossover optimisation circuitry, as well as the ability to create presets, so you can instantly select a specific customisation to suit your signal source (music, movies, gaming, etc). “Both units enable bit-perfect music listening around the home, using the Node or Powernode as your multi-room hub,” said Ireland. “Bluesound’s award-winning BluOS platform is the only one in the world that can support up to 64 players, all streaming in 24-bit hires audio, and with a growing stable of brands and devices being added to the BluOS platform, these Nodes open up a world of hi-res listening options throughout your home that no other player can.”
The Bluesound Node, which retails for $999 (RRP) and the Bluesound Powernode ($1,499) are available now, in your choice of a black or a white satin finish.
For more information, contact Convoy International on (02) 9774 9900 or at www.convoy.com.au