Bluesound NODE ICON Wireless Hi-Res Multi-Room Streamer

Bluesound NODE ICON Reference Music Streamer

A flagship streaming source for a serious hi-fi system

The Bluesound NODE ICON brings high-resolution music streaming, a dual-mono DAC and flexible system control together in a compact aluminium component. Connect it to an integrated amplifier, a power amplifier or active speakers, and bring your favourite streaming services and digital music library into one easy-to-use BluOS system.

Balanced XLR outputs, HDMI eARC, USB-C computer audio and a dedicated THX AAA headphone amplifier make the NODE ICON equally useful in a listening room, a TV-based stereo system or a desktop setup. Its 5-inch colour display keeps playback information in view, while illuminated touch controls give you quick access to volume, transport functions and favourite presets.

Key Features

• Dual-mono DAC architecture: Two ESS SABRE ES9039Q2M DACs form the heart of the analogue output stage.
• Balanced and unbalanced connections: Stereo XLR and RCA outputs offer fixed or variable output for different amplifier and active-speaker systems.
• BluOS high-resolution streaming: Play supported music at up to 24-bit/192kHz, with DSD256 file support through conversion to PCM.
• Your choice of music app: AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect and Roon Ready integration.
• TV and computer connectivity: HDMI eARC and USB-C audio input alongside optical digital and RCA analogue inputs.
• THX AAA headphone amplification: Two full-size 6.35mm sockets, positioned on opposite sides for convenient cable routing.
• Dirac Live Ready: Optional room correction with a separately purchased licence and compatible calibration equipment.
• Multi-room flexibility: Group compatible BluOS players or select different music for different rooms.
• Subwoofer options: Dedicated RCA subwoofer output and wireless connection to a Bluesound PULSE SUB+.
• Clear display and simple control: 5-inch non-touch colour display, five touch presets and a proximity-activated control panel.

Dual-mono conversion with a choice of analogue outputs

The NODE ICON uses two ESS SABRE ES9039Q2M DACs in a dual-mono configuration. Its QRONO d2a processing is designed to optimise the conversion stage's timing response, while the ESS SABRE ES9826 analogue-to-digital converter handles the RCA analogue input.

Use a fixed output when your integrated amplifier or preamplifier controls volume. Choose variable output when the NODE ICON is controlling a compatible power amplifier or active speakers. Balanced XLR connections are particularly useful when both components support balanced operation, giving you another practical option for system matching.

Streaming that fits the way you listen

The BluOS Controller app brings supported streaming services, internet radio and your own music collection together. Control playback from iOS, Android, Windows or macOS, and access shared music over your network or files stored on a connected USB drive. Gigabit Ethernet and dual-band Wi-Fi give you a choice of wired or wireless networking.

Prefer your music service's own app? Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect and Qobuz Connect offer direct playback control, while AirPlay 2 supports streaming from compatible Apple devices. Roon users can add the NODE ICON as a Roon Ready endpoint. Service subscriptions and availability vary, and Roon requires its own system and subscription.

DSD files up to DSD256 are supported from indexed local libraries and directly connected USB storage. BluOS converts DSD to PCM during playback, including when using digital outputs; DSD-over-PCM output is not supported.

Bring your TV, computer and existing sources together

HDMI eARC makes the NODE ICON a convenient bridge between a compatible television and a stereo system. Optical digital and RCA line-level analogue inputs accommodate additional sources, while USB-C provides a direct computer audio connection. A turntable requires a suitable phono stage before connecting to the RCA input.

For an external DAC, choose coaxial, optical or USB Audio 2.0 output. Selecting USB audio output disables the analogue, coaxial and optical outputs. The NODE ICON is a source and control component, so passive speakers require a separate power amplifier.

A dedicated headphone listening option

The built-in THX AAA headphone amplifier uses feed-forward error correction to reduce noise and distortion. Its two 6.35mm headphone sockets let you choose the most convenient side for your seating position and cable layout. Two-way Bluetooth also lets the NODE ICON receive wireless audio or transmit to compatible Bluetooth headphones, with aptX Adaptive support dependent on the connected device.

Optional room correction and whole-home music

Dirac Live offers a way to address the effect your room has on playback. After purchasing a compatible Dirac Live licence and calibration equipment, measure the listening area and create correction filters for your system. Dirac Live processing is supported through the balanced XLR, RCA, optical and coaxial outputs. USB audio output does not support Dirac Live.

The NODE ICON also joins a wider BluOS system. Group compatible players for the same music in several rooms, or let each room play independently. Add a powered subwoofer through the RCA output, or pair a Bluesound PULSE SUB+ wirelessly.

Specifications

The Audio Experts Take

The NODE ICON makes particular sense when streaming is your main source and you want one component to handle music, television audio and headphones. Balanced outputs, a useful display and flexible volume control make it an appealing partner for a quality integrated amplifier or active speakers. We would also give the optional Dirac Live upgrade serious consideration in a room where speaker placement is restricted. If room correction is part of your plan, choose an analogue, optical or coaxial connection so you can use it.