Take High-Res Streaming to a Higher Level with the Bluesound Node Icon Streamer: Features Dual-Mono DAC Design, DSD256 Playback, XLR Outputs, HDMI eARC, THX AAA Headphone Amp, and More

The very name of the Node Icon conveys just how highly Bluesound regards this no-holds-barred music streamer. Defined as “a person or thing regarded as a representative symbol or as worthy of veneration,” Icon stands as the finest streamer the company has made in its history. It’s impossible to logically argue with that claim.

A price-to-performance standout based on the proven BluOS platform, Node Icon features high-end components, audiophile sound, exceptional flexibility, and elegant looks. At its core, the dual-mono Node Icon uses two SABRE ESS ES9039Q2M DACs, a SABRE ESS ES9826 ADC, and power supply with Nichicon caps to deliver high-resolution playback up to DSD256. A Quad-Core 1.8GHz ARM Cortex A53 processor further ensures rapid responsiveness and accuracy, while integrated AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, and two-way aptX adaptive Bluetooth make streaming what and from whatever source you want a breeze. 

Built for modern lifestyles, Node Icon ups its value and versatility by way of a host of connections that increase its capabilities. A pair of balanced XLR outputs and a pair of RCA outputs accompany one each of the coaxial, optical, and USB variety. A USB-C input for computers and HDMI eARC input with Dolby decoding invites you to throw your TV sound through Node Icon. And if you have a subwoofer, Node Icon even supports that by way of its subwoofer output. Plus, an outstanding-sounding THX AAA headphone amplifier and two 6.3mm headphone outputs invite you to listen in private and enjoy linear, low-noise, non-fatiguing playback when you want to enjoy music (or televised content) in private. 

And, as they say on those old game shows: “Wait, there’s more!” Node Icon comes Dirac Live Ready, so if you choose to buy the license, you’ll have the world’s leading room-correction system at your fingertips. And operation is always simple, thanks to a user interface with proximity sensor, five programmable quick-touch presets, IR remote learning capability, and a 12V trigger output for custom-install applications. On the exterior, the 3.3 x 8.7 x 7.6-inch (HWD) Node Icon benefits from aluminum cabinet construction and a large front glass panel — the latter harmoniously pairing with a beautiful five-inch non-touch display that showcases all the details you want to see from the music you play. 

Able to be combined with other Bluesound products for high-res multi-streaming potential, Node Icon lives up to its prestigious name — and then some. For more information on this extraordinary machine that sets a new benchmark at the sub-$1k price point, contact a Music Direct audio consultant at 312-433-0200. 

Audiophile-Grade Parts and Components 
Node Icon uses a premium two-channel DAC chipset from renowned DAC designers ESS and takes things a step further by implementing Bluesound’s dual-mono DAC design. This performance-oriented approach uses two DAC chips, summed by the op-amps, and results in a noise-density decrease of two times. The audio chain is then further improved by using low-noise regulators right at the DAC pins to get a noise-floor threshold unlike any previous Bluesound streamers. The Bluesound team took noise-reduction seriously at every stage of the design, for example, by adding a Pi filter and Nichicon caps in the ultra-low-noise power supply to help produce an incredible depth in the sound. This focus on minimizing internal noise levels is fully realized at the output stage via balanced XLR outputs to ensure the best possible signal transferring and performance. 

Optimized with Cutting-Edge Technology 
Alongside the superior DAC implementation and power supply design, Node Icon features QRONO d2a, a new DAC optimization function developed by MQA Labs. QRONO d2a helps ensure a clear and natural audio reproduction free from time-smear, optimizing the signal processing to help get the very best out of the Bluesound dual-mono DAC design. Node Icon also comes Dirac Live Ready, giving music lovers the opportunity to add the world’s best and most sophisticated room correction system. With the addition of the Dirac Live license and, by using a separate microphone accessory kit for room measurement, Dirac Live will identify anomalies and distortions caused by the room, optimizing the sound from your speakers to ensure the best listening experience. For those listening on headphones, the THX AAA™ headphone amplifier technology ensures high-performance listening. THX’s amp design, called the Achromatic Audio Amplifier, is a no-compromise approach that delivers incredibly low noise and distortion levels while keeping power consumptiont to a bare minimum.