Bluesound unveils next-technology Node 2i and PowerNode 2i music streamers

Bluesound is well known for superb wi-fi-audio merchandise, along with the Node 2i and PowerNode 2i high-decision multi-room audio streamers,

Bluesound unveils next-technology Node 2i and PowerNode 2i music streamers
Bluesound unveils next-technology Node 2i and PowerNode 2i music streamers

Bluesound is well known for superb wi-fi-audio merchandise, along with the Node 2i and PowerNode 2i high-decision multi-room audio streamers, both of which we glowingly reviewed in 2020. Today, Bluesound is pronouncing the subsequent generation of these merchandise that offer some great enhancements to what are already brilliant performers.

Both products offer direct get entry to to loads of net radio stations, dozens of streaming music services, and your own neighborhood digital-tune library via dual-band Wi-Fi (including AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Roon Ready) or a stressed gigabit ethernet connection in addition to Bluetooth aptX and USB.

They additionally offer a selection of virtual- and analog-audio inputs as well as stressed and wi-fi headphone and subwoofer outputs. In addition, each may be managed with the BluOS Controller app for iOS, Android, MacOS, or Windows. The primary difference among them is that the PowerNode adds a electricity amp; because the business enterprise promo says, œJust add audio system.

At the heart of the new gadgets is a subsequent-generation, quad-middle ARM Cortex A53 processor running at 1.8GHz. Compared with the primary-technology Node and PowerNode, the new processor has eight instances more processing power and four instances faster reminiscence pace, main to faster reaction instances and greater performance.

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Another key upgrade is a new DAC that operates at 32-bit/384 kHz with a differential output and helps audio resolutions up to 24-bit/192 kHz. It additionally boasts a lower sign-to-noise ratio of -113 dB (down from -110 dB) and THD+N of zero.002% (down from zero.Half%). And the Node™s again panel now sports an HDMI eARC input for connecting a TV. (The PowerNode already had this selection.) If you have already got a DAC you want, a future BluOS upgrade will prompt a USB audio output, bypassing the inner DAC while preserving all of the streaming and BluOS capability.

Both gadgets assist a huge sort of audio codecs. For excessive-res audio, they consist of FLAC, ALAC, MQA, WAV, AIFF, WMA-L, and MPEG-4 SLS. Lossy formats encompass MP3, AAC, WMA, OGG, and OPUS.

The pinnacle of the brand new units function a full-glass contact-sensitive interface with capacitive LED controls with a unique volume slider and five preset buttons. Even higher, a new proximity sensor that illuminates the manage panel as your finger methods it and turns off the LEDs whilst you withdraw your finger. How cool is that?

Not to be outdone inside the strength department, the PowerNode 2i V2 has a beefed up electricity amp that pumps out eighty watts/channel into 8 ohms (up from 60 W/ch inside the authentic). It keeps the Bluesound sonic signature way to the agency™s HybridDigital amp platform that can power the audio system of your preference with ease.

Finally, the cosmetics were upgraded to a satin paint finish with a top class appearance and feel that™s additionally easy to easy. Both gadgets will be available in white or black.

Speaking of availability, the Node 2i and PowerNode 2i V2 must begin transport in June. The Node 2i V2 will bring a retail charge tag of $549, while the PowerNode 2i V2 will set you again $899. Both are to be had for pre-order now. We™ll have in-depth, ears-on opinions as quickly as we are able to rating evaluate gadgets. Reuters