Bluesound Node ICON Wireless Music Streamer review high-resolution sound and multi-room capabilities

Description

Bold Industrial Design That Commands Attention

The Bluesound Node ICON Reference Multi-Room High Resolution Wireless Music Streamer is a product that feels like it’s designed to be noticed. The high-quality aluminum chassis gives it a premium feel, while the sleek gloss black finish ensures it seamlessly blends into any setup. The 5-inch full-color HD display is not just eye candy but functional, making navigation and control incredibly smooth. I particularly appreciated the balanced XLR outputs, which make it a perfect choice for audiophiles aiming for superior sound quality. Its compact dimensions—8.7 x 7.6 x 3.3 inches—mean it doesn’t take up excessive space, and at 6.61 pounds, it feels solid yet manageable.

Positives

The highlights of this product are worth noting:

• Stunning industrial design with a premium aluminum finish.
• Balanced XLR outputs for audiophile-grade performance.
• Compact yet substantial build that fits anywhere.

Sound Quality: Is It As Good As Advertised?

Let me tell you, this device truly takes audio to another level. The Dual-Mono DAC design, featuring two ESS SABRE ES9039Q2M DACs, ensures a dynamic range that feels almost limitless. On top of that, the MQA Labs QRONO d2a technology refines the digital-to-analog conversion, correcting timing errors that are often overlooked in other devices. I tested this with a variety of genres, from orchestral to bass-heavy tracks, and the clarity was jaw-dropping.

When I hooked it up to my high-performance headphones, the THX AAA headphone amplifier showed its full potential. It delivered a remarkably low noise floor with a soundstage that felt almost three-dimensional. If you’re into lifelike audio, this feature alone justifies the investment.

Downsides

However, there are a few areas for improvement:

• Dirac Live room correction is an additional upgrade and requires a separate calibration kit.
• Some users might find the interface on the BluOS Controller app a bit overwhelming at first.
• The lack of pre-included accessories like the microphone for Dirac Live might be inconvenient.

Streaming Versatility

The streaming capabilities here are impressive. I could access almost every major streaming service directly from the BluOS Controller. From Spotify to Tidal, everything was a click away. The built-in AirPlay 2 and aptX Adaptive Bluetooth made wireless streaming effortless. I paired this with my TV using the HDMI eARC feature, and the sound quality made even mundane shows feel cinematic.

One of the most striking features is the multi-room audio system. I connected it to a couple of Bluesound speakers, and the dual-band Wi-Fi ensured there were no dropouts. Whether I played the same track across rooms or different genres in each, the control was seamless through my phone.

Key Benefits

Here are some winning points that stood out to me:

• Dual-Mono DAC and QRONO d2a technology for unmatched audio clarity.
• Multi-room audio support with dropout-free streaming.
• THX AAA headphone amplifier for lifelike headphone listening.

Challengers

It’s impossible to ignore the competition, and I’ve had the chance to try a few alternatives. Compared to Sonos’ top-tier models, the audio quality of the Node ICON is significantly better, thanks to its Dual-Mono DAC design. However, Sonos edges out slightly in user-friendliness with its app interface.

Meanwhile, devices like the Cambridge Audio CXN offer similar sound quality but lack the multi-room streaming capabilities of the Node ICON. The inclusion of Dirac Live room correction gives the Node ICON a distinct advantage, though the additional purchase required might make some users lean towards an all-in-one solution.

Price to Quality Ratio

Discussing the value proposition, this product feels like it’s aimed at those who prioritize high-fidelity audio over everything else. While the price might seem steep compared to basic streaming devices, the premium features like THX AAA technology, balanced XLR outputs, and Dirac Live compatibility justify the cost for audiophiles. For casual listeners, there might be more affordable options, but if you’re someone who craves true-to-source sound, this device delivers in spades.

Additional information