Bluesound Node Icon – Reference Hi-Res Music Streamer with XLR & 5″ Display
Node Icon is Bluesound’s flagship network streamer for audiophiles who want premium sound and seamless control. Housed in a solid aluminum chassis with a vibrant 5″ color display, it combines BluOS multi-room streaming, a dual-mono audiophile DAC stage, balanced XLR outputs, and a THX AAA™ headphone amp—made to elevate any system.
Key Features
- Dual-mono DAC architecture: Ultra-low noise and distortion for lifelike detail and dynamics.
- Balanced XLR & RCA outputs: Feed pristine, low-noise signals to premium amplifiers and powered speakers.
- 5″ full-color front display: See artwork, track info, and quick controls at a glance—no phone required.
- THX AAA™ headphone stage: Clean, powerful drive for over-ears with vanishingly low distortion.
- Hi-res, DSD & MQA playback: Supports up to 24-bit/192 kHz PCM, DSD256, and MQA for studio-quality streaming.
- Home-theatre friendly: HDMI eARC and Dolby Digital decoding let TV audio join your hi-fi with perfect lip-sync.
- Room optimization: Optional Dirac Live® room correction tightens bass and clarifies imaging.
- BluOS ecosystem: AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, multi-room, presets, and fast app control.
Customer Benefits
Plug Node Icon into your amplifier or powered speakers and unlock reference-grade streaming—no computer needed. Balanced outputs lower system noise, the front display speeds everyday use, and the THX headphone amp makes late-night listening a joy. Add Dirac Live to tailor your room, then expand across the house with BluOS multi-room.
Quick Specs
- Audio support: PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz, DSD256, MQA
- SNR (line out): up to −129 dB (XLR), −121 dB (RCA)
- THD+N: as low as 0.0004%
- Connections (outputs): Balanced XLR L/R, RCA L/R, optical, coaxial; dual 6.35 mm headphone jacks
- Connections (inputs): HDMI eARC; Ethernet; dual-band Wi-Fi; Bluetooth (aptX Adaptive)
- Control: 5″ color display, capacitive front panel, BluOS app, AirPlay 2
- Dimensions: 22 × 8.4 × 19.3 cm (W × H × D)
- Weight: 2.23 kg
What’s in the Box
- Bluesound Node Icon
- 120 V and 230 V power cords
- Ethernet cable
- Stereo RCA cable
- Quick start documentation
Use Cases / Ideal For
Reference streaming into hi-fi separates, TV-to-stereo via HDMI eARC, high-end headphone listening, and whole-home multi-room systems with BluOS.
Compatibility
Works with BluOS multi-room devices; supports AirPlay 2 and popular streaming services via BluOS app. Fits standard hi-fi racks.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- Flagship DAC and balanced XLR outputs for ultra-clean signal
- 5″ display improves day-to-day usability
- THX AAA™ headphone amp built in
- Dirac Live option and HDMI eARC add real-world flexibility
⚠️ Cons:
- Requires BluOS app for full control and setup
- Dirac license sold separately
Bluesound Node Icon brings reference-level streaming, balanced connectivity, and everyday convenience together—an elegant upgrade for serious listeners and modern living rooms.
