Stream On: High-Resolution Bluesound Node X Network Music Player Features Class-Leading Sonics, Convenience, and Flexibility — Plus an Audiophile Headphone Amp
The network music player that helped introduce countless music lovers to the wonders of high-resolution streaming just got better. And how. A wholesale update on the model that practically wrote the book on the “Just Add Streaming” trend, Node X offers class-leading sonics, convenience, logistics, and flexibility. Everything about this gorgeous component — from its sleek build to its outstanding performance and cutting-edge technology — represents incredible value and experience-driven results.
Made in celebration of Bluesound's 10th anniversary, Node X relies on a powerful ESS 9028Q2M SABRE DAC that operates with natural musicality, near-zero jitter, ultra-low distortion, and a wide dynamic range. Bottom line: Node X invites you to get up and close to your favorite songs in ways other devices in its price bracket simply cannot accomplish. And Node X grows with your system. If you choose to get a higher-end DAC in the future, or already have one, you can hook it up to one of the multiple inputs on Node X and use it as a dedicated streamer. And since it’s part of the BluOS ecosystem, Node X can function as a bit-perfect multi-room audio component.
Compatible with powered speakers, amplifiers, and receivers, Node X puts you in control of how you want to use and connect it. WiFi, Ethernet, Apple AirPlay 2, aptX HD Bluetooth, 3.5mm aux-in, HDMI eARC, and USB-A connectors let you input audio from streaming services, TVs, gaming consoles, and/or a personal music library. You can send music to your main system via RCA, optical, coaxial, USB outputs — and even to wireless headphones via Bluetooth in aptX HD quality. Speaking of headphones: Node X goes over the top with a genuinely high-end headphone amplifier with THX Achromatic Audio Amplifier (THX AAA) technology. Coupled with the full-sized .0.25-inch headphone jack, the latter’s patented feed-forward error correction means you’ll enjoy fatigue-free listening sessions marked by intense realism and detail.
Standing out amid the silver casing, the top of Node X shines with an all-glass, capacitive-touch LED control panel that doubles as an intuitive touchpoint for basic commands such as play, pause, skipping, and volume. One-touch presets are also available there, or you can just use the supplied Bluesound RC1 remote. Advanced options — including tone controls, subwoofer crossover, and listening modes — are accessible via the BluOS Controller app. For the ultimate in control, Node X can be integrated into a smart home. Yes, it even comes with full-feature drivers for Lutron, Elan, RTI, Crestron, and more.
Have any questions about Node X — or just curious on how it would interface with your equipment? Reach out to a Music Direct audio consultant at 312-433-0200 and we’ll happily talk you through this amazing device.
- Network
- Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), dual-band
- Ethernet RJ45, GigE 1000 Mbps
- Audio Input
- Mini TOSLINK/3.5mm Stereo combo
- HDMI eARC
- Audio Output
- Analog RCA Stereo with Fixed Output option
- USB Audio 2.0 (Type A)
- Bluetooth
- Bluetooth with support for aptX™ HD
- Two-Way (transmit & receive)
- Headphone (HP) Output
- 6.35mm Stereo; Bluetooth
- HP Continuous Output Power (THD<0.1%)
- 100mW, 16Ω
- 130mW, 32Ω
- 17mW, 250Ω
- 11mW, 600Ω
- HP SNR (-3 with respect to clipping, 32Ω)
- -113dB
- Headphone Distortion
- THD+N, 0.002%
- Subwoofer
- RCA Out
- Network Pairing to PULSE SUB+
- USB
- Type-A Port for external drive connection (Fat32 or NTFS formatted)
- Trigger
- 12V Trigger Out
- IR Remote
- IR Sensor Built In - front panel with IR Remote Learning
- IR Input 3.5mm Jack
- Power
- Universal bi-pin AC cord input (100-240AC)
- Supported Audio File Formats
- MP3, AAC, WMA, WMA-L, OGG, ALAC, OPUS
- Supported Hi-Res Audio File Formats
- FLAC, MQA, WAV, AIFF, MPEG-4 SLS
- Processor
- ARM® Cortex™ -A53, Quad-Core, 1.8GHz per core
- Native Sampling Rates
- up to 192 kHz
- Bit Depths
- 16-24
- Performance
- SNR -118dB
- DAC
- ESS 9028Q2M
- Distortion
- THD+N, 0.0003%
- Operating System
- BluOS
- App Controller Operating Systems
- iOS, Android, Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10, macOS 10.10-10.15, 11
- Network File Sharing
- SMB up to 200,000 track index
- Album Art Supported
- JPG, PNG
- Internet Radio
- Click here
- Music Services
- Click here
- Voice Control
- Amazon Alexa Skills
- 3rd-Party
- AirPlay 2
- Spotify Connect
- Tidal Connect
- Roon Ready
- Control Systems
- Control4, Crestron, URC, RTI, ELAN, Lutron
- Status Indicator
- RGB LED x 2
- Play/Pause Button
- Touch LED
- Volume Control Buttons
- Touch Slider LED
- Previous/Next Track Buttons
- Touch LED
- Preset Buttons
- Touch LED x 5
- Proximity Sensor
- Yes
- Finish
- Silver
- Included Accessories
- RC1 Remote Control
- 120V AC Power Cord
- 230V AC Power Cord
- Ethernet Cable
- Stereo RCA to RCA Cable
- TOSLINK Optical to 3.5mm Mini Adaptor
- Safety/Warranty Guide
- Quick Setup Guide
- 10th Anniversary Insert
- Power Consumption
- Storage Environment
- -10°C to 50°C, 20% to 80% relative humidity
- Operating Environment
- 0°C to 40°C
- Product Weight
- 1.09kg/2.4lbs
- Product Dimensions
- 220 x 46 x 146 mm
- 8.7 x 1.8 x 5.7 in
- Shipping Weight
- 2.28kg/5.03lbs
- Shipping Dimensions
- 300 x 300 x 74 mm
- 11.8 x 11.8 x 2.75 in