Bluesound NODE vs. NODE X Music Streamer Comparison & Review

CAYLA MENGES | MOON AUDIO STAFF/JUL 9TH 2023

Home is where the HiFi is

Bluesound has a reputation for making some pretty great hi-res streamers and that's no surprise as the NODE entry-level music streamer is one of our top-selling products. As a nod to the NODE and its continued success they've released a limited-edition unit, the NODE X.

The company has been making wireless hi-res streamers for a decade now and to celebrate their anniversary they've released a limited edition streamer to elevate their popular entry-level streamer, the NODE.

Priced at $749, the Bluesound NODE X Premium Wireless Hi-Res Multi-Room Music Streamer is the 10th anniversary edition of the popular NODE series streamers with some stellar upgrades.

Bluesound Node X Comparison: A Nod to the Node

Bluesound has a reputation for making some pretty great hi-res streamers and that's no surprise as the NODE entry-level streamer is one of our top-selling products. As a nod to the NODE and its continued success they've released a limited-edition unit, the NODE X. Let's check it out.

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Riff

Notes

Riff Notes

Pros

Dynamic and lively sound
Flashy silver finish
1/4" jack for headphone listeners
BluOS app functionality

Cons

No headphone jack adapter
Volume slider touch bar can be finicky

About Bluesound

As the original hi-res multi-room brand since 2013, Bluesound makes award-winning wireless hi-res sound systems that let you play music in any and every room throughout your home. Choose music from your favorite streaming services or from a music library connected to your home network. Control where, at what volume, and when muisc plays with a free BluOS app for your smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer. Getting the crisp and detailed sound that only an audiophile-grade system can deliver has never been easier. Bluesound's streaming products are also great as an affordable entry point to work with Roon.

Bluesound streamers are a great entry-level product for someone looking to add an affordable, yet high-performing music streamer to their home audio setup.

Bluesound NODE X Music Streamer Review

Bluesound has made some notable changes to the NODE X. They've taken out the PCM 5242 Burr-Brown DAC featured in the NODE and upgraded the NODE X with an ESS 9028Q2M Sabre DAC that supports up to 24-bit/192kHz and MQA Playback. I took the liberty of AB testing the NODE X and the NODE to find out whether this upgraded DAC plays a role in the overall sound of the NODE X — And the results may surprise you.

Headphone listeners will appreciate the improvement of the dedicated internal headphone amplifier using THX AAA (Achromatic Audio Amplifier) technology — Which Bluesound says delivers a "no compromise headphone listening experience." What does this mean for headphone listeners? Realistic, fatigue-free listening, low levels of distortion, and greater dynamic range and sound pressure level.

The overall size and weight of the NODE X and NODE are the same with minor design adjustments which we'll jump right into.

Design

At first glance the NODE X is very similar to the NODE with the exception of a color change for the finish. The NODE X sports a silver finish whereas the NODE has the choice of a matte black or white finish.

Both streamers have a full-glass touch interface on the top. Slide the volume bar to adjust volume levels, as well as tap the buttons at either end of the volume slider to adjust in 1db intervals. Below the volume slider are two buttons for track skipping with a pause/play button. There's also five programmable preset buttons that can be configured in the BluOS App. The touch control panel has an integrated proximity sensor that lights up the touch controls when your hand hovers over the unit.

You may have noticed a slightly larger headphone jack on the front of the NODE X. Bluesound has swapped out the mini jack featured on the NODE for a full-sized 1/4 inch headphone jack on the NODE X. This opens up the use of the NODE X as an all-in-one headphone system to more users. Most headphones come with a 1/4 inch amp end connector, and while you can use an adapter to convert to either an eighth inch for the NODE, or a 1/4 inch for the NODE X, adapters can deteriorate the signal. Thus the X will appeal to a larger crowd of headphone users now.

For those who may need a headphone jack adapter, there isn't one included in the box. Fortunately at Moon Audio we sell many Dragon Cable adapters so please see our product recommendations at the end of this blog post.

All the connection options on the NODE X are the same as the NODE. There is a USB port for connection of a USB key or external hard drive, as well as a mini-jack input that can be used as an optical input.

Hardware Specs

In terms of audio specs, the NODE X and NODE both support a number of hi-res audio file formats: FLAC, MQA, WAV, AIFF, and MPEG-4 SLS. DSD can be converted via BluOS in case you have such files but must be done using the BluOS software on a computer. You can connect mass storage to the unit if you're looking to add a personal music library. It is also Roon certified to operate with Roon control software. The NODE X has upgraded dual-band Wi-Fi and a wired Ethernet connection included to improve network connections so you experience less dropouts. It also has support for two-way Bluetooth aptX HD Bluetooth connection to ensure music playback without interruption.

Both streamers support HDMI eARC, optical, and analog inputs as well as optical, coaxial, and USB audio outputs. HDMI eARC is great for multimedia system integration. It allows you to transfer uncompressed high resolution audio to your home media devices, say from a TV to a sound bar or AV receiver. AirPlay2 allows you to play music or podcasts from wireless stereo components throughout your home.

The NODE X does have an internal DAC and analog outs, meaning you could connect it to a pair of active bookshelf speakers for loudspeaker integration if you wanted. There are analog outputs to go to either powered speakers or a two-channel setup including a subwoofer.

Sound Impressions

The NODE X utilizes a 32-bit/192kHz differential output design digital-to-analog converter. It's designed to output near-zero levels of clock jitter, ultra-low noise, and a wide dynamic range. It's certainly up to the task of handling your high resolution audio with ease. The internal headphone amp provides lower distortion and a higher signal to noise ratio.

For my listening session, I did some AB testing on the NODE and NODE X using the Focal Stellia and Meze 109 Pro headphones via the headphone jacks. We paired both headphones with our Black Dragon headphone cable.

Right off the bat I could hear the NODE X had noticeably better dynamics than the NODE. There's more depth and layering to the sound. Both streamers have a pleasant bass but the NODE X shines a bit more in that area delivering a punchy but not overpowering bass.

Prior to the release of his album Dawn FM, The Weeknd's pop hit "Take My Breath" took the radio by storm — Funky, fast paced, and ever-so catchy. The extended version of this hit is all that and more. Now with two more minutes of instrumental melodies that are a techno lovers dream. Thanks to the NODE X, the nostalgic '80s beat was energetic and powerful. A rather synth-heavy track, it was never fatiguing on the ears. The NODE X uplifted every vocoded vocal riff and kick snare.

The NODE X will make virtually any genre you throw at it sound great. Whether it's the acoustics of folk or the energy of EDM and Pop, the NODE X will make it sparkle.

When pairing the two streamers with the HiFiMan HE1000se, a more power hungry headphone than the Meze 109 Pros, I found the NODE X could drive them better than the NODE although both streamers would benefit from some added power to make any hard-to-drive headphone shine. For more information on headphone amplifiers and how to power hard-to-drive headphones check out our related articles linked at the end of this blog post.

Take My Breath (Extended)
by The Weeknd
(Dawn FM (Alternate World))

Can't Stop
by Red Hot Chili Peppers
(By the Way)

Would That I
by Hozier
(Wasteland, Baby!)

No More Lies
by Thundercat & Tame Impala
(No More Lies)

Features

In the box Bluesound has included a 120V AC and 230 AV Power Cords, an Ethernet Cable, Stereo RCA to RCA cable, Mini Jack to Toslink and RC1 remote control. There are also Coax RCA, Toslink, and USB outputs for DACs. The Mini Toslink input can be used to connect a CD player or a DAP as an external source in addition to just streaming.

The inclusion of a remote control is something new for Bluesound. Prior to the NODE X the RC1 remote control was an accessory that had to be purchased individually retailing for $59 on their website.

The remote control is designed to work with the nearest Bluesound device — Just point-and-control and boom you don't even have to leave the couch. Where this can be important is the ability to change the volume while headphone listening. Aside from this, for all other controls we would recommend using the BluOS App, which is available on iOS, Android, Mac, or PC computers. The inclusion of the remote control likely contributes to the increased price of the NODE X, but in terms of convenience it's worth it.

You also have the option to control Bluesound music streamers through voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. So no need to worry if you temporarily misplace the remote because the BluOS app has you covered. BluOS has integrations with over 20 music services to include Qobuz, Tidal, Spotify, and numerous internet radio stations.

Dragon Cables

Generally, stock audio cables are manufactured with subpar materials, metals with impurities, poor geometries, and an overabundance of layers to make them look and feel like a fire hose. Inconsistency and lack of quality control in stock cables can lead to poor sound quality and a veiled sound vs what the musician intended for you to hear and feel from the music. Dragon cables are handcrafted with the highest standards and made to order according to your specific needs. At Moon Audio, we create a custom cable for you using the highest quality UP-OCC silver or copper conductors that can be manufactured. UP-OCC metals are void of impurities and are optimized for signal transfer and sound quality. We have one of the largest collections of audio and headphone connection options available online and we create limitless audio cable options depending on your specific gear and needs.

Silver Dragon Sound Signature: The Silver Dragon is the original cable. Silver strands clarify instrument separation, increase the soundstage, and find previously lost high and mid-frequency sounds. Transients appear more cohesive and the bass tighter for a more controlled sound. The detail and clarity of the Silver Dragon make it a perfect match for classical music and other genres with many nuanced instruments.

Black Dragon Sound Signature: The Black Dragon is warm and smooth with a musical presentation. Copper strands enhance the body, shape, and immediacy of the music. The detail and expansiveness of the Black Dragon make it a flexible fit where a broad range of musical genres are played. It can also improve bass frequencies on bass-light headphones. The smooth, musical quality makes it a perfect fit for headphones that tend to sound a bit edgy or bright. Despite its warmth, the Black Dragon does not have a laid-back, lush sound. It is much closer to neutral, making it a very natural-sounding cable. For more information on finding your signature sound, visit our Sound Signature Guide.

The Verdict

For $749, the increased dynamics of the NODE X deliver a sound that is well worth the $150 price difference over the original NODE. When comparing the two, the NODE X has slight improvements in dynamics and detail, but the NODE has a clean and accurate sound signature that works with all genres.

The NODE X is for someone who may want slightly more detail retrieval and a more dynamic listening experience. It's a limited edition and we expect supply to last through the 2023 holiday season at most. With that being said, the original NODE is still the best-selling entry-level streamer we carry at Moon Audio and a great choice for anyone looking for high fidelity from a small device.

If you're looking for a more than capable entry-level streamer that's going to provide you with a beefier sound, more dynamic range, and detail retrieval then the NODE X may be the right fit for you. We've found the NODE X does a much better job of standing on its own without the need of an external DAC to really make it sing. Now, if you have a really good existing DAC then the NODE would be our first recommendation to explore the world of streaming. But for those of you without an external DAC, the NODE X's new DAC circuit really pushes the envelope for the best bang-for-your-buck all-in-one streaming solution. Really any streamer within the NODE series is going to be a great choice.

The NODE provides you clarity in the midrange and has an accurate sound signature that compliments all of your favorite songs. If you fancy the details and love to pick apart the layers in a song then the NODE X is your best option. Or maybe you're an 80's pop lover and want the clarity the NODE brings to your favorite vocals. Regardless, Bluesound streamers provide an incredible value for the price-to-performance ratio to newbies, audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike.

We recommend both the NODE X and the NODE as music streamers that provide a plethora of options and excellent performance for their price points. We'd love to help you decide which one is right for you.

Featured Products

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Recommended Adapters

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What's in the Box

RC1 Remote Control
120V AC Power Cord
230V AC Power Cord
Ethernet Cable
Stereo RCA to RCA Cable
TOSLINK Optical to 3.5mm Mini Adapter
Quick Setup Guide

Specifications (Comparison)

Bluesound NODE X (New)

Connections

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 (Trasmit & receive)
Headphone Output: 6.35mm Stereo, Bluetooth
Headphone Signal-to-Noise Ratio: -95dB ref 1mW/32ohms
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)

Bluesound NODE

Connections

Network: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac, 2.4/5GHz), Ethernet RJ45, GigE 1000 Mbps
Audio Input: Mini TOSLINK/3.5mm Stereo Combo, HDMI eARC
Audio Output: Analog Stereo RCA (Fixed or Variable), Coaxial RCA, TOSLINK digital optical, USB Audio 2.0
Bluetooth: Bluetooth with support for aptX HD, Two-Way (Transmit & receive)
Headphones: 3.5mm Stereo Out, Wireless Bluetooth Out
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)

Audio

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
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: CALM Radio, SiriusXM, iHeartRadio, LiveXLive, RADIO.com, Radio Paradise, TuneIn
Music Services: Amazon Music, Bugs, CustomChannels, Deezer, IDAGIO, KKBOX, Napster, Neil Young Archives, Nugs.net, Qobuz, QPlay, Qsic, Spotify, SoundMachine, TIDAL, Tunify
Integration Partners: Control 4, Crestron, ELAN, Lutron, Push, ROON, RTI, URC
Voice Control: Amazon Alexa Skills
3rd-Party: AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, ROON Ready

Audio

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
Native Sampling Rates: Up to 192 kHz
Bit Depths: 16-24
Performance: SNR -113dBA, THD+N, 0.002%
DAC: 32-Bit, 384kHz Differential Output design
Operating System: BluOS
App Controller Operating Systems: iOS, Android, Windows Vista 7, 8, 10, macOS 10-11
Network File Sharing: SMB up to 200,000 track index
Internet Radio: TuneIn Radio, iHeartRadio, CALM Radio, Radio Paradise, LiveXLive, Radio.com
Supported Cloud Services: Spotify, Amazon Music HD, TIDAL, Deezer, Qobuz HighResAudio (VAULT Required), Napster, KKBox, Bugs, Taihe Music ZONE, SoundMachine, IDAGIO, OraStream
Voice Control Integrations: Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant Skills
Integration Partners: Control4, RTI, Crestron, URC, push, iPort, ELAN, Lutron, ROON, AirPlay 2
Album Art Supported: JPG, PNG
3rd-Party: AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, ROON Ready

General

Processor: ARM® Cortex™ -A53, Quad-Core, 1.8GHz per core
Finish: Silver
Included Accessories: RC1 Remote Controller, 120V AC Power Cord, 230V AC Power Cord, Ethernet Cable, Stereo RCA to RCA Cable, TOSLINK Optical to 3.5mm Mini Adapter, Safety/Warranty Guide, Quick Setup Guide, 10th Anniversary Insert
Storage Environment: -10°C to 50°C, 20% to 80% relative humidity
Operating Environment: 0°C to 40°C
Product Dimensions: 220 x 46 x 146mm; 8.7 x 1.8 x 5.7 in
Unit Weight: 1.09kg/2.4lbs

General

Processor: ARM® Cortex™ -A53, Quad-Core, 1.8GHz per core
Finish: Black/White; Matte Satin Paint
Included Accessories: 120V AC Power Cord, 230V AC Power Cord, Ethernet Cable, Stereo RCA to RCA Cable, TOSLINK Optical to 3.5mm Mini Adapter, Safety/Warranty Guide, Quick Setup Guide
Storage Environment: -10°C to 50°C, 20% to 80% relative humidity
Operating Environment: 0°C to 40°C
Product Dimensions: 220 x 46 x 146mm; 8. x 1.8 x 5.7 in
Unit Weight: 1.09kg/2.4lbs

Cayla Menges

"Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing" - Benjamin Franklin

For Cayla Menges, combining her passion for writing and love for music is the perfect recipe. Cayla uses her love for storytelling and experience as a former newspaper journalist to create content that informs and resonates with music lovers and audiophiles alike. When she's not at Moon Audio, Cayla enjoys bingeing reality TV, knitting, trying her hand at new recipes, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Moon Audio strives to provide the most relevant collection of curated audiophile products for our customers. Our reviews and product guides are designed to inform our community and share our passion for audio technology. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned professional, we're glad you joined us.

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BY: CAYLA MENGES | JUL 2023

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