After the first Node, Node 2 and Node 3, here comes the Bluesound Node X, created to celebrate the brand’s tenth anniversary. Offered as a time-limited version, this new opus has plenty of convincing qualities. So give it a listen before you let yourself be seduced!
The aesthetics have not changed one iota, apart from the presence of a 6.35 mm plug in the centre of the front panel. But the big technical advances are on the inside. The Node X boasts some decisive technological improvements, starting with a new digital-to-analogue converter from the ESS catalogue, the famous Sabre in its ESS 9028Q2M version. This offers an even lower jitter rate, ultra-low noise and distortion.
The central jack reveals the presence of a high-end headphone amplifier that uses the THX Achromatic Audio Module (THX AAATM) with patented error correction to deliver infinitely low levels of noise, distortion and power consumption. Thanks to this new feature, the Node X is positioned as a more complete device.
Elegance is evident in the all-glass capacitive touch controls.
Node X features an intuitive touch point for quick access to controls such as play, pause, track skip and volume. One-touch presets are available on the product itself, or using the included Bluesound RC1 remote control. The Node X continues to support external DACs via its optical, coaxial or USB Audio 2.0 digital outputs.
You’ll also be able to experience multi-room listening as the Node X takes advantage of the BluOS platform, the only one in the world capable of supporting up to 64 rooms while streaming high-resolution audio at up to 24-bit.
Node X supports a wide range of digital inputs and outputs, and the wi-fi, Ethernet, Apple AirPlay 2, aptX HD Bluetooth, 3.5 mm aux-in, HDMI eARC or USB Type A connectors let you drive audio from streaming services, TVs, games consoles or a personal music library. Stream music to your system via stereo RCA, optical, coaxial and USB outputs, and even to wireless headphones via Bluetooth, in aptX HD quality.
The set up
Bluesound’s installation protocol is particularly well honed. As we all know by now, the manufacturer has developed an efficient, stable and musical application that makes all the difference. Connecting the Node X to the system is particularly simple. An Ethernet cable, a mains cable, a modulation link, and that’s it. Chances are your network player will ask you for an update when you first use it. All you have to do is install it. Everything goes through the app, including access to your favourite music platforms.
The sound of the Bluesound Node X
We really like the latest versions of the Node for their muscular, accurate reproduction. For a long time, this device has been a benchmark for its particularly successful reproduction at its price point. If you liked the first version, the arrival of the new Node X won’t put you off. You’ll be delighted by the muscular yet nuanced reproduction. The differences are subtle, but their effect is noticeable.
For example, there’s a subtle increase in resolving power. Across the entire bandwidth, there is greater detail in both the diction of the singers and the playing of the instruments. This is particularly palpable on an acoustic score. For example, the exploration of low notes by a double bass reveals greater intensity, harmonic richness and openness. On a violin, the pizzicati are tense but never acidic. You get the impression of being able to listen a little louder and more comfortably. The overall balance is slightly more mineral than organic.
This is undoubtedly due to the change in the converter chip, which is more piquant and refined. Generally speaking, the new Node X will allow you to dive deeper into the richness of your recordings. Whether in terms of spatial reproduction, timbre or dynamic behaviour, it is subtly but noticeably more effective and capable of immersing you more intensely in the musical content. It retains the proverbial qualities of the original, but goes further and higher.
Our conclusion
The Node X is a success. It remains the benchmark for network players under €1,000. It does justice to beautiful systems by offering a completely musical view of your high-res files. Not to mention that its proprietary application is a model of ease of use. There’s an old saying: you don’t change a winning team. Bluesound has cleverly turned a benchmark into a new one.
Author: Pierre Fontaine
Technical sheet: BLUESOUND Node X
- Origin: Canada
- Price : €799
- Dimensions : 220 x 46 x 146 mm
- Weight : 1.14 kg
- DAC: ESS 9028Q2M Sabre DAC
- SNR: -118 dB
- THD + N: 0.0003
- Audio inputs/outputs : Optical, analogue, HDMI eARC OUT; optical, analogue, coaxial, USB; 6.35 mm headphone jack
- Controls : Full-size glass top panel, capacitive touchscreen
- Processor/platform: ARM® CortexTM -A53 Quad-Core, 1.8 GHz per core; BluOS Gen 3
