Bluesound Node Icon

[What Hi-Fi?]

We take an opening listen to Bluesound's new top-end Node Icon music streamer.

Bluesound Node Icon : Read more

 

[Jasonovich]

In terms of aesthetics, I like the look of this new Blue Node, never liked the sandwich shaped designs with the controls on the top. This seems to be the contemporary design, possibly started off by masseurs Rose, followed by master Eversolo and the rest followed.

Price wise my cheaper basic Matrix Mini I-4 offers higher DSD resolution and similar features but it is still a niche feature, the ubiquitous FLAC is still king. Though, I like to think, having DSD as an option and it is almost de'facto feature on many of the top brands, people will begin to explore the truly amazing sound of DSD. Still, I need to qualify this and I think you all agree, the over riding factor that defines sound quality is the quality of the recording.

If the outcome is a poorly produced record, DSD won't make it sound better, it could make it sound worse because at the highest possible resolution everything is exposed bare, warts' n' all but if it is recorded right DSD could take you on a glorious trip. Was I thinking LSD when I said that? 🙂

The Blue Node has a lovely big screen and looks promising.

 

[Robin24]

Hello,

I'm new here... I am deeply interested in the Bluesound Node Icon, but I still hesitate between it and the Cambridge Audio CXN100. Does someone already have compared these two models, especially speaking about the sound quality?

Besides, the Node Icon review (link below) ends by saying that you What Hi-Fi team are waiting to get a review sample before writing final verdict. Do you know about when this final verdict could come?

Thanks a lot!

Here the link towards the Bluesound Node Icon review:

Hands on: Bluesound Node Icon review

Can the former music streaming champ reclaim its crown?

www.whathifi.com

 

[The_Lecht_Rocks]

Just bought one to try out.
Not convinced it’ll be better than the Ultra although reviews suggest it is….

 

[The_Lecht_Rocks]

Been up and running with the new Node Icon now for a couple of days…
I am afraid to say this, but it has absolutely blown me away.
I had suspected it would offer a simply bigger screen screen than Ultra (needed that) and sound no different as I had B2Bd my EXN100 against the Ultra, but the Icon is a step beyond both the Ultra AND the considerably more expensive EXN100!
it’s an organic sound.. Almost analogue and the soundstage and dynamics are next level..
I am blown away… I didn’t expect a noticeable difference, but the difference is unbelievable….
The dynamic swing and grip it is delivering has redefined streaming for me..
I’ve not even looked at EQ or DIRAC yet, but I do suspect some of my hifi will get reshuffled to suit..I’m not averse to the software either.
Streammagic is poor.
WiiM app is great..
BluOS has features (playlist) I like but lacks behind WiiM.

But for sound quality alone, just buy an Icon..

 

[Jasonovich]

Been up and running with the new Node Icon now for a couple of days…
I am afraid to say this, but it has absolutely blown me away.
I had suspected it would offer a simply bigger screen screen than Ultra (needed that) and sound no different as I had B2Bd my EXN100 against the Ultra, but the Icon is a step beyond both the Ultra AND the considerably more expensive EXN100!
it’s an organic sound.. Almost analogue and the soundstage and dynamics are next level..
I am blown away… I didn’t expect a noticeable difference, but the difference is unbelievable….
The dynamic swing and grip it is delivering has redefined streaming for me..
I’ve not even looked at EQ or DIRAC yet, but I do suspect some of my hifi will get reshuffled to suit..I’m not averse to the software either.
Streammagic is poor.
WiiM app is great..
BluOS has features (playlist) I like but lacks behind WiiM.

But for sound quality alone, just buy an Icon..

This is the kind of surprise, you don't expect. Delighted it worked out for you!

I'm enjoying the sound from my Matrix mini i-4 streamer but if the Node Icon had been around when I made the Matrix purchase, I would have seriously considered it.