Bluesound NODE ICON (N530): Uncompromising music streamer

Whether you’re into music, TV sound, multi-room audio, or head-fi, the NODE ICON delivers an unparalleled...

Bluesound NODE ICON (N530)
Bluesound NODE ICON (N530)

Building on the legacy of previous Bluesound NODE models, the NODE ICON raises the bar with superior performance, elegant design, and an enhanced user experience. Equipped with a Bluesound Dual-Mono DAC featuring high-end stereo DAC chips from ESS Technologies, the NODE ICON offers exceptional clarity and detail in sound. This is further enhanced by low-noise regulators, QRONO d2a technology, and an ultra-quiet power supply with PI filtering and Nichicon capacitors, all contributing to an incredibly low noise floor. With balanced XLR outputs, the NODE ICON ensures top performance and prevents noise interference during signal transfer, making it a premium choice for audiophiles.

Bluesound NODE ICON (N530)
Bluesound NODE ICON (N530)

The NODE ICON is prepared for Dirac Live, an advanced digital spatial correction system. After purchasing a license online, you can use a measuring microphone (available separately) and your device to measure sound response in your listening space. Dirac Live then compensates for bass resonances and other irregularities, significantly improving sound quality. This technology, revered in cinemas, studios, luxury cars, and other demanding environments, enhances the sound of all your streaming music, TV audio, and connected music sources.

Bluesound NODE ICON (N530)
Bluesound NODE ICON (N530)

With the Bluesound app, you have complete control over your music, with access to album art and all functions on your phone or tablet. Stream from TIDAL, Spotify Connect, Deezer, Qobuz, Roon, and more, enjoying unmatched quality in all audio formats, including 24-bit. Built-in internet radio and a two-way Bluetooth feature let you enjoy high-quality sound on wireless headphones. The stunning color display with album art completes the premium experience.

NODE ICON features an HDMI connection with Audio Return Channel (eARC) and HDMI-CEC, allowing your TV and audio system to communicate effortlessly. Control volume and other settings with your existing TV remote after a one-time HDMI connection, and enjoy top-quality TV sound with ease. The NODE ICON automatically powers on and off with your TV or other connected inputs, including Bluetooth and optical.

Bluesound NODE ICON (N530)
Bluesound NODE ICON (N530)

Designed to integrate seamlessly with your existing audio system or power amplifier, the NODE ICON can also be paired with high-quality active speakers for a compact, stand-alone setup. It’s perfect for your desktop, delivering luxury sound quality while you work, with the color display offering an elegant user experience. You can easily expand your system with wireless Bluesound multi-room speakers, allowing music playback in multiple rooms, either independently or simultaneously.

For energy efficiency, the NODE ICON can enter deep standby mode (0.5 watts) with a 10-second press on the touch panel, waking up with a short press when you’re ready to listen again.

Bluesound NODE ICON (N530) Back panel
Bluesound NODE ICON (N530) Back panel

Head-fi enthusiasts will appreciate the NODE ICON’s integrated headphone amplifier, featuring THX’s audiophile AAA technology. Bluesound’s custom-designed THX AAA module, based on the THX Frontier THXAAA-78 amplifier stage and approved by THX, ensures exceptional sound quality. The NODE ICON boasts two full-size 6.3 mm jack outputs, compatible with most head-fi headphones without the need for an adapter, and two-way Bluetooth with aptX Adaptive for high-quality wireless listening.

The NODE ICON’s built-in headphone amplifier rivals standalone models, offering easy access to Bluesound’s high-quality streaming music right from your desk or armchair. Whether enjoying your vinyl collection through a connected turntable or streaming music wirelessly, the NODE ICON delivers unmatched sound quality, usability, and versatility.

With support for SACD files in DSD format (via an upcoming software upgrade) and a built-in Dolby Digital decoder for bitstream audio format via HDMI, the NODE ICON can even downmix to stereo sound, making it a comprehensive audio solution.

Our Expert Assessment

Pros

  • Audiophile hi-fi music streaming to all systems and active speakers
  • Exclusive aluminum finish with 5″ color display in the front
  • Dedicated built-in high-end headphone amplifier with THX AAA technology
  • 2 x ESS 9039Q2M D/A converters in Dual-Mono Design
  • Dirac Live Ready
  • User-friendly app control from smartphone/tablet as well as from PC/Mac
  • Touch panel on the top plate for basic operation (play/pause/volume etc.)
  • 5 personal user preferences via touch buttons
  • The TV sound can be controlled from your existing TV remote control via HDMI/eARC
  • Bluetooth with aptX Adaptive and two-way function for wireless headphones
  • Apple AirPlay
  • Supports HD audio up to 24-bit/192kHz as well as DSD256
  • Both digital and analogue connections including balanced XLR and USB
  • Full wireless integration with the Bluesound multiroom system incl. NAD amplifiers/receivers and wireless DALI speaker systems with BluOS
  • Many streaming services (TIDAL, Spotify Connect, Deezer, Qobuz, Roon Ready, internet radio, etc.)
  • Connection for subwoofer incl. Bass Management
  • Bluesound IR remote control is available as an option
  • Can be put into power-saving offline standby (0.5 watts)

Cons

  • Not as many connectivity options as some full-size options
  • Some options support even more streaming services
  • No touch display
  • There are even more compact options