Bluesound brings new tech and updated performance to its 10th-anniversary edition Node X streamer

Bluesound Node X anniversary edition in silver
(Image credit: Bluesound)

Bluesound is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a special limited edition run of its Award-winning Node (2021) music streamer, called the Node X.

The Node X doesn't just have a 'unique' silver finish to mark the ten-year anniversary; it's also packed with new technology, designed to improve upon the standard Node that holds the current What Hi-Fi? Product of the Year Award for music streamers. Bluesound says the Node X sets "a new standard for audio performance and functionality with upgraded componentry".

Key component upgrades include the use of a premium ESS 9028Q2M Sabre DAC, a brand new headphone amplifier section that uses THX's AAA (Achromatic Audio Amplifier) technology for reduced levels of noise, distortion and power consumption, and a new 6.35mm headphone output. Bluesound says the use of the ESS Sabre DAC allows the Node X to "flawlessly deliver" streamed audio to amplifiers or active speakers in up to 24-bit/192kHz hi-res quality across various formats including MQA.

The other core features that make the Node streamer such a fantastic proposition remain, including its vast file compatibility and streaming options (including over 20 integrated music streaming services), wide connectivity including HDMI eARC, AirPlay 2, two-way Bluetooth aptX HD support, and the excellent BluOS platform and control app that makes the Node a doddle to use in your home system.

Bluesound Node X anniversary edition in silver

(Image credit: Bluesound)

“When we thought about how to celebrate a decade of audio excellence and leadership in wireless hi-res streaming, we knew we had to start with the NODE,” says Matt Simmonds, Product Manager of Bluesound. “The NODE X re-imagines some of the best parts of the critically acclaimed, iconic NODE’s product design – our most popular model – and takes ’just add streaming’ to new performance levels for the next generation of audiophiles."

The limited edition Bluesound Node X will cost GBP £699 / USD $749 / AU$1299 and will be available from today. The standard Node costs £549 / $549 / AU$999. 

Bluesound will also be offering a special version of the Node X in a metallic blue finish as a competition prize only via participating partners throughout July.

The Canadian brand has been at the forefront of streaming since it made its debut in mid-2013 at an event in Munich, Germany. And it all comes full circle as this 10th-anniversary edition Node X streamer will get its first public showing at High End Munich 2023 next week.

MORE:

Read the five-star Bluesound Node (2021) review

Rega reveals 50th Anniversary Edition of the superb Planar 3 turntable

QED’s Golden Anniversary XT speaker cable celebrates the British brand’s 50th birthday

Our recommendations for the best music streamer for you

Kashfia Kabir
Hi-Fi and Audio Editor

Kashfia is the Hi-Fi and Audio Editor of What Hi-Fi? and first joined the brand over 10 years ago. During her time in the consumer tech industry, she has reviewed hundreds of products (including speakers, amplifiers, turntables and headphones), been to countless trade shows across the world and fallen in love with hi-fi kit much bigger than her. In her spare time, Kash can be found tending to an ever-growing houseplant collection and shooing her cat Jolene away from spinning records.

  • MarCop
    But still no Apple Music streaming, AirPlay only?
    Reply
  • manicm
    MarCop said:
    But still no Apple Music streaming, AirPlay only?

    It's probably a licensing issue. The only manufacturer that can stream directly from Apple Music is Sonos. They probably came to a deal with/paid a hefty fee to Apple.
    Reply
  • Gezim
    No balanced XLR outputs
    Reply
  • manicm
    Gezim said:
    No balanced XLR outputs
    That's more of a fad in budget models, which in hifi I'd categorise the Node as. Which £900 amps have balanced inputs?
    Reply
  • Benjiwilliams
    manicm said:
    That's more of a fad in budget models, which in hifi I'd categorise the Node as. Which £900 amps have balanced inputs?
    The NAD C 268 does
    Reply
  • manicm
    Benjiwilliams said:

    The NAD C 268 does
    Yes, but I doubt many would care at this level. What would really make a difference is the higher quality DAC in the Node X.
    Reply
  • luca05
    still without native DSD support
    Reply
  • npxavar
    manicm said:
    That's more of a fad in budget models, which in hifi I'd categorise the Node as. Which £900 amps have balanced inputs?
    Cambridge Audio CXA80/CXA81.
    Reply
  • npxavar
    luca05 said:
    still without native DSD support
    Looks like a parts upgrade release, with THX's AAA headphone amplifier making it a serious one.
    Reply