Like its predecessor, the Bluesound Powernode 2025 has exactly the same shape - a flat rectangle of reduced dimensions - and the same size. Of course, the Bluesound Powernode 2025 integrates a Class D amplifier capable of amplifying up to three channels for as many speakers: either a [abc]2.1[/abc] or [abc]3.1[/abc] configuration with the addition of a central channel, completed by an [abc]LFE[/abc] output.
Bluesound Powernode 2025, network player and multichannel amplifier££££
Because if the Bluesound Powernode 2025, once associated with a pair of speakers connected to the screw terminals advantageously replaces a classic Hi-Fi system, it can also evolve to be the basis of a 5.1 Home Cinema configuration. In this case, it manages the front stage with the addition of a central speaker connected to the provided terminal block, the wired subwoofer and a pair of active Bluesound Pulse surrounds communicating wirelessly. Namely, it is also possible to manage the surround channels using passive speakers via a second Powernode amplifier in multiroom. Similarly, the Bluesound Pulse Sub+ subwoofer can be part of the wireless part. Finally, it should be remembered that the Bluesound Powernode 2025 is also a Node network player that can be associated with equipment from other brands like a classic network player. It is not the most coherent but it is possible…
Bluesound Powernode 2025, network player and stereo amplifier££££
Technically, the Bluesound Powernode 2025 integrates the exclusive patented DirectDigital amplification delivering a power of 2 x 100 W RMS (under 8 ohms) or 3 x 80 W RMS, combined with GaN (Gallium Nitride) transistors for better energy efficiency and reduced distortion. The network player section, or audio gateway, allows access to music files stored on a computer, a hard drive [abc]Nas[/abc], a mobile device (smartphone/tablet), via [abc]streaming[/abc] [abc]Wi-Fi[/abc] 5 Dual Band or [abc]Bluetooth[/abc] 5.2 APT-X Adaptive bidirectional, or [abc]Ethernet[/abc] (gigabit). Note that there is also a USB Type-A port for direct access to music tracks available on a suitable key or HDD, and a USB-C port for connecting to a computer. Of course, the Bluesound Powernode 2025 also lets you enjoy thousands of Web radios or online Cloud music services like Amazon Music, Deezer, Spotify, Tidal, and more! 23 in total! Likewise, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, AirPlay 2, and Roon Ready allow easy access to digital music. Not to mention the free Android/iOS/Kindle BluOS Control app, which is perfectly ergonomic and offers a neat and easy-to-read user interface.
Bluesound Powernode 2025, main specifications££££
Technically, the [abc]Hi-Res Audio[/abc] certified Bluesound Powernode 2025 integrates a 192 kHz/24-bit audiophile DAC combined with a Quad Core ARM Cortex-A53 processor clocked at 1.8 GHz, for flawless decoding of numerous codecs. The compatibility in terms of audio format is indeed still as wide, judge for yourself: [abc]MP3[/abc], [abc]WMA[/abc], WMA [abc]Lossless[/abc], [abc]AAC[/abc], [abc]Ogg[/abc], [abc]Flac[/abc], [abc]Alac[/abc], [abc]Wav[/abc], [abc]MQA[/abc] and [abc]AIFF[/abc] are played without difficulty, in 16 bits or 24 bits, from 32 kHz up to 192 kHz via 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz and 176.4 kilohertz. For completeness, we still find management [abc]DSD[/abc] 11.2 megahertz.
In terms of connectivity, in addition to the Ethernet, USB-A and USB-C ports already mentioned, there is a stereo [abc]RCA[/abc] input, an analog line input in 3.5 mm mini-Jack format combined with an optical input, a Toslink optical input, an IR[/abc] remote input and a headphone output on the front with THA AAA amplification. Not to mention an [abc]HDMI[/abc] [abc]eARC[/abc] socket to retrieve multichannel sound from a television and process it through the integrated [abc]Dolby Digital[/abc] decoder (no support for [abc]Dolby Atmos[/abc] and/or [abc]DTS:X[/abc]). To be precise, we should also point out the sensitive transport and volume buttons on the top of the case, Dirac Live compatibility via a future [abc]Firmware[/abc] update and Amazon Alexa compatibility.
Finally, the home automation section of the Bluesound Powernode 2025 is not left out with its possible integration within a Crestron, Control4, RTI, Nice, URC or even Lutron system.
Immediately available, in black or white finish. Recommended price: 1,099 euros. Reminder of the key features of the Bluesound PowerNode 2025:
• Type: network player/audio gateway/multi-channel amplifier
• Converter: 193 kHz/32 bits
• Codec compatibility: [abc]MP3[/abc], [abc]WMA[/abc], WMA [abc]Lossless[/abc], [abc]AAC[/abc], [abc]Alac[/abc] (96/24), [abc] Ogg[/abc] (48/16), [abc]Flac[/abc] (192/24), [abc]AIFF[/abc] (192/24), MQA and [abc]Wav[/abc] (192/24)
• Music service compatibility: Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, Tidal, Qobuz… (23 services in total), [abc]webradios[/abc]
• [abc]DSD[/abc] compatibility: yes, 11.2 MHz
• [abc]Hi-Res Audio[/abc] certification: yes
• Signal/Noise Ratio: 102 dB
• THD (Total Harmonic Distortion): 0.005%
• Frequency response: 20 Hz-20,000 Hz
• Inputs: one remote [abc]IR[/abc] input, one combined analog input on 3.5 mm stereo mini-Jack/optical (adapter included), one [abc]optical[/abc] input, one stereo [abc]RCA[/abc] input, one [abc]USB[/abc]-A Host 2.0 port, one [abc]Ethernet[/abc] port and a USB-C input for directly connecting a computer
• Outputs: 1 subwoofer [abc]LFE[/abc], 1 [abc]HDMI[/abc] TV ([abc] eARC[/abc]) and 1 6.3 mm headphone jack
• Other(s): detachable power cord
• Multiroom function: yes, BluOS
• Connectivity: [abc]Wi-Fi[/abc] 5, [abc]Bluetooth[/abc] 5.2 APT-XAdaptive, [abc]AirPlay 2[/abc]
• Application: BluOS Controller
• Voice assistant: Amazon Alexa
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 220 x 70 x 190 mm
• Weight: 1.9 kg
