Bluesound today announced the launch of a special limited-run Anniversary Edition NODE X streamer created in celebration of its 10th anniversary. The NODE X, in a unique silver finish, takes the brand’s iconic NODE hi-res player and, yet again, sets a new standard for audio performance and functionality with upgraded componentry. The NODE X retails at USD $749 / EUR €799 / GBP £699 / CAD $999 and is now available for purchase from participating dealers or on Bluesound.com.
So What Are The Upgrades to the Bluesound NodeX Audiophile Streamer?
Performance takes a step up in the NODE X with the venerable ESS 9028Q2M Sabre DAC, a favorite of audiophiles for its amazing musicality, near-zero levels of clock jitter, ultra-low noise, and a wide dynamic range. A truly high-end headphone amplifier is driven by cutting edge THX AAA™ (Achromatic Audio Amplifier) technology with patented feed-forward error correction resulting in infinitesimally low levels of noise, distortion, and power consumption. Along with the ¼ inch headphone jack, the NODE X delivers a no-compromise headphone listening experience.
More Features For the Bluesound NodeX Audiophile Streamer….
The NODE X features enhanced dual band Wi-Fi to deliver the best in-class wireless stream quality. Over 20 natively integrated music services and thousands of internet radio stations are accessible directly on theNODE X or play from a personal digital music library held on a computer or external drive through the intuitive BluOS app for iOS, Android, or Mac or PC computers. The award-winning BluOS platform is the only platform that can support up to 64 players, all streaming up to 24-bit/192kHz hi-res audio and supports lossless file formats and MQA playback, which allows music lovers to listen to the actual studio masters of favorite albums, as they were intended to be heard. Like a jack of all trades, the NODE X is equipped with all the inputs and outputs — bring music into the NODE X using HDMI eARC, Wi-Fi___33, Gigabit Ethernet, Apple AirPlay 2, aptX HD Bluetooth, or USB Type A.
Multi-room Access Is Rare In Audiophile Streamers
Seamlessly group the NODE X with multiple Bluesound speakers around the home to create an intuitive multi-room music system. Control the NODE X directly from a smart device or computer, touch panel controls with presets, voice assistants like Apple’s Siri, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, or by using the included RC1 Remote Control, which offers one-touch access to any Bluesound player within its proximity. The NODE X can also integrate into a smart home with full-feature drivers for Crestron, Control4, URC, RTI, ELAN, and other popular home control systems.
“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 BlueSound 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. I’m particularly excited to see how our customers use the NODE X with their favorite pair of performance headphones.”
Key Highlights of the BlueSound NODE X Audiophile Streamer:
- Premium ESS 9028Q2M Sabre DAC
- THX AAA™ Headphone Amplifier technology.
- 6.35mm / 1/4” Wired Headphone Output
- Wireless Bluetooth Headphone Output
- Quad-core 1.8GHz ARM® CORTEX™ A53 Processor
- HDMI eARC, Optical & Analog Inputs
- Stereo Analog Output
- Optical, Coaxial & USB Audio Outputs
- BluOS™ Wireless Multi-room Music Capability
- MQA Music and Hi-res Audio Streaming
- AirPlay 2 Integration
- Works With Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- Dual-band Wi-Fi & Gigabit Ethernet
- Two-way aptX™ HD Bluetooth
- IR Remote Learning Capability
- IR Input
- 12V Trigger Output
- Wired & Wireless Subwoofer Output
- Touch Controls with Presets
- Silver Finish
- RC1 Remote Control Included
The History of Bluesound/Lenbrook
Bluesound is a Canadian audio brand focused on high-resolution wireless streaming systems. It is owned and operated by Lenbrook International, a company headquartered in Pickering, Ontario. Founded in 1978, Lenbrook began as a national distributor of audio and communications equipment in Canada. Over the decades, it transitioned into a brand owner and global manufacturer of audio products, including NAD Electronics and PSB Speakers. These two legacy brands provided Lenbrook with the technical foundation and product development expertise that later shaped the launch of Bluesound.
Bluesound was introduced by Lenbrook in 2013 as a response to changes in how people consume music. As streaming platforms grew in popularity and physical media declined, there was increasing demand for audio equipment capable of high-quality digital playback. At the time, most wireless audio systems on the market focused on convenience, often at the expense of sound quality. Lenbrook recognized a gap in the market for a solution that combined ease of use with support for lossless and high-resolution audio formats. Drawing from its engineering teams at NAD and PSB, Lenbrook developed Bluesound as a platform that addressed this need.
Central to Bluesound’s identity is the BluOS operating system. Developed in-house by Lenbrook, BluOS allows for multi-room audio playback and serves as the control layer for a growing ecosystem of products. Unlike many other streaming platforms that rely on third-party software integrations, BluOS is vertically integrated, meaning it can be updated, maintained, and extended by Lenbrook without relying on outside developers. This gives Lenbrook flexibility in managing how its products interact with streaming services, home networks, and user interfaces.
BluOS supports a wide range of streaming services including TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer, and others. It also offers native support for MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) files and high-resolution FLAC playback. Users can stream content from network-attached storage devices or from cloud-based services. BluOS also offers support for AirPlay 2 and is compatible with control systems such as Control4, Crestron, and RTI, which has allowed Bluesound components to be integrated into custom installation environments.
Bluesound products range from standalone streamers like the Node to integrated amplifiers such as the Powernode. There are also multi-room wireless speakers, soundbars, and CD-ripping music servers like the Vault. These products can be used independently or together in a whole-home setup. The Node and Powernode, in particular, have become common components in many systems, offering a bridge between traditional stereo equipment and modern streaming functionality. These devices are frequently used in both entry-level and mid-tier systems and are often paired with external DACs, amplifiers, and loudspeakers depending on user preference.
One area where Bluesound and BluOS stand out is their integration with Roon, a music management platform widely used by audiophiles. While many hardware brands offer Roon Ready certification, the depth of Bluesound’s integration is distinctive. BluOS supports Roon while also offering access to metadata, streaming services, and features not always available on other Roon-capable products. This has made Bluesound a practical option for listeners who want to use Roon’s interface and library tools without sacrificing native streaming support or requiring additional control hardware.
Bluesound and BluOS are also integrated into certain NAD and DALI products, expanding the BluOS ecosystem beyond Bluesound-branded gear. This approach allows users to build systems that combine components from multiple brands while maintaining a single control platform. Lenbrook’s decision to make BluOS available to select partners has broadened its adoption and created consistency across product lines, especially within Lenbrook-owned brands.
In the current landscape of digital audio, Bluesound is considered one of the more accessible options for users interested in high-resolution streaming. The company occupies a position between mass-market consumer audio and higher-end audiophile solutions, offering a mix of performance, usability, and system flexibility. Its products are designed for both individual users and installers, and the BluOS platform continues to evolve with regular updates and expanded service support.
