Bluesound Node Icon Streamer/DAC Reviewed 

Recently, I completed a review of the fourth-generation (2024) Bluesound Node Nano (read my review), their entry-level streamer DAC out of three within their streamer DAC category. The middle model, the Node 2024, was reviewed earlier this year by our editor, Jerry Del Colliano. Today, we will review the top-dog model, the Bluesound Node Icon. This elevated level of product design is new for Bluesound, with a history of more straightforward products for the everyday audiophile, as well as for the more advanced. The audiophile DNA of its parent company, Lenbrook, the umbrella over NAD electronics and PSB speakers, is bleeding over to the Bluesound lineup. The brand new Bluesound Node Icon ($1,149 – buy at Crutchfield), with its big LED screen and larger form factor, adds some serious audio aficionado features that elevate the Node product line in a big way in the world of high-end audio. Let’s dig in and see what is new and if the product lives up to the hype.

What Makes the Bluesound Node Icon Music Streamer So Special? 

• The Bluesound Node Icon’s aluminum chassis adds panache and pride of ownership to the already compelling value proposition. The Bluesound Node Icon has an aluminum chassis, with some plastic panels at the top and bottom. The fit and finish are quite refined.
• The five-inch color display is super-cool and much appreciated. However, its function is not as a touch-screen interface, but rather to be more informative to the user. It displays cover art, track title, streaming service, file type, resolution, and a clock. Besides the cover art, the information is not legible from any normal seating distance. Yet displays are always welcome, not to mention a conversation piece. 
• A sensory panel on the beveled top controls plays advanced track and volume. 
• All Bluesound Node streaming products, including the Icon, benefit from the BluOS operating system and companion Bluesound app. I have not found the perfect audiophile music streamer interface, but the BluOS is really developing nicely. It is a solid platform, integrating over 23 popular streaming music services and supporting whole-house music. BluOS can connect and control over 60 Bluesound-enabled streamers or components integrated with the BluOS module (think: using it like Sonos as a whole home music system). Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Apple Airplay 2, Alexa voice control, and Roon Ready certification are also supported. 
• The Bluesound app on a mobile device is where streaming devices are added or deleted, music streaming services are selected, the output is chosen to be fixed or variable, and there are other control parameters. There are a few tricks to getting good at the Bluesound app, but it is one of the best user experiences out there, comparable with Sonos or even Apple interfaces. That’s high praise. 
• On the network transport side of the Node Icon (streamer side), it shares the same processing computer, an ARM Cortex A53 Quad Core – 1.8GHz per core, like its lower-cost siblings.
• Not only does the Node Icon implement ESS Sabre’s latest DAC chip, the ES 9039Q2M, which incorporates their latest HyperStream IV Modulator, but we also get a dual mono design in the internal DAC. Each channel receives its own DAC chip, thereby keeping each channel physically separate. A dedicated DAC chip for each channel is a common strategy in higher-end DAC designs, so it is welcome to see that level of engineering in the Node Icon at a more approachable price. Many higher-end users will opt for an external DAC, but the one inside of the BlueSound Icon is certainly capable and modern. 
• Another nice feature for headphone users is two one-quarter-inch headphone outputs that use THX AAA amplifier technology and are intelligently located toward the front of each side of the component. They are accessible, but not easily visible – simply brilliant. 
• The Bluesound Node Icon has unbalanced RCA analog outputs, as expected. However, the big step here is an additional set of balanced XLR analog outputs, a first for any Bluesound product, indicating that Lenbrook is appeasing the higher-end crowd. All my audio equipment is balanced, with better noise rejection capabilities, increased signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and a six dB higher-gain output level than unbalanced outputs, so this is another welcome feature. 
• Digital outputs include coax (via RCA) and Toslink optical.
• HDMI eARC is also available, allowing connectivity from a smart television’s internal streamer. The Node Icon processes the signal into a 2.1 stream. 
• While all popular file types are supported, BluOS continues to support MQA files, which is no surprise, since its parent company, Lenbrook, acquired MQA in 2023 (read more about that here). While there was controversy over the benefits of MQA, it is clear Lenbrook thinks they can develop it further. 
• A new technology from MQA Labs is Qrono d2a, which has nothing to do with MQA file rendering and decoding, but is rather an entirely different technology focusing on DAC filters. Most modern DACs use filters to up-sample the codec to drive faster modulators of the chip. MQA Labs indicates this process can change the data stream’s time domain, which can cause ringing and blur the audio performance. While these DACs measure well with impressively low distortion and noise specifications on paper, they may not sound optimal. MQA Qrono d2a replaces standard filters with a unique filter set specifically designed for a particular DAC chip to improve time domain accuracy. The Bluesound Node Icon is the first DAC I have seen or experienced with Qrono d2a technology. With the Bluesound Node Icon, Qrono d2a is engaged and always working. There is nothing the user has to do but sit back and enjoy the technology. I am eager to hear how it sounds. 
• New for the fourth-generation models, including the Bluesound Node Icon, is support for (up to) DSD 256, using the MQA Qrono DSD technology. This technology uses the least amount of filtering for DSD conversion to PCM.
• The Bluesound Node Icon offers a wired gigabit ethernet speed, while WIFI 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.2 AptX offer wireless connectivity.   
• The Bluesound Node Icon can operate as a centerpiece of your system with preamplifier volume control functionality. Of course, the output level can be set to fixed, allowing the Node Nano to be used more like a source on your preamplifier.  
• The Bluesound Node Icon’s subwoofer output is a helpful feature for many audiophile configurations. Its variable low-frequency cutoff, controlled by the BluOS APP, allows easy subwoofer integration into your system. 
• The Bluesound Node Icon allows the owner to incorporate one of the audio industry’s premier room correction software, Dirac Live, by purchasing a license for an additional charge. More on this in the listening section, where we take Dirac Live for a test run.

Why Should You Care About the Bluesound Node Icon Streamer/DAC?

The Bluesound Node product line has been around for over 10 years. While the products have evolved over the years to align with the times, the Node line has caught the attention of ordinary consumers and audio conscientious enthusiasts alike. Unlike popular systems like Sonos, the Bluesound Node system is a high-resolution platform. The Node Icon is an expansion of this ecosystem, increasing its seriousness with more audio-centric features and with room to expand on that journey if desired. The consumer can start here and stay or expand their system over time as their interest grows. While there are competitors similar to the Node Icon, I cannot think of one that combines the robust functionality of the BluOS platform with a vast amount of music service integrations without stepping into the NAD product line, which uses BluOS, but at higher price points when getting into their Master Series products

Some Things You Might Not Like About the Bluesound Node Icon … 

• The Node Icon does not provide AES/EBU or I2S digital outputs, which are generally considered the best and most high-performance options. These are audio enthusiast or pro audio outputs but, with rapidly evolving technology, some streaming DACs at this price point offer such connectivity. But remember that this level of connectivity only matters if the intention is to connect the Node Icon to an external DAC eventually. Otherwise, it is a moot point. 
• The lack of digital inputs such as Coax RCA, AES/EBU, or even I2S limits the Node Icon’s connection with a separate transport. Toslink and USB are provided, but I find that limiting. USB can be noisy for audiophile purposes, but great for data or to charge your phone.
• The Bluesound Node has a fixed output level of two volts, whereas some streaming DACs offer selectable higher output choices, allowing for better preamplifier and power amplifier matching. 

Listening to the Bluesound Node Icon Music Streamer … 

My current reference system is a Pass Labs XP 22 preamplifier (read the review), wired to a set of Pass Labs XA60.8 (read the review) high-current monoblock amplifiers. It operates in full Class-A mode up to 60 watts at eight ohms, doubling power at four ohms and again at two ohms. 

The Bluesound Node Icon is initially connected to my system through its XLR analog outputs to the Pass Labs XP 22 preamplifier, but later, the unbalanced RCA outputs will be used. Estelon Aura floorstanding speakers (read the review or check out the category page) would be the final stage of my system, creating a highly resolving platform. The system is connected via Wireworld Eclipse 8 speaker cables, interconnects, and Electra 7 power cables for the amplifiers. New for this review are Eclipse 10 RCA interconnects to the streamer DACs compared in this review. 

Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car,” through the Bluesound app and Qobuz, FLAC 16/44.1, is a staple audio test track for me. I know it well; it is recorded notably well, includes an identifiable female voice with nuance, and acoustic instrumentation is part of the ensemble that is easy to parse. 

This first pass was through the XLR balanced outputs. The soundstages sounded great, with a nice bassline hitting the lower midrange region. This bassline between the subtle percussion work and Chapman’s voice can be heard, creating a compelling and convincing reproduction. I look for this bassline with this track, as I have learned that it is sometimes less evident in lower-performing components. The fact that the Bluesound Node Icon can render the bassline is a good sign. 

Another track that I found memorable is one I have used recently with the abundant number of streamers I have reviewed: Dave Matthews Band’s “Say Goodbye,” Qobuz FLAC 16/44.1, is a complex track with a mixture of many instruments and a prominent percussion component to the track, especially during the introduction. It is a simply marvelous audiophile demo track. The Bluesound Node Icon did the track justice with clarity and three-dimensionality that was quite enjoyable. The track begins with unique percussion and flute work that is detailed and convincing. The soundstage was again impressive with Bluesound’s top-of-the-line streamer/DAC in my rig. Clarity in the upper frequencies was very good, far exceeding the WiiM’s capabilities, but not the last word in or decay.

Let’s compare the WiiM Ultra, a $329 streamer/DAC (buy at Crutchfield), with the Node icon.Why would I want to discuss an arguably unfair challenge? Let me explain …

In preparing for the Node Icon review, I did some online research, as I always do, and came across a YouTube channel and influencer in the audio space who shall remain nameless. Without question, he has the background and knowledge for measuring audio components’ performance from a test bench perspective, such as signal-to-noise ratio and jitter, to name just a few. There is no clear indication in the video that the host performed listening tests with the Node Icon. I would hope so, but I can’t tell. Long story short, the Node Icon measured well, but not as well as a list of some components the influencer had measured in the past, and therefore he could not recommend the Node Icon. However, on that list of components was the WiiM Ultra, which reportedly measured better than the Bluesound Node Icon. Fortunately, I recently reviewed and still have the WiiM Ultra on hand. While the WiiM Ultra is a fantastic little unit for $329, with many features for its price point, and has earned quite a bit of hype on YouTube, I found it sounded far less resolute and robust when actually comparing it (volume-matched, of course) to the Bluesound Node Icon. The bassline previously described on the “Fast Car” track was far less evident, to almost nonexistent, making the WiiM Ultra presentation constrained and less engaged. On the “Say Goodbye” track by the Dave Matthews Band, the Node Icon did a better job clarifying that midrange portion with detail and three-dimensionality in the soundstage during my listening tests with well-known musical examples. 

There are those in the hobby who listen to measurements, if you will. While we promote products that measure well, by all means, in the end, your ears have to love what you hear, too. Subjectively, there was no question that the Bluesound Node was superior-sounding (including internal DACs) in a volume-matched side-by-side comparison. Considering the price difference, this should be expected. 

Moving on to another interesting comparison, the third-generation Bluesound Node (read my review from March of 2024) versus the new fourth-generation Node Icon, the difference was surprisingly less dramatic. In this comparison, I switched to unbalanced RCA outputs on the Node Icon to align with what was available on the third-generation Bluesound Node.  

On the same two tracks, it was often hard to discern differences. Even though the Icon has the benefit of a new DAC chip in a dual mono design and the Qrono d2a filter, the distinction between the two players was subtle and revealed itself mainly in the higher-frequency regions. On the Node Icon, cymbals played with less etch and fatigue in the very high frequencies, which is good. I must admit that I expected a more significant difference between the two players. 

Tidal Connect worked well, but did not show any large-scale, subjective sonic benefits. However, it allows the Icon to use Tidal’s native app, which was very welcome. 

Roon (read Brian’s Kahn’s guide on the music management platform here), my preferred connectivity method, worked well, allowing the Node Icon to perform sonically better than the BluOS app. However, Roon is a commitment for most consumers, so I understand their reluctance, and respect the need for a robust operating system like BluOS. 

How Does the Dirac Room Correction Perform in the Bluesound Node Icon?

One of the benefits of the Bluesound Node Icon is that it is Dirac Live-ready. The consumer can purchase a Dirac license, thereby adding room correction functionality to their Node Icon if they so choose. There are two license choices for the Node Icon on the Dirac Live website: the limited bandwidth license for $159 and the full bandwidth version for $249. Lenbrook provided the full bandwidth license but a microphone was extra in order to experiment with Dirac Live. I downloaded the required software onto my computer, a MacBook Pro. The Node Icon and computer must be on the same network, so that my laptop can locate and communicate with the Node Icon. The provided microphone, which was not sophisticated, was connected to the computer, where I would take at least five measurements. The Dirac Live software makes it easy to do so, providing visual instructions as to where to position the microphone.

After measuring, the user clicks on the filter calculation icon to continue, which triggers the measurements to be sent to the Dirac servers in Sweden. The calculation is done in real time (about 30 seconds) and sent back to my computer, where the data file is viewed, saved, and uploaded to the component (Bluesound Node Icon). The idea here is that neither my laptop nor the Node Icon does any heavy lifting and, therefore, does not require the extensive computing power needed by Dirac Live. I can store and run the file, however. Also, the filter calculation can be manipulated by attenuating or lessening boost at various points along the audio curve, providing customization control by the user. The user can save multiple modifications from one measurement using different file names. The various files can also be uploaded to the Node Icon, played back in real time while listening, and controlled through the BluOS app – very cool. Several observations became apparent when using Dirac Live. Dirac Live is an extensive technology that could be the subject of an entire article, which is beyond the scope of this review. However, there are pros and cons with Dirac Live:

• When a Dirac Live filter design is engaged on the Bluesound Node Icon, the volume decreases by eight dB. This challenge is a widely-known characteristic of Dirac Live on any component that utilizes it. However, in the past, when I used other room correction systems, such as Anthem Room Correction (ARC) or Lyngdorf Audio’s Room Perfect, I did not notice any volume decrease. In practice, the gain difference is easily corrected by raising the volume but, depending on your amplification, it may pose a challenge.
• The microphone provided was very basic. I used a mini DSP UMIK-1 ($118 – buy at Amazon), which provided a different/better measurement.  
• Dirac Live’s most significant benefit lies in the midrange region, which can clean up congestion and delineate instrumentation. I heard an impressive improvement, and I preferred the Dirac Live sound. However, with Dirac Live not engaged, higher frequencies were more convincing or perhaps more engaging. So, there are tradeoffs at this stage of digital room correction. 
• It is possible to improve my results in my room over time, as there is a learning curve to Dirac Live. 
• No amount of room correction is going to fix a highly-challenged room completely. 
• Dirac Live will not allow modest equipment to replace more sophisticated, higher-performing components.
• Ultimately, I found Dirac Live room correction a worthwhile addition to the Node Icon.Hopefully, I will have more time to work on it and perfect my results.

Will the Bluesound Node Icon Streamer/DAC Retain Its Value? 

Given the Bluesound Node Icon price point and feature set, it will have a long, relevant, and useful life in nearly any audiophile system. It won’t be a component that needs replacement often, despite its bleeding-edge feature sets. However, like most consumer electronics, it will depreciate significantly more slowly than most products at this price point, mainly due to its sophisticated implementation of advanced technology, connectivity, and performance. The overall cost of a Bluesound Icon isn’t so high that you will be taking a bath on such a component upgrade and, if money is ultra-tight, the Bluesound Node 2024 at about half of the price is a viable option that does many of the same tricks, but for about half the price. However, you will miss the LED screen, and it is pretty cool. 

What Is the Competition for the Bluesound Node Icon?

Eversolo recently updated their popular streaming DACs with the DMP A6 ($859 – buy at Amazon) and A6 Master Edition ($1,399 buy at Amazon) Gen 2 models. Upgrades include a quieter linear power supply, an HDMI ARC port, a 12-volt trigger output, and a Wake On Local Area Network feature, meaning the A6 can turn on when the Eversolo mobile APP is activated. An improved volume control is also part of the new model. The Master Edition adds improved Op Amps and a digital signal clock. While I reviewed the forum-favorite first-generation Eversolo DMP A6 models (read my review) and acknowledged their prowess, I was concerned about their limited support and lack of a dealer network, combined with being a newer product in the streamer space. Since then, things have changed. Customer support has stepped up, and their dealer network has grown substantially. The Eversolo app still does not support as many streaming service integrations as does BluOS, but that may not be a concern. Remember, integrating every service may not be essential.  

The Orchard Audio Pecan Pie Premium + ($1,499) may be a good fit if you do not need extensive streaming service integrations like BluOS. If Tidal or Qobuz is your service of choice and have, or are willing to obtain, the Roon ecosystem, you will never go back. Orchard Audio is made here in the U.S. and focuses on internal part quality and a proprietary jitter reduction circuit. I have not personally experienced this latest model, but I have reviewed the Pecan Pie+, which is essentially the same product in a more straightforward form factor. I will be reviewing the latest Pecan Pie Premium + model shortly. Still, I can tell you the older model made great use of the top-of-the-line AKM Veritas Velvet Sound DAC chipset, with performance punching above its weight class. 

The HiFi Rose RS250A retails for $2,695 (buy at Crutchfield), considerably higher than the Bluesound Node Icon. Yet it offers a variety of step-up connectivity, build quality, and sophistication worth noting. Its excellent form factor with a big screen and substantial casework alone could warrant the extra spend. I have not used the RS250A but, based on my experience with other HiFi Rose products, it is worth considering if the budget allows it. 

Final Thoughts on the Bluesound Node Icon …

The Bluesound Node Icon ($1,149 buy at Crutchfield) review was a dramatic journey compared to my many past music streamer reviews. The added complexity and capability of Dirac Live, and the most feature-rich Bluesound streamer DAC yet provided much to discuss. I hope I charted the waters well enough for you to decide whether the Bluesound Node is right for you. When I navigate the options of streamer/DACs at the $1,000-$1,500 price point, I believe the Bluesound Node has much to offer and is worthy of your consideration. 

Regardless of your choice of music streamers at this price point, be sure to listen before making any final decisions. Many retailers today offer a 30- or 60-day trial period. Narrow your list down to two or three options and have them all delivered to you simultaneously to give them a proper opportunity in your home to earn your business. Measurements are important, but your subjective opinion is more important, and you will find the music streamer that you like. For me, the Bluesound Node Icon is at the top of the list in this price category right now. Reviewers and readers alike are buying up Bluesound Node Icons (Jerry is buying this review sample, for example), and who can blame them? While far from perfect in its ambitious design goals, the Bluesound Node Icon is a game-changing component in the audiophile marketplace at a price that most audiophiles can justify for their main source of HD music coming into their system.