The Bluesound Node 2024 is exactly the same design as the previous Node models (click on the following link to discover the test bench of the Bluesound Node 2021 model by the AVcesar editorial team). As a reminder, the Node allows an easy upgrade of any slightly vintage audio system based on exclusively physical content (vinyls, cassettes, [abc]Audio CDs[/abc]) to directly access the world of dematerialized music. Similarly, like the Bluesound Node Nano and the Bluesound Node Icon, the Bluesound Node 2024 is the perfect companion for a pair of active speakers or a Home Cinema system without a network function by allowing access to all the current music platforms or to its shared music library on the home network (hard drive [abc]Nas[/abc], computer, multimedia box, etc.).
Bluesound Node 2024, main specifications££££
Major change within the Bluesound Node network players, therefore of the 2024 specimen, the presence of a two-channel ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M 768 kHz/32-bit digital-to-analog converter (compared to a TI 384 kHz/32-bit model). The Bluetooth 5.2 protocol is still APT-X HD and a transmitter function (to enjoy the sound on headphones as already mentioned), in addition to the receiver function (to access music stored on a compatible device, smartphone, tablet, game console, computer, etc.), is included. Finally, the Bluesound Node 2024 also includes AirPlay 2, management of Amazon, Google and Siri voice assistants plus touch control keys and quick access to presets on its top face.
New compared to the 2021 model, the Node 2024 provides management of [abc]DSD[/abc] files. The same goes for THX AAA Headphone Technology compatibility for enhanced headphone sound linearity (noise and distortion reduction). Another new feature is the optional Dirac Live feature for perfect acoustic correction (microphone marketed by Bluesound).
Bluesound Node 2024, universal network and wide connectivity££££
The Bluesound Node 2024's connectivity includes an [abc]HDMI[/abc] [abc]eARC[/abc] output, a stereo [abc]RCA[/abc], a subwoofer output, an [abc]optical[/abc], a [abc]coaxial[/abc], a 6.3 mm Jack headphone output, a [abc]Trigger[/abc] 12V Out socket (to simultaneously switch on the Node and the amplifier to which it is connected), a remote [abc]IR[/abc] input, a combined analog input on 3.5 mm stereo/optical mini-Jack (adapter supplied), a [abc]USB[/abc] Host 2.0 port and an [abc]Ethernet[/abc] port. Plus Wi-Fi 5 (ac) Dual Band.
Of course, the Bluesound Node 2024 also lets you enjoy thousands of [abc]Webradios[/abc] or online Cloud music services such as Amazon Music, Apple Music, Qobuz, Tidal, Spotify, Deezer, etc. All from the free Android/iOS/Kindle BluOS Controller application with perfect ergonomics and a neat and very readable user interface.
Bluesound Node 2024, management of audio codecs££££
The management of audio codecs is still as broad, judge instead: [abc]MP3[/abc], [abc]AAC[/abc], [abc]WMA[/abc], WMA [abc]Lossless[/abc], [abc]Ogg[/abc], [abc]Flac[/abc], [abc]Alac[/ab c], [abc]Wav[/abc] and AIFF 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.
Of course, like all Bluesound players, the Node 2024 can connect wirelessly to suitable Bluesound speakers to create a multiroom system managed via BluOS. Management of Creston, Control4 or RTI protocols are on the menu.
Availability announced for September 24, in black or white finish. Recommended price: 599 euros.
Reminder of the key features of the Bluesound Node 2024:
• Type: Network player/audio gateway
• Converter: ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M 768 kHz/32 bits
• Codec compatibility: [abc]MP3[/abc], [abc]WMA[/abc], [abc]AAC[/abc], [abc]Alac[/abc] (96/24), [abc]Flac[/abc] (192/24), [abc]AIFF[/abc] (192/24) and [abc]Wav[/abc] (192/24)
• Music service compatibility: Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, Tidal, Qobuz, webradios
• [abc]DSD[/abc] compatibility: yes
• Hi-Res Audio certification: yes
• Signal-to-Noise ratio: 118 dB
• THD (total harmonic distortion): 0.0007%
• Input(s): one remote [abc]IR[/abc] input, one combined analog input on 3.5 mm stereo/optical mini-Jack (adapter supplied), one [abc]USB[/abc] Host 2.0 port and one [abc]Ethernet[/abc] port
• Output(s): 1 [abc]optical[/abc], 1 stereo [abc]RCA[/abc], 1 [abc]coaxial[/abc], 1 subwoofer, one [abc]Trigger[/abc] 12V jack (to simultaneously switch on the Node and the amplifier to which it is connected)
• Other(s): removable power cord
• Function Multiroom: yes, BluOS
• Connectivity: [abc]Wi-Fi[/abc] 5, [abc]Bluetooth[/abc] 5.2 APT-X HD, [abc]AirPlay 2[/abc]
• Application: BluOS Controller
• Audio gateway function [abc]UPnP[/abc] ([abc]DLNA[/abc]): no
• Voice assistant: Works with Alexa , Works with Google Assistant, Works With Apple Homekit (Siri)