The Bluesound Node Nano is a high-resolution music streamer and the smallest of the Bluesound company streamers, that include the Original Node, The Power Node, the new Node Nano and the just announced Node Icon, that will be available starting November 15th.
The Node Nano is best described as a trimmed down version of the original Node. By paring down some of the original Node physical input features such as no headphone jack, no sub-out and not being DIRAC-ready, all features of the original Node, the Nano comes in at a lower price, almost half the price of the Node original, by focusing exclusively on digital playback. The Node Nano is designed to deliver superior sound quality by placing all the emphasis on the DAC and superior streaming stability and removing features that many users may never use. Here is a detailed review of the Nano key features, performance, and overall value.
Design and Build Quality
The Bluesound Node Nano retains the sleek, minimalist design typical of the Bluesound family. It features a matte black finish with silver accents, giving it a modern and sophisticated appearance that can easily blend into any home audio setup. The build quality is solid, with a best-in-class sturdy chassis that feels durable and well-constructed. On top, it has a glass accent that houses a touch-sensitive control panel for basic operations like play/pause and volume adjustment. The panel also includes two programmable quick-touch presets whereas the larger Node has five presets.
On the back, the Node Nano is well-equipped with a variety of input and output options, including:
Digital coaxial and optical outputs for integration with external DACs or amplifiers.
USB-A for local file playback.
RCA stereo outputs.
Ethernet port for a wired internet connection.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support.
Features and Connectivity
The Node Nano excels in connectivity, supporting a wide range of streaming services and formats. It is compatible with popular streaming platforms like Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon Music, and Deezer, offering high-resolution streaming up to 24-bit/192kHz. The Node Nano also supports MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) for those who want to experience studio-quality sound.
One of the standout features of the Node Nano is its BluOS software, a proprietary multi-room audio platform developed by Bluesound. BluOS is intuitive and provides seamless integration with other BluOS-enabled devices, allowing users to build a comprehensive multi-room audio system. The app is available on iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS, and it also integrates with smart home systems like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.
For those who prefer local music, the Node Nano supports playback from external drives via USB and network-attached storage (NAS). Additionally, it features two-way Bluetooth with aptX HD for high-quality Bluetooth streaming and AirPlay2 for easy connectivity with Apple devices.
Audio Performance
The Bluesound Node Nano is all about delivering high-fidelity sound and it does not disappoint. It features the latest ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M DAC, known for its excellent signal-to-noise ratio and low distortion. This DAC that is now used in both the Nano and the latest Node, is a significant upgrade from the original Bluesound Node, providing a cleaner, more detailed sound with a wide soundstage and excellent dynamics.
The sound signature of the Node Nano is balanced, with a neutral presentation that doesn’t overly colour the music. The bass is tight and controlled, mids are clear and natural, and the highs are crisp without being overly bright. This makes it suitable for a wide range of genres, from classical to rock to electronic. The Node Nano handles high-resolution audio files exceptionally well, with noticeable improvements in clarity and detail, particularly when streaming MQA or FLAC files.
User Experience
Setting up and using the Bluesound Node Nano is straightforward, thanks to the BluOS app. The Bluesound Node is not a powered amplifier so must be attached to an existing sound system. In my home, the Nano was connected to an Onkyo TX8470 2-ch integrated amplifier via Vermouth Audio “Black Pearl” RCA cables with SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf speakers. The app guides users through the setup process, including connecting to Wi-Fi, linking streaming services, and configuring audio settings. The app interface is clean and easy to navigate, with quick access to music libraries, playlists, and settings. The touch controls on the device itself are responsive and convenient for quick adjustments.
One of the notable improvements in the Node Nano is its responsiveness and speed. Navigating through the app, changing tracks, or adjusting settings is smooth and lag-free, which enhances the overall user experience.
Value and Competitiveness
Priced aggressively in the high-end music streamer market, the Bluesound Node Nano offers exceptional value for its features and performance. Its combination of a high-quality DAC, extensive connectivity options, and support for high-resolution audio formats makes it a versatile choice for audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike.
Compared to other streamers, such as the Cambridge Audio CXN V2 or the Audiolab 6000N Play, the Node Nano holds its own with its superior DAC, multi-room capabilities, and extensive streaming support at a much lower price. While some competitors may offer slightly different feature sets (e.g., onboard CD playback or different DAC chips), the Node Nano focus on sound quality, ease of use, and connectivity makes it a strong contender.
Conclusion
The Bluesound Node Nano is a compelling choice for anyone looking to enhance their home audio system with a high-resolution music streamer. Its high-quality DAC, broad support for streaming services, and user-friendly interface, all similar if not identical to the higher priced original Node, make it a standout in its category. Whether you’re a casual listener or a serious audiophile, the Node Nano offers a rich and detailed listening experience, versatile connectivity, and excellent value for the price. If you want a product that focuses exclusively on digital playback and reliable streaming and you do not need added features like sub-out, a headphone jack or the ability to use the product as a preamp, the Nano delivers an end-result similar to the other Bluesound streamers but at an incredibly low price at $399CDN (street). The Node Nano is a great product that does its intended purpose of music playback incredibly well and will be an ideal addition for those who want to enjoy music the way it was meant to be heard.