THEY UPPED THEIR GAME ! Bluesound Node Nano Streamer Review

[@petergraves3086]

I find with your equipment reviews Tarun that due to their dense information and evaluation content I have to listen a couple of times at least to fully appreciate the review. You are always comprehensive in your coverage . Thanks

[@PINKFL0YD-s2h]

Simp

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@petergraves3086 understood. I guess it is like buying houses, you should always view twice 🤣

[@BobbyBass-x6i]

Thanks for review. Great to see Bluesound keeping up with the competition. I’ve used the Node 130 for a couple of years and it got me into streaming successfully. I have since upgraded my DAC and am getting a new streamer and music server. I enjoy using the BluOs app to control the unit and stream Qobuz and other sources. To answer your question, I think it’s fine that big corporations are getting into hi-fi. Big companies go where the money is and that means they see a future in hi-fi which means more R&D as they look to compete in a growing market. I think it’s a golden age in hi-fi and I hope it continues to evolve. A case in point, an inexpensive streamer and DAC is exactly the kind of products we need to see more of in the marketplace. Rock on!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@BobbyBass-x6i thank you 😊

[@davea3791]

Anxious to hear your Icon review. My wife awaits my Christmas list!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thx 😊

[@khalbrando2990]

@@davea3791 as awesome as the nano is, I’d bet the house that the icon is incredible! It’s made me way too curious about the icon when I need to just enjoy what I have lol. This hobby man😂😅

[@tessie4204]

Nice review. I am waiting for the Node Icon review

[@themarksmanABP]

Makes you think how much better the icon may sound... Great review

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. I hope to find out 😉👍

[@RazvanMGH]

I don't think it will sound that much better. With a proper power supply, the differences are mostly in features.

[@brown-eyedman4040]

Let me also say that I appreciate your attitude towards the Comments section. There's simply too much constant "bashing" in the world today. And I appreciate your polite, respectful audience. Part of the reason I'm here.

[@khalbrando2990]

@@brown-eyedman4040 it does irritate me to no end that so many people are so argumentative and even hateful at times. I suspect it’s another asr cult member most times. If they all sounded the same as a transport than we’d all have a mini or pro and be done with it. I’m already being slammed with the comments about how it doesn’t matter if I’m using an external dac.🤦🏻‍♂️. But yea I definitely agree here. I was so happy to hear his thoughts lined up with my experience with the nano. It’s great to hear someone else notices just how good it is, I’m not just hearing things lol. I didn’t think I was by any means, it’s just cool to get some validation from an opinion I fully respect, and he’s always a gentleman about everything.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you kindly Gerald 😊👍

[@bebidos5923]

⁠@@khalbrando2990Do you use the Nano as a transport only?

[@peterbarby6407]

The sound quality and accessible prices of today’s gear is simply amazing. It’s a great time to be a consumer.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@peterbarby6407 totally agree 😊

[@ranelime]

Thank you, Tarun. That’s a difficult question. On paper, there shouldn’t be any downside to having more competition. It will be hard to beat corporations with deep research funds and small margins. But my personal take is that it can lead to a race to pack more features. Personally, I’m interested in less features. When it comes to pure streamer, connected to external dac, it’s hard to decide on the right product. Seems that there’s not that many reviews on the subject.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. That is an interesting point 😊

[@shadowofpain8144]

I use hifi rose to a Weiss 501. Going to switch to the DCS Lina as funds let me.

[@rich7049]

Another great review, thanks for taking the time to put it together. To answer your question, I think it’s a good thing that more companies are getting in the game. They are good at the user experience, and that is an important part of any kind of technology. For consumers, competition and more choices generally seems to always be good. In this hobby, there seems to be room for the big and small guys right now. Hope that continues. Thanks again, you’re the best at this IMO.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@rich7049 thank you Rich 😊

[@paulok2153]

Wow, did not expect that! Great review.

[@deanfisher1656]

Using the Node X in my vintage system and really like it. I like the Bluesound app a lot and find their products very competitive in the market for performance vs dollar quotient. Always love your reviews. Thanks

[@wokthetalk3079]

Thank you Taran for another great review. I am sorry to hear of the passing of your father-in-law. I lost my father 3 years ago and and still miss his presence in my life. I hope you will review the Holo Red and the Pi 2 Design Mercury Network Audio Streamers v2 or v3…. all three units are receiving great reviews and promise to challenge the plus $1,000 devices in the market place.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@wokthetalk3079 thank you my friend 🙏

[@MikkoHiiri]

I'm glad that Bluesound could up their game and your review once again much appreciated 👍

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@MikkoHiiri thx 😊

[@senorgreenjeans]

Wow. Excellent review and quite the case for “less is more”. I hope they will expedite an Icon to you. I’m want to upgrade from the last gen Node and have been eyeing the Auralic Vega S1 . Definitely looking for a more feature packed all in one, without giving up too much on output performance. I’m optimistic after watching this review that Bluesound isn’t messing around. Too much competition. Thanks again for all of good work.

[@iComment87]

Thanks for the review. This popped up in my feed at just the right time! I was considering streamers around the £1000 mark. I don't need all the whistles and bells, just a streamer with digital outs; looks like I've found it!

[@sean_heisler]

Thanks, Tarun! I'm seeing you are getting hit with the same old question many of us ask reviewers: those of us with nice DAC's, such as yourself, how does it compare to other streamers when used purely as a streaming digital transport sending data to a DAC? There are definite differences in sound quality among them used in this fashion and many of wish we knew which sounded best. I have a Zen Stream and it's known for it's great sound quality as a digital transport but yet it's performance has issues and I want to a new affordable streaming transport to use with my DAC but don't want to take a hit in sound quality. If you ever wanted to compare all these sub $1,000 streamers used purely as a digital transport with one of your DACs we would be grateful. Thanks.

[@khalbrando2990]

This is exactly what I needed too, and the nano I’m happy to report is awesome, I really can’t believe how happy it actually made me. It’s definitely worth a shot if you can

[@user-cm3wd5hk1p]

If you are using it with a separate DAC the streamer won’t have any impact on sound as it’s a digital signal until it gets to the DAC.

[@khalbrando2990]

@ that’s definitely not true. Or everyone would just have the cheapest possible transport option available. I mean if that’s your opinion, if that’s your thing, cool. But if this was true I’d have kept the wiim mini or pro or ultra even, all of which I tried. I picked the node nano for a reason. But you do you

[@davidspendlove5900]

@@user-cm3wd5hk1pDigital transports have a huge influence on sound quality.

[@sean_heisler]

@@user-cm3wd5hk1p Ah, yes, you have not yet experienced the differences then. Maybe you’ll cross that bridge one day. They all sound different as transports.

[@6fatboy1]

i have just replaced my ifi zen blue with the Nano, its like going from VHS to blu ray

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Cool 😎

[@khalbrando2990]

Very true!

[@khalbrando2990]

@@abritishaudiophile7314I’m so glad to see you reviewing this component. I got it back in August, with an IFI power supply, I just needed a transport and I absolutely love it!

[@khalbrando2990]

@@abritishaudiophile7314so glad to hear you say this, I’ve been shouting from the mountaintop that it’s amazing, I’m so happy to hear some validation lol

[@carlosalvarez7445]

Tarun, thank you for yet another great review! I didn't know you have covered the Nano until I went to the Bluesound website to look for the price as it isn't available in Amazon. At 300 US dlls is a steal, and people in Wiim Facebook groups have been discussing if they could make a transport only. Comments in the Bluesound mentioned the following "The USB output is worthless with certain DACs (Wavelength, AudioQuest Dragonfly). The Nano does not recognize asynchronous USB, so it does not process feedback from the DAC. Bluesound is aware of the issue and does not have any plans to resolve it. Save your money if you have a high quality DAC". Your review however indicates that USB presented the lowest sound quality indistinguishable from the internal DAC, since USB tends to be the best for getting digital signal out, I wonder if the poor performance of the Nano relates to this problem of the streamer not getting feedback from the DAC. But then again, it wouldn't matter if it is used to connect your external storage. Thank you!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@carlosalvarez7445 thank you. It makes a decent transport through Optical and Coaxial. It isn’t asynchronous but still sounds good. USB is best avoided, possibly for the reasons you mention. I would need to investigate further ti be certain of the reasons why 😊

[@peterboyk3082]

Eversolo have just added a DMP A10 to their range. It is a hi-end, all the bells and whistles streamer/DAC/ preamp. As a hifi enthusiast I think consumers have never had it so good. I look forward to your review on the new DMP A10 giant killer. By the way I have the A8 and love it. Cheers from Australia 😊.

[@JD-mm4ub]

I was amazed how good the BS Node N130 sounded. And then when I added a Denafrips Pontus ll, it really sang.

[@linknet904]

Thanks for the review👍 Before i had a Wiim pro plus and with my Dac (Merason frérot & Pow1) in Coaxial there was some digital glare that was fatiguing... So i was looking for a very simple and compact streamer with a USB and the Nano is exactly this... In USB with my Dac now it's much better then in Coaxial (IMO) and now my ears don't cry after many hours of listening😊I'm very happy with my buy😊

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@linknet904 cool 😎

[@18yearsoldnot]

Interesting. My dad has the dac-1 and is using the aes-ebu from the farad magna mano streamer. (But that is a higher end streamer where the quality of the pcm audio may be past a certain quality threshold where usb becomes inferior). I personally believe that the quality of usb vs coax vs optical is more to do with the dac and streamer as a compound. I’m an electromechanical engineer and work on I2C (which also relies on the clock signal) from a master controller, which then daisy chains to other controllers that copy the master controller as master-slave configurations. In other words, the quality of digital communication is bidirectional even if the data is the same and it is supposedly going downstream only. System matching streamers and dacs is not to be ignored.

[@riccitone]

Wonderful review, as always Tarun! Very, very glad you get into those devilish details. Great question too… Personally, love it when larger companies produce in a manner that sets a standard, only to be broken (one/two-upped) by a smaller company, then answer back with a surprising solution (case in point). Competition in hifi is always welcome, as long as it is not forceful and maintains that universal credo: “enjoy the music.” Speaking of unique companies, love to get your impressions on any of the Volumio line offerings against some of those you’ve covered 🙏🏼

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you kindly. I hope to get to review a Volumio product at some point 😊👍

[@stevewillenborg4822]

This is Steven Willenborg, VP Sales, from Linkplay Technology Inc. and wanted to clarify that we are NOT owned by Google nor Harman. We are a privately held company and neither Google or Harman have any vested interest in our ownership.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@stevewillenborg4822 Hi Steve, thank you for commenting. Would you mind clarifying the relationship with Google, Harman, and the other companies listed on the website. Linkplay Technology Inc.’s webpage displays their company logos and states: “In 2014, Linkplay Technology was established by a core team of high caliber technology entrepreneurs from Google, Broadcom, InterVideo & Harman.” Link to webpage: www.linkplay.com/aboutus

[@wiimhome]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Hi, some of our core team members have previous work experience at these companies. We are not owned by Google, Harman, Broadcom, or Intercom. We are privately owned. We'd appreciate it if you edited this portion of the video.

[@xree1969]

I just came back to this video to ask for clarification about that statement in the review. Glad to see it's been addressed in the comments, at least.

[@bradbortner2601]

@@abritishaudiophile7314. I think the confusion is likely that some ex employees from those groups joined bluesound, not that the parent companies are owners/investors….or at least that would be my guess.

[@EvenHarmonics]

⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠@@abritishaudiophile7314 I am stunned by the confusion caused by simple English. We are humans and this is relatively easy to do. As an example, the ranking of outputs from the Node is far from clear as relates to using the internal DAC or not. The same goes with how people are ‘from’ the other companies in the Linkplay corporate statement. Their response was definitive.

[@popzeus3000]

I think your review put me over on getting the Nano. I had the v2 Node awhile ago and loved the software. But the Nano is exactly what I need from a budget streamer. No USB out is a bit of a bummer but if this thing can actually put out a clean, low jitter digital signal from coax or optical, and serve up files from a USB drive (with all the benefits of bluOS), then that’s worth the $300 easy.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@popzeus3000 thx for sharing 😊

[@isayoldchap1]

Nice to see some love for Chet Baker's eponymous "Chet" here. There are some all star musicians on that recording and it's got a lovely laid back vibe.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@isayoldchap1 cool 😎

[@mehmetcamat4458]

So if you use the Bluesound node nano as a streamer only connected to an external dac would it sound better than WiiM ultra used the same way i.e as a streamer?

[@HectorHughMunro]

Nice review. Thank you.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you 😊

[@samidebs3559]

There’s a competition in every business,I think it’s good for the consumer!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@samidebs3559 true 😊

[@MichaelLaing71]

Great review. Good to see Bluesound stepping up, and adjusting to the market. With big companies entering a new market. Much lot depends on how the market adapts to the arrival. At best, it can make drive prices down, quality up, and more innovation, as established manufacturers have to step up their products. Unfortunately, often there will be casualties, with established and smaller manufacturers going out of business, as they are unable to match the prices of the bigger companies, but often there are other factors as well.

[@georgeheatherley3548]

Great review, things are looking up for budget systems!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@georgeheatherley3548 thank you. I agree 😊

[@bradbortner2601]

Intriguing that the node sounded better on coax/toslink than usb. That tells me its clock is better than the external DACs, which is suprising!

[@octothorpe12]

Ultimately, anything that gets more people actively listening to higher quality music, the better. Bring it on!

[@jimfarrell4635]

Big and small companies have always coexisted in hifi, and overall that's a good thing. Big companies can innovate, with big R and D budgets, and use buying power and economies of scale to bring hifi to the mass market at reasonable prices. Small companies can serve the more niche parts of the hobby, like tube gear, full range speakers, DIY kits and the bespoke, cost no object high end. Class D is interesting in that it started in the realm of the niche innovators and engineers and is now poised to dominate the mass market. There's a synergy in the industry between big and small. I have speakers from Wharfedale and Icon Audio. Both fantastic in their own way, but Wharfedale are unlikely to start making single driver, full range speakers designed for low power tube amplification any time soon, so without small outfits like Icon my only option would be DIY.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. I agree. Streamers are probably the hardest market segment for small companies to compete in. It takes a lot of resources to develop a great UI and to keep on top of constant platform changes. Large companies get involved in the streaming market segment has helped to keep prices down and competition fierce 😊

[@greenbeginner3353]

Tarun! At 07:02 you said that the first thing you would do is get rid of the wall wart and get something better. So, what do you suggest? Do you have a few examples you’d suggest?

[@marcohermans3207]

I want to know that either

[@brucemitchell3650]

Very informative review. Looking forward to Bluesound’s implementation of Dirac Live on their higher tier products.

[@OgamJan]

Interesting review. I like to see these new entries in the hifi world, because I think it helps to sustain hifi as a business and hopefully stimulates development from the traditional brands. I was reading about the Cyrus Classic Amp this week, and I would be very interested to see a review.

[@991carreras3]

I prefer none of those gimmicky small screens that you cant see unless your 3ft in front of it. The nano is a unit i consider nice clean design no stupid screens.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Understood 😊

[@winstonclayton4698]

These big companies have made it possible for many 17 year old granddaughter to get interested in hifi due to the lower prices

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. Well said 😊

[@khalbrando2990]

@@abritishaudiophile7314Tarun, love your channel! I’m curious if a IFI quiet power 2(the $79 one, I have one for this nano and so glad you agree with me about its sound) will improve a mojo 2? Should I stick to just the battery even tho it still has to be charged if not doing desktop mode? When not using portable, I like to integrate it into my main system sometimes because, well you already know how great it is! I’m considering that power supply I’m just wondering if it’s worth it?

[@lhommedieu5489]

Getting a gal interested in audiophilia. Triple word score, there🫡

[@peterruler48]

Very true. In the end, can any of these products convince an 18 year old to invest in HiFi. I bought a Linn/Naim system. Today, I'd buy an iPhone and feed it into some powered speakers because it sounds better and is 30 times cheaper.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@khalbrando2990 thank you. I wouldn’t have a cheap switch-mode power supply any near my system. The noise will pollute the entire system. If you are running the Mojo of the battery and charging it elsewhere, you won’t need an power supply for the Mojo 😊

[@jamesbrowning1781]

Excellent review as always, I have a question though for anyone who knows, do the nodes 130/131/132 provide a cleaner digi out than the Wiims? Also will the sub crossovers in both units remove the bottom end frequencys to the main speakers or do they keep a full range signal via digi out. Thanks

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@jamesbrowning1781 thx 😊

[@roberthughes9950]

Great review, Tarun. I have two Nodes in my system and am considering upgrading my Node 2i for the new Node Icon. Have you had a chance to listen to a Node Icon yet? Fyi I have a Musical Fidelity M6si amp powering Spendor A7 speakers.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@roberthughes9950 thx. Not yet but I am considering getting that in for review 😊

[@jackneber2609]

Thanks for another great review, Tarun! I have a Node N130, using analog subwoofer out and coax digital output to a Peachtree GaN 1. While sound quality is good, really wish BlueSound would add parametric EQ to their software rather than only Bass and Treble tone controls. A note to all digital hub manufacturers - would be great if you included parametric EQ as well as a digital loudness contour button….

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@jackneber2609 thank you. I am sure BluOs will include PEQ in time 😊

[@BradleyBaker]

Would this be something that they would add as an over the air update to the current lineup?

[@jackneber2609]

Maybe for the app but older units may not have resources to process the sap. Fingers crossed.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@BradleyBaker it is possible 😊

[@BradleyBaker]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Really appreciate your discriminating ear as not many would be able to tell the difference from the Bluesound vs. the WiiM. Having said that, in your opinion, is there a discernible difference between the Bluesound Node 130 vs. the Nano?

[@fletchermunson6225]

Good news I was partial to my old Node with LPS. The streaming business is not one I'd like to be in. This competition it turning this segment into a knife fight in a phone booth. I suppose the more sophisticated these devices become the participation of big companies with engineering resources depth is inevitable. It's evolution. At one time there were over 200 car manufacturers in the US. Now there are a hand full. Cant stop progress but I like to bitch about it.

[@siriosstar4789]

@fetch,,,, - "it's evolution " The past is not always a lesser state .

[@iocat]

Bluesound's app is so siple and the 5 presets on the standard version are great if your parnter is baffled by your setup. "Push this button to hear your music" -- launches her curated Pandora stream.

[@MrGeoffreid]

Thank you for an excellent, comprehensive review. It'd be very interesting to hear your comments after using a LPS?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@MrGeoffreid thank you 😊

[@Aarghon]

Thanks for the awesome review. It finalized my Christmas self gifting decision process. Nano or WIIM ultra ? Nano, it is!

[@MsCorbacho]

great review, as always !

[@MsCorbacho]

by the way..one more here waiting for the Icon review !

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@MsCorbacho thank you kindly 😊👍

[@philpepp]

Fantastic review as always Tarun. As others have said I think the bigger companies economies of scale allows for better value, as well as an explosion of affordable dacs and turntables they are allowing for great sound quality for lower budgets. Thanks again Tarun

[@NemoPropaganda]

I have some reservations about big orgainzations getting into hifi but I think it also pushes the existing brands to be better the Nano being a great example!! great review!

[@damayor62]

Nemo!!! I love it when I see my favorite reviewers chime in on each other's channels. Love your channel and keep up the great work too sir.

[@damayor62]

Outstanding as always Tarun. The price was the only thing holding me back from buying a Bluesound Node over the past 5 or 6 years. I'm currently happy with my WiiM streamers but was looking at the Ultra due to its front display. However, I like you are a sound oriented listener so a display isn't essential for me. At the price and with the performance you described, the Nano not only came into play but also shot to the top of my list for my next streamer. To answer your question, I think competition at any level breeds innovation. It's nice to see Bluesound upping their game against the 2 headed giant. Thank you and keep up the great work. Cheers...

[@Big-J-8579]

I have the Node X and love it. I use it for headphone listening. As far as large corps getting into HiFi, I am cool with it. All of the products you mentioned here can help get people into HiFi. Thanks again.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@Big-J-8579 thx for sharing 😊

[@mrpmj00]

I love some NAD products like my NAD C298 amp. But NAD's bluesound node is terrible that I returned it and got the Eversolo DMP-A6 and upgraded the LPS by Beatechnik. Eversolo has native Apple Music, a music server, can rip CDs, a nice screen that can be mirroed to my phone for full functionality. I also only use the Eversolo as a streamer and prefer to get 3D sound from an R2R dac (Denafrips Pontus II 12th-1) and ddc (Denafrips Iris 12th).

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@mrpmj00 thx for sharing 😊

[@Chimpsfingers]

Competition is good, I would like too see more native Apple Music integration so you can access the higher res content

[@KAL-589]

Thanks for the review. Happy Diwali 🎇

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you and happy Diwali to you too 🥳

[@DMint-g4p]

Absolutely great review Tarun. How does it compare with the streamer / dac in your hegel h190?

[@kennethjrgensen2087]

I 'm currently using the node n130, but considering upgrading to node icon when dirac live software update is released. is a review of node icon planned. Thanks for the review.

[@MH-rl9ep]

As a longtime Quad user, can’t wait to see your review of the new Quad gear. The Nano sounds intriguing. Also looking forward to the Icon review. Just wish Apple would get their act together and either come up with an Apple Connect or fix AirPlay 2 so it doesn’t dumb everything down to 256kbps.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@MH-rl9ep thank you 😊

[@cesarjlisboa7586]

Excellent review 🎉congratulations Tarun 🎉

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@cesarjlisboa7586 thank you. Much appreciated 😊👍

[@vladimirjovanovic2803]

Thanks Tarun, great review! So, it seems BS is back, and they are not joking. I hope you'll review the Icon as well.

[@blue6point62]

British Audiophile, digital coax to your R2R DAC, Nano vs WiiM Ultra in SQ in your experience?

[@brown-eyedman4040]

Thanks Tarun. And glad to hear that Bluesound nailed it sound wise with this little streamer. Kind of like NAD. Generally, I think big corporations getting involved in niche pursuits is less than great. Audiophiles are small in numbers and big companies have to sell big quantities to succeed.

[@Alamo-cz5xc]

Good review as always

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you 😊

[@SteveD-m6z]

Hi Tarun, in the review you talk about accessing stored media on an external hard drive connected to the Nano’s USB port. With this configuration you are not using the streaming function of the Nano. The media file transport occurs over a local USB pipe. The connect to the external network (over WiFi or the LAN port) is simplified to a control system for the App. The processing power requirements of ARM microcontroller chip in the Nano is reduced as it does not have to interface with a NAS or remote WAN server. It also negates any influence the streaming function, WiFi / LAN and WAN has on the delivery of the media files. I believe the intended market for the Nano is HiFi newbies. They are more likely to use the Nano with one of the supported streaming service, Apple AirPlay, Spotify, Tidal.

[@Firebottleman]

Hello Tarun. I am brand new to streaming. How do I get the best music quality through my hi-fi when streaming Tidal? Do I pick the Tidal app from my streamer, or do I pick my streamer from the Tidal app? It is confusing. Thank you

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@Firebottleman pick Tidal within the BluOS App 😊

[@Firebottleman]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thank you sir

[@ciejaygear]

Very interesting and refreshing. I have a vault to from Blue sound that is about a 2018 I believe. I love love love love love the feature of being able to insert CDs and rip them. Not everything is on streaming services so my rare stuff I can put on an archive in their.

[@ScotPeacock]

Thanks for another brilliant and well-considered video, Tarun. I would be interested to know your thoughts on how the Nano compare with the Powernode in terms of sound quality. I recently bought a system for my new home back in Scotland, which consists of an LG TV linked via HDMI eARC to a Bluesound Powernode, an external SSD with all my music connected to the Powernode via USB, Q Acoustics 3030i speakers on their stands and also a Q Acoustics QB12 sub. I think it sounds great although the soundstage starts to flatten a bit at really loud orchestral tuttis. Not sure if that’s the class D amp or the fact that I’ve only had the system for less than two months. My older system in LA was hoofed over from Scotland when I moved there in 2018. It’s an Arcan A19 amp, Tannoy DC6T speakers, Arcam BDP300 player and a Rega P3 turntable.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@ScotPeacock thank you kindly 😊👍

[@Linux_Lucy]

I was at a dealers about 10 days ago looking at adding yet 'another' pair of Stand-Mount speakers to my collection ( Neat Petite Classic's ) I did notice the Nano sat on a shelf. .... WoW .... For the price I was impressed with the Build Quality. I did have have a quick 15 Minute listen. And yep, 'for the price' It does sound great. However, considering it lacks the Sub & Bass management of the other BluSound Streamers, I'd still be inclined to spend the extra 150 Notes on the Superb Cambridge MXN-10 Streamer ( Which is also a 'Very Small .. Metal .. Box' ! ) ... After 'adding' a better power supply to the Nano it will cost the same ( or more ! ) than the MXN ... And yes, I do own a MXN-10. Luv It. Am looking forward to the new Quad Amps Review. I might be interested in the Power Amps but, I must admit, the 'looks' of the Pre just don't Do It 4 me ! ! ... Plus, I already own the Superb Quad Artera Pre-Amp, which is 'A Steal' for it's Asking Price .... Nice Video as always. ATB .... Band Suggestion - 'Tiny Ruins' ... Superb Female Vocals with Acoustic Guitar & 'Simple' Drums and Bass. Listen to the Albums 'Ceremony' ... 'Olympic Girls' ... 'Brightly Coloured One' .... And just ... ChiiiiiiiiiLL Out ... Hope Y'all Enjoy ....

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thx for sharing 😊

[@carlitosgomez71]

The mxn10 axn10 are great performers, fast, reliable, good sound picked one up for less than the blue sound new, build qualify full metal chassis, vfm

[@D1N02]

Do you think the Nano can beat the MXN-10 with a better power supply in the Nano? (Already have an IFI iPower X that would fit) I would be using either to an external DAC over optical.

[@carlitosgomez71]

@@D1N02 I'm sure it will make a slight difference but so would adding the power supply to your dac, it all depends on how your equipment is implemented and the quality of the power supply used initially, the only way to know is to test one and determine if the change is worth the cost

[@aljosaarcon3620]

Great review as always, tnx! Have a question though - I'm deciding between the Node Nano and the Node (N132). The connectivity differences are clear, but what about the sound? Thank you very much and keep on the good work! 👍

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@aljosaarcon3620 thank you. I hope to review more products in the new Node range 😊

[@ScottSomerville-iu8fv]

Thanks for the review. I am in the market for such a device and I really like the look of the Node and the idea of Dirac Live being an option is very appealing. What counts it out for me is the lack of Chromecast. I use this on a daily basis for listening to radio programmes on BBC Sounds and I would not consider any streamer that does not support this. Bluesound seem to be liniting their potential audience by not including this protocol. I will probably go with the WIIM Pro as I will be running it with the internal DAC in an Audiolab 9000a until I get a better external one. Correction: Dirac is listed for the Node (2024) and not the Node Nano.

[@Firebottleman]

Thank you for another good review Tarun. Can you look into the new Denafrips Pontus-15th. This one is basically a Venus-12th. The new Pontus has had a major hardware update from the Venus. It even has the Venus motherboard. Nobody has talked about it yet. Cheers!

[@johncallaghan3097]

If big organisations getting into hi fi means that smaller organisations respond and beat them at their own game, then maybe in the overall scheme of things, it's no bad thing?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@johncallaghan3097 I agree. For mainstream products the customer seems to be the winner here 😊

[@williamkobling8397]

I think that there is much more to consider than just the device itself, features and cost. One of the huge advantages of Bluesound is the big company, big money, great research and more than a decade of customer service. Which I can tell you from experience is robust and excellent. Trying getting that from say Eversolo?

[@thepuma2012]

as long as they can compete with price also.... that will be hard

[@charlesstupart1991]

Great review always truthful and onpoint. Thanks

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@charlesstupart1991 thank you kindly 😊👍

[@JohnZolla-bp7tl]

My winter system consists of the Bluesound Node X, Cary CAD -300 SEI, and Harbeth 30.2s with a pair of SVS subs. I have no reason to upgrade to anything else in the near future. That said, I have no objection to big corporations getting into the game if their efforts improve on the state of the art. Nice work Tarun. Always enjoy your thoughtful comments.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you 😊

[@kenjames246]

Thanks again Tarun. I hold your opinion in high regard. I have been waiting for something like this to come out. You have to wonder what the others will do ? As long as Amazon doesn't discount them and Walmart doesn't start selling them I think all will be well. I'm okay with the manufacturers competing among themselves.

[@odonkers]

Excellent review ! Thank you !

[@jdekong3945]

ooooooh! Quads in the background, looking forward to that one!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Review pending 😊

[@Palmolive360]

Nice review Tarun. I've just picked one up for ~£200 after seeing this... It sounds excellent! Is there a particular linear power supply you would recommend?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@Palmolive360 thx. Check out IFi for one with the right voltage and amperage rating 😊

[@Palmolive360]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thanks!

[@humanitech]

Great review as always! Regarding corporations.....we have to accept that if there is big market and profit potentials in any given sector ...then of course large companies, corporations or investment groups will always get involved and have a punt too! ...and if successful they will happily remain in any market for as long as worthwhile and profitable! And so if that brings some great new affordable products to the masses....then that's great too! But not necessarily for other smaller companies, producers and competitors! But that said... it's the same problem and pattern in all industries and sectors...yet there is always potential for all too! As there are customers who like to own more unique, niche or exclusive products too!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. Very well constructed points 😊

[@galan5302]

Interested in a future review of the Bluesound Icon compared to the Eversolo A8.

[@50slump]

Good review thank you.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you 😊

[@patrickmeylemans9627]

When using a good DAC with galvanic isolation, what is the difference in streamers when connecting to that DAC over USB?

[@is3commander]

Audiophile differences. I have great DAC that have super USB galvanic + separate power etc. Between Mac and Holo Audio Red (ultra low jitter) there is really hard to notice difference, maybe on some accoustic tracks.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

My Denafrips DAC has galvanic isolation. The difference in the sound quality of the streamers, when used as transports, is still noticeable 😊

[@bryanherr1093]

Great review as always Tarun.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you 👍

[@andersvestlund9081]

Hello. Love your channel. I have just ordered the bs nano. An one question. Will it impact the sound quality if i use wifi over the ethernet connection?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@andersvestlund9081 thank you. Not noticeably 😊

[@howardskeivys4184]

Competition can only be beneficial to the end user, providing the financial prowess of some of the large conglomerates is not used to swamp out the neesh manufacturers. But, I feel the esoteric audiophile will always turn to the neesh manufacturers

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you 😊

[@federicorava2606]

Could you pls clarify if the USB port on the Node Nano is an in or an output? I would like to use it as a digital transport into an external Chord Quest, where the USB input seems to be the best sounding, at least from what I found on the web, compared to the other inputs available. It's always a pleasure to follow your accurate and thoughtful reviews. Competition always improves the quality and makes it more affordable in the long term.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@federicorava2606 thank you. The USB port can be used as an input and output. However, the optical and coaxial digital outputs of the Nano sound better than USB 😊

[@craigrobertson9667]

I have lived with the Wiim Pro for nearly two years and the Wiim Mini immediately prior to that. I replaced the Wiim Pro with the Node Nano, using the same external DAC (Denefrips Pontus 2 12th) and I find that there's a difference in sound and very much prefer the Node Nano. The much better BluOs is icing on the cake.

[@BrianS-xg5uq]

what connection type did you use? usb? I have a pontus 2 as well and trying to decide btw nano vs node 132 for streaming, Thanks!

[@craigrobertson9667]

@BrianS-xg5uq coax

[@BrianS-xg5uq]

@@craigrobertson9667 thanks again!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@craigrobertson9667 thx for sharing your experience 😊

[@giulianof8687]

when you talk about sound quality do you refer to the analog out or digital out (comparing with the rest of streamers)?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@giulianof8687 I covered both in the review 😊

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

THANKS 🙏 TARUN,FOR SHARING THIS , I HOPE ALL IS WELL 🤗💚💚💚

[@jamesschneider3828]

I like the idea but have reservations about Blusound. I have a node 2i which I use as a streamer only and every time they do software upgrades It suffer from intermittent cutouts lasting from 1/2 seconds to ten seconds and occasionally more. Every time I have to disconnect from Wi-Fi and reset my modem and router and it might stop or it might not stop. I am using a WiiM pro in my headphone system and it never suffers any problems and we all know how much software upgrading they do. I makes me hesitant to buy another Blusound system but I would like to hear the dac that is built in.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@jamesschneider3828 interesting, thx for sharing 😊

[@greenygreen5308]

How do you rationalise that the USB output is the worst here? Surely the USB to say your Venus with the Venus doing doing all the clocking and providing USB isolation should be streets ahead of the internal….unless your Venus isn’t as good as you thought it was?

[@richardsaila8073]

It was high time for competition in the field of user experience. Thank you Wiim and Eversolo. I hope more and more high end hifi companies will wake up: If you can't beat them, join them. Imagine McIntosh with Wiim user interface!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

That would be interesting 😊

[@wallstreetcrash1]

As a relative newbie in the pursuit of hi-fi Fidelity Nirvana. I’m not put off or discouraged by the incredible prices I find surrounding the high-end magical boxes in today’s High Street, on the contrary / budget bound as I am, I for one welcome these modestly priced streaming boxes hooked up where possible to (a reasonably priced retro amp and perhaps speakers) provides a very competitive option on reaching my goal. Therefore, I welcome these affordable streaming units . (Question… but is it hi-fi ?). I say yes. Always enjoy your channel and posts … regards KCB.👍🇬🇧

[@michaelknibbs]

Thanks Tarun. This is a very comprehensive review. Blusound's engineering is excellent, as is their build quality and audio performance. I own a Powernode N330, which over a 3 year period, it has provided excellent sound quality and reliability. That said, the BluOS application has been buggy - and I assume it would be no better for this device. As a software engineer myself, I empathize with the difficulty of testing all the permutations of hardware, networks and operating sytems that the application meets. I guess we need to temper our expectations of perfect deployments of new releases? OK, whining over. I would still buy another Blusound streamer - our hobby is set of compromises and these guys check the most boxes. Btw, I wonder if there is a new Powernode in the pipeline?

[@frankdegroot3525]

Hi Tarun. I normally completely agree with your opinion about gear I tested myself and really enjoy your reviews. I tested the nano and was disappointed, with and without the DAC. I found it to be harsh and digital. I have the primare NP5 (600€) and it sounds way better, more eas , less digital sound. Btw, the NP5 has no DAC. T: please review the NP5, if you haven't done it yet.

[@marcohermans3207]

Very nice review sir. I'm thinking about upgrading from a old skool Chromecast audio , toslink, Cambridge Audio Dacmagic 1stgen setup into a Denon PMA2000- amp with Jamo Concert series speakers to benefit from Hi-res Tidal music. Do you think it would be worth it? I don't need all the connectivity options from the more expensive units. Thanks in advance !

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@marcohermans3207 thx. You should notice the Nano as an improvement over your Chromecast/Dagmagic with your system 😊

[@marcohermans3207]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 ,Thanks. I 've ordered it today.

[@marcohermans3207]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 ,you were absolutely right. The Nano is a big improvement over the Dacmagic. Very musical indeed !! I bought it after seeing this video. Thanks for this nice review.

[@robertnelson3179]

This came in the right time for me my home made Volumio streamer just kuputz me and need a good lower priced replacement. Thanks it is on order.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Cool 😎

[@deangao2471]

Did you mean the Nano USB output to Denafrips not as good as toslink in terms of sounds quality?

[@aj8ky]

Yes, I would imagine that’s what he meant. USB can transmit (unless galvanically isolated) electronic noise to the DAC and optical doesn’t. When using a computer, phone or tablet I like to use a DDC to convert USB to optical. If you upgrade to using an optical cable and a low noise power supply, you’ll probably be surprised at the sonic improvement that can be made to a lot of different cheaper equipment like DACs, Streamers and CD transports. Most more expensive equipment uses better electronic noise isolation and a much quieter, higher quality power supply. Upgrading to using optical and a low noise power supply can really help bridge the gap in sound quality between more budget friendly and higher quality equipment. All the best!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Yes 😊

[@aj8ky]

Sorry Tarun, I must’ve been typing that when you replied!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@aj8ky your response far better than mine 😊

[@deangao2471]

Thanks for the confirmation!

[@ranelime]

Thank you Tarun. Will you be reviewing the Node 2024 as well? Im really curious to how does the nano compare when it comes to pure streaming, with external DAC. From what I see, the only difference is in the power supply.

[@SuperBicycleRepairMan]

Interesting review, I'm using one of the older BluSound Nodes, but reckon it has room for improvement. NAD have a good segment here, supplying a cost effective digital front ends for a traditional analogue setup. This new series addresses shortcomings, namely with the old built in DAC, which according to ASR, isn't upto much. I'm not overly worried about my 2 year old Node. I'm using the USB digital out option, plugged into a HOLO Audio DAC. When I eventually get around to upgrading I'll be needing HDMI ARC as an input, so it's good to see the model up is the same as my old NODE. I wonder if it sounds as good as the entry level?

[@hugobloemers4425]

Big companies can never be as passionate as small companies. The bottom line and service available market are much more important than sound quality. They would rather allow a TV to be connected than spending the money on a bespoke capacitor. Their R&D will allow them to come close to pure play audio brands but this review is a good example of what the outcome is with a shoot out.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you 😊

[@zmk5236]

Thanks Tarun. How would you rate the streamers purely for their streaming quality into an external DAC? Which produces a smoother, more rhythmic sound?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

The Node X is smoother sounding than the Nano, even when it is being used as a transport 😊

[@smcpac]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Hey Tarun, great review. Questions on your comment above... On USB or spdif? Stock power supply? As I am currently using "RoPieEE" software on a "Ras-pie 4" with LPS and AQ "jitterbug" on usb out to "upper mid tier DAC", I'm looking at the Nano as a potntial SQ upgrade as well as features... Your experiences in this area and with this particular genre of products are an invaluable resource and am looking forward to your opinion regarding this matter. Is the Nano's internal clocking implementtaion a significat limiting factor on SQ over spdif toslink/coax, compared to usb asynchronous output controlled by external device's clock?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@ there is a lot to unpick there. Essentially USB vs SPDIF is a trade between usually higher noise on USB vs higher jitter on SPDIF. Normally, USB is the winner but not in the case of the Nano 😊