Bluesound Powernode Edge N230 Wireless Multi-Room Hi-Res Music Streaming Amplifier (Black)

Product Information

The Bluesound Edge is a ‘just add speakers’, streaming amplifier that features just about everything you can think of, from Tidal and Spotify Connect to Roon ready and AirPlay2. With built-in MQA it is ready for all Hi-Res streaming options up to 192kHz and 24-bit depth. The Edge has a Quad-Core 1.8GHz ARM® Cortex™ A53 processor and a 32-bit/384khz premium DAC (cut and pasted)! It is all feeling very cutting edge, or rather cutting Edge! That perception changed when I turned on the Pulse Sub+. It was as if Glover’s bass part had been doubled, with a lower octave now present, his instrument appearing more prominent in the mix. When I turned off the sub and listened to the same tune again, it sounded leaner. It wasn’t unpleasant, but I preferred the sound with the subwoofer engaged—it was more rounded and complete and had greater depth and muscle. This module also supports AirPlay and two way Bluetooth (meaning it can send audio to wireless headphones too) and is combined with a small but useful set of extra connections. The combined 3.5mm optical and analogue input is retained but it’s the fitment of the HDMI ARC connection that gives the Edge… well an edge. It’s exactly the same fitment as the normal Node and Node X but where it only acts on their inbuilt level control and has no effect on the amp they are connected to, with the Edge, the effect is complete handover of volume control. There are very few other just add speakers style solutions that cost less than this with the same level of HDMI integration. But additionally, what I find to be the standout feature of this product is the implementation of the NAD DirectDigital amplifier technology. Bluesound Powernode Edge is both a very capable streamer but also an integrated amp that can power moderate speakers What Makes the Bluesound Powernode Edge So Special?

First things first. At no stage in the tests run in my relatively small house, attached to that of my neighbour, a person I like and wish to maintain a decent relationship with, have I troubled the upper reaches of the Edge’s volume control. Running into the decently sensitive 5020, I haven’t needed any more power than it is capable of delivering. Unless you have a hangar to fill, I really cannot see it struggling so long as any thought at all has gone into your speaker choices.

Easily connect wired sources, like a TV or turntable, with HDMI eARC or the combo analogue/digital input. One final note on steaming lossless files, we are getting into the nitty gritty at this point. There is still some minor compression that happens in transferring the file via Bluetooth. Honestly, it is so minor that I’m not even sure you would notice unless your pouring tens of thousands of dollars into your hardwired system to prove me wrong. In which case, I concede, you win.

Outputs to the loudspeakers are 5-way binding posts, there is a single RCA output to the subwoofer. There is a remote control available, but you won’t need it, a smartphone with the BluOS App is all you need. BluOS is so responsive and stable and is available in Android, iOS, Windows and macOS. Quality Unfortunately, our Installation Service excludes all gas appliances. It is the customer’s responsibility to find a gas safe engineer to connect the appliance. Any work conducted by a third part gas safe engineer will be at the customer’s expense and we will not accept any liability for their work. Dare I say, the EDGE is pitched as fitting into a lifestyle that includes interests in addition to music: that’s the EDGE mounted to wall on the right powering the rear channel speakers The Powernode Edge is a discreet component design, intended not so much to be seen but instead heard.If you are looking for a showcase component, look elsewhere as that will be challenging at this price point. New for 2023, this will be a section on music that has overtaken me during a review process. And if you have not heard Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s Welcome to the Pleasuredome, I urge you to there now.As further stated by Bluesound, the DirectDigital™ amplifier in the Powernode Edge aims to deliver 2 x 40 watts (8 ohms) of power and processes music files up to 24-bit/192kHz as well as MQA. Like all Bluesound devices, it works with the BluOS platform and is controlled via the associated app, which has built-in connectivity to many different music streaming services in addition to Internet radio. With the latest BluOS firmware update, Bluesound extends the functionality of the Pulse Soundbar 2i and the Powernode 2i integrated streaming amplifier by adding an optional surround mode especially for stereo sources.

With this soundbar and the new and more efficient streaming module therein, Bluesound enters its new generation, while also expanding its lineup of wireless devices designed for use in a home theater. AirPlay 2 lets you play music or podcasts from wireless stereo components throughout your house — all in sync. Wireless multi-room capability with BluOS-powered speakers allows an easy path to whole-home audio. If you’re looking for a streaming solution that offers excellent sound, ease of use, versatility, and just plain fun, the thoughtfully designed Powernode Edge deserves serious consideration. Place it in a small- to medium-size listening room, bedroom, or office; combine it with suitable speakers; then get ready to have a blast. I did.Connect with the BluVoice skill and you can enable voice control. Compatible with voice assistants such as Alexa, Siri and the Google Assistant, voice controlling your entire Bluesound system is easy.