Streamers — Bluesound NODE NANO (N030)

The NODE NANO with model number N030 is the smallest network player from Bluesound, the Canadian company behind the BluOS multi-room software. It has no amplifier and no display - it is a pure source that feeds an existing amplifier, active speakers or an external converter. It was introduced at USD 299, and Bluesound currently lists it at CAD 499.

Key specs that matter

Digital to analogue work falls to an ESS ES9039Q2M SABRE chip with Hyperstream IV architecture, running alongside a quad-core ARM Cortex A53 processor at 1.8 GHz. The maker gives 118 dB for signal-to-noise and THD+N of 0.0007%. Supported resolution is 16 to 24 bit up to 192 kHz, with DSD256 and MQA, and file formats include FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, MPEG-4 SLS, MP3, AAC, WMA, OGG and OPUS. The chassis is 143 x 36 x 143 mm and weighs 0.57 kg.

Engineering and use context

The rear panel carries a stereo RCA analogue output that can be set to a fixed level, plus optical, coaxial and USB Audio 2.0 Type-A digital outputs, so the player can either drive an amplifier directly or pass a digital stream to a separate DAC. Power arrives through a USB-C socket rated 5 V and 2 A rather than a mains transformer, and a second USB-A port reads music from external drives formatted in FAT32. Networking is dual-band WiFi 5 or gigabit Ethernet over RJ45, and Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive works two-way, receiving from phones and tablets or sending to wireless headphones. AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect and Roon Ready are included, and the unit can be grouped with other BluOS players in different rooms. Two programmable presets sit on the unit, an IR sensor can learn commands from an existing remote, and Control4 and Crestron drivers cover home automation. A subwoofer can be added without a cable by pairing the PULSE SUB+ over the network. Internet radio is built into the app as well.

Pairing

The fixed RCA output suits any integrated amplifier with a spare line input, including older amplifiers that lack streaming. Active speakers with an analogue input can take the variable output and use the app for volume. Owners of a stand-alone DAC can bypass the internal converter through the coaxial or optical output, and the small footprint lets the player sit on a shelf next to the amplifier.

Alternatives

The Bluesound NODE N132 is the larger streamer in the range, using the same ESS ES9039Q2M converter in a 220 x 46 x 146 mm chassis and adding HDMI eARC and a THX AAA headphone output.