Upcoming Bluesound Icon Node vs other well known and good sounding DAC/streamers


I'm a fan of Bluesound and their app. I use Bluesound as the second system in the house and it's always trouble free and user-friendly. Early in my journey, the Node was my streamer/DAC. Nowadays I have a Lumin S1 but I really like this upcoming Icon model from Bluesound. It's not out for another month or 2, but wondering if any member here might have info/ scoop on it? I'm wondering if it can compete with the better-known, more expensive and great sounding DAC/streamers out there that have been around a little while. I'm thinking about grabbing one as soon as they are released, but also trying to avoid spending  money on it just to find out my existing Lumin S1 sounds better. At least they have a 30 day return period. 

veerossi

@audioman58 Have you listened to the Bluesound Icon or are you basing "entry level" off of what we know about the rest of their products? 

For the linear power supply, I had a good experience as well on one of my previous Dacs. The one I used was SBooster. 

The linear tube audio LPS power supply  is in another league vs anything  Upto $1200   Sbooster is ok but not in the same league  I have mine on the router which makes a Big difference ,wall warts Donot belong in Audio. ,!

Just an update: I ordered/received and listened to the Bluesound Node Icon and used the XLR balanced outputs. I love Bluesound’s app and how snappy and responsive it is. As far as sound quality is concerned: I’d say it’s 78% as good as my Lumin S1. I’d bet if they stepped up power supply and used Pro Sabre dual mono DACs, it’d be in the ball park. They have a 30 day trial so back to Bluesound it goes. I hope someday they offer something that is truly awesome better than Lumin’s best offerings.

Well--That's not that bad considering the S1 is $12,000 and the Icon is $1000. Cheers..

@grunge1000 Absolutely. All in all: it's an amazing product. I think most people would be delighted with its performance. I think only the craziest of audiophiles wouldn't be satisfied.