Bluesound Node Icon


I currently use Bluesound products because of their multiroom capabilities. 

In my main system I have a bluesound node N130 hooked up to a Mcintosh D1100 preamp dac.

Thinking about buying the new Node Icon but I would be by-passing the built in dual dacs so I am not sure if there is any reason to upgrade to the ICON?

If anyone knows the new ICON and can give me some advice I would appreciate it.

Ag insider logo xs@2xefoo

The British Audiophile does YouTube reviews.  He did a recap of his favorite products of 2024 and ranked the Bluesound Node Nano very highly for sound quality. It's only $299.

 

https://youtu.be/5z1jZ9I6tNM?si=ehh8jXOH5iWXNxac

I am a 3-system Bluesound user as well.  It would be nice if Bluesound stepped-up their game and offered a product just under the the Innuos Zen Mk3/ Aurender N200 level.  Featuring i2s connectivity would make it very attractive.

What is I2S ?

 

I too am hoping Bluesound will come out with a Higher end streamer only product.

I2S is a serial bus interface specially designed for communicating digital audio data between integrated circuits (ICs). The I2S protocol sends pulse-code modulation (PCM) audio data from a controller to a target.

That's a Google result.  It's a digital connection much like USB.  If your dac doesn't have an I2S input, it wouldn't be much of a benefit for you. 

I too am hoping Bluesound will come out with a Higher end streamer only product.
 

I doubt they ever will as they are part of NAD. Being a budget conscious company I’m guessing the icon is going to be their flagship when it comes to the streaming end.