Bluesound Powernode Edge
The Bluesound Powernode Edge (N230) is a all-in-one device retailing for 699€, it includes amp, dac & streaming capabilities, it only needs to be paired with speakers and it’s all set. Due to it’s small form factor it is perfect in a desktop situation or if there is not enough space for traditional Hi-fi gear.
In the box you get both 120V & 230V Power Cord, an ethernet cable, a TOSLINK Optical to 3.5mm Mini Adapter, Metal Mounting Bracket with screws & a Quick Setup Guide and of course the unit itself.
Technical Specs: 40W x 2 (8 Ohms) Direct Digital Amplification, DAC up to 24bit/96Khz, all major audio Formats are supported including MQA for those who care and the unit is ROON ready.
On the back of the unit you can find the speaker terminals, a SUB Output, a HDMI eArc Input, a USB Type A input allowing to connect a HDD or Thumb drive with Music content in FAT32 format, a combo Optical/Analog Input, an IR Input 3.5mm Jack and Ethernet RJ45, 1000 Mbps. In addition to the physical connections there is Wi-Fi Build-in (Wi-Fi 5 802.11ac, dual-band) & Two-Way (transmit & receive) Bluetooth 5.0 aptX HD.
The unit needs to be controlled via the free BLUEOS Application (Windows, MACOS, IOS and Android). There is no remote control provided. Basic Functions such as Volume Control and Skip Tracks can be directly accessed via the touch panel on the front of the unit. There is no headphone output on the unit only Wireless Headphones can be used via the Bluetooth connectivity.
The installation process of the Powernode is very easy (like all Bluesound Products) and you can hear the first tracks within a few minutes. Once done you can also use ROON software to stream music which is for me the most important feature.
I have been using this AIO unit for a few weeks now and i want to share my experience, user interface is great using the BluesOS application, i mainly used the wired LAN connection, there never were any issues, no dropouts same using WLAN connection. The sound quality is good but not exceptional, i paired it with the Dali Spektor 1's in a desktop setup and also with my Wharfedale Denton's 85th A.E. in a larger living room. The pairing with the Dali's was the best in the smaller room (10m2) this little system performs very well, the sound was spacious, smooth, detailed and very easy to listen too. Switching to the bigger room in combination with the Denton's the sound got thinner lacking dynamics and bass impact. The much cheaper combo consisting of the Fosi Audio V3 Amplifier with the Wiim Pro Streamer worked better in this scenario the sound was much more impactful and room filling. Adding a DAC (SMSL SU1) between the V3 and the Wiim Streamer increased the gap even further in terms of sound quality. Same results when comparing with another amp/streamer duo this time at the same price level the Aiyima A7 Max Amp and Matrix Audio Mini-i4 Streamer, this duo outperformed the Powernode Edge in every category except for convenience.
Final Word:
The Bluesound Powernode Edge is a good AIO unit, it is a good starting point if used in smaller rooms with the right speakers, but at a 700 Euro price tag you can get way better results when going with separates. So i would definitely choose option 2 and go for the better sound then for the convenience factor.
Used listening components:
Fosi Audio V3-48Volt PSU
Aiyima A7 Max-48Volt PSU
Wiim Pro
Matrix Audio Mini-i4
SMSL SU 1 Dac
Wharfedale Denton 85th Anniversary Ed.
Dali Spektor 1
Audioquest & Topping XLR Cables