Packing a Punch

Bluesound Node X Adds Music Streaming Oomph to Older Stereo Rigs

- Henry Clifford

For those looking to add a little oomph to their old stereo rigs without having to get rid of otherwise perfectly good gear, Bluesound created its latest streamer, the Node X, to mark 10 years of its multiroom high-resolution audio streaming platform. The little box packs a punch with an ESS Sabre HiFi DAC and all the internet music you can shake a stick at.

I just happened to have a perfect tube amplifier-driven, 2-channel setup for the Node X demo. Would it be any good or just another piece of space junk? I was about to find out.

Unboxing 

The Node X ships in a sexy commemorative-looking box reminiscent of the schwag seen gracing the celebrity comp rooms at posh film festivals. It’s showy and loud, but maybe that’s the point. I lifted up the top of the box with a satisfying friction fit, and there underneath another layer of cardboard cocoon sat the Node X wrapped in a black cloth bag. Above it sat an accessory box with power and AV cords while below sat a thin remote control.

Installation