Bluesound Powernode Edge N230 Wireless Multi-Room Hi-Res Music Streaming Amplifier (Black)

Product Information

IV1, IV2, IV3, IV4, IV5, IV6, IV7, IV8, IV9, IV10, IV11, IV12, IV13, IV14, IV15, IV16, IV17, IV18, IV19, IV20, IV21, IV22, IV23, IV24, IV25, IV26, IV27, IV28, IV29, IV30, IV31, IV32, IV33, IV34, IV35, IV36, IV37, IV38, IV39, IV40, IV41, IV42, IV43, IV44, IV45, IV46, IV47, IV48, IV49, IV50, IV51, IV52, IV53, IV54, IV55, IV56, IV57, IV58, IV59, IV60, IV61, IV62, IV63, IV64, IV65, IV66, IV67, IV68, IV69, IV70, IV71, IV72, IV73, IV74, IV75, IV76, IV77, IV78, IV79, IV80, IV81, IV82, IV83, IV84, IV85, IV86, IV87, IV88, IV89, IV90, IV91, IV92, IV93, IV94, IV95, IV96, IV97, IV98, IV99 Using the BluOS Controller App, select songs from popular streaming services like Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, SiriusXM, from your own music library through Apple Airplay2, aptX™ HD Bluetooth®, or even a network-connected drive or USB hard drive. COMPACT POWER

You can think of the POWERNODE EDGE as the little brother to the Bluesound POWERNODE. The EDGE offers 40 Watts of output power from the company’s DirectDigital amplification technology as compared to the POWERNODE’s 80 Watts of HybridDigital power. The basic difference being DirectDigital amplifies a digital PCM signal, while HybridDigital amplifies an analog input using switching modulation. At the rear of the unit, there is a small selection of connectors, including a pair of speaker terminals, an HDMI eARC port for a TV, a 3.5mm combo digital optical input, a USB-A port for connecting a storage drive, plus an output for a subwoofer output next to an Ethernet port. Most people will probably use the Edge’s built-in dual-band Wi-Fi to connect to a home network and stream music. And although the Edge doesn’t have endless connection possibilities, there are enough options for handling sources like a turntable or a CD player. Keep the Edge in its comfort zone and there’s a lot to like. The most intriguing aspect of this is that some of the same propulsive edge that marked out the standalone Node is present here too. Bloc Party’s Alpha Games moves with real energy and drive to it, delivering the high speed vocal and dense drum routines with real vigour and bite. Some (but not all) of this can be ascribed to the Edge not being a bass monster of a device but there’s a definition and overall agility to the way it sounds that really helps high tempo music to come alive. The first album I listened to through the wireless earphones was the Grateful Dead’s Cornell 5/8/77 (24/96 FLAC, Rhino / Qobuz). This legendary concert includes what many argue is the greatest version of “Morning Dew” the Dead ever delivered. Jerry Garcia’s snake-like guitar lines and Phil Lesh’s loping bass lead the listener through a 13-minute musical journey full of peaks and valleys. The song builds to an astonishing climax that begins around the 11-minute mark. Guitars, drums, and keyboards twist into an intense whirling vortex that continues for nearly two minutes before Garcia brings it down with the plaintive closing lyric “I guess it doesn’t matter anyway.” The detail that emerged from the vast acoustic space in this recording with the wireless earphones was truly rewarding. Connect with the BluVoice skill to enable voice assistants like Alexa and Siri to control Players around the home.

The Bluesound Difference

PA20, PA21, PA22, PA23, PA24, PA25, PA26, PA27, PA28, PA29, PA30, PA31, PA32, PA33, PA34, PA35, PA36, PA37, PA38, PA39, PA40, PA41, PA42, PA43, PA44, PA45, PA46, PA47, PA48, PA49, PA50, PA51, PA52, PA53, PA54, PA55, PA56, PA57, PA58, PA59, PA60, PA61, PA62, PA63, PA64, PA65, PA66, PA67, PA68, PA69, PA70, PA71, PA72, PA73, PA74, PA75, PA76, PA77, PA78, PA79, PA80 The BluOSplatform and app make streaming fast and convenient from your favorite streaming services, including Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, AirPlay 2, and Roon. The POWERNODE EDGE decodes Dolby® Digital content on its own and can also be used to power the rear channel speakers of a wireless home theater system HI-RES FOR EVERY CORNER Bluesound is an alliance of audiophiles dedicated to delivering on the promise of wireless, digitally perfect high-fidelity audio.

The Powernode Edge is a discreet component design, intended not so much to be seen but instead heard.If you are looking for a showcase component, look elsewhere as that will be challenging at this price point. Bluesound Powernode Edge is a slightly stripped-down alternative to the 2021 edition of PowerNode for a much lower price. Featuring digital, optical and analog input options, wired and wireless headphone and subwoofer outputs. There’s a good level of detail, too. Wet Leg’s catchy debut album comes through with all its hazy melodic alt-pop glory; there’s snap to the drums, the rhythm rolls forward in a pleasant manner, and voices come through clear and upfront. But after that, the Bluetooth connection remained robust. I was able to move throughout the house without losing connection. I did notice, though, that the volume dropped as I moved farther from the unit and needed to be adjusted to stay at the same level.Outputs to the loudspeakers are 5-way binding posts, there is a single RCA output to the subwoofer. There is a remote control available, but you won’t need it, a smartphone with the BluOS App is all you need. BluOS is so responsive and stable and is available in Android, iOS, Windows and macOS. Quality Having found the Powernode Edge so enjoyable in two-channel stereo, I was keen to listen to it with the Pulse Sub+ subwoofer in a 2.1 setup. The BluOS Controller app makes it easy to turn the subwoofer on and off and make adjustments on the fly. You can tweak crossover frequency, fine-tune subwoofer level, and adjust phase so that the sub and main speakers blend seamlessly. After some experimentation, I left the crossover point at the default 80Hz and bumped up the volume trim to around 4dB. This gave me a satisfying sound without overemphasizing the bottom end. A cookie set by YouTube to measure bandwidth that determines whether the user gets the new or old player interface. Furthermore, the Powernode Edge can access music servers wirelessly via Wi-Fi, or be controlled with AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth, as well as supply headphones with music via Bluetooth or operate a subwoofer wirelessly as well as via cable. Further wired connections are available in the form of HDMI eARC, USB for external hard drives, and a combined optical/analog input.