This past week, Bluesound announced the $649 Powernode Edge, a new streaming amp that will sell alongside their long-time “just-add-speakers” option, the $949 Powernode. Marketed as an entry-level device, the Powernode Edge has a smaller footprint than the Powernode but much of the same functionality, like access to Bluesound’s impressive BluOS, a multi-room, hi-res (up to 24-bit/192kHz) streaming platform, and a digital amp section (2 x 40w into 8 ohms)
The Powernode Edge has a slimline form factor designed for flexible placement, being equally at home powering a pair of speakers on a desktop or hanging on a wall utilizing the included wall mount. It also has a wide variety of connection options, including HDMI for connection to a TV, along with wireless connections like Apple’s AirPlay 2 and aptX HD Bluetooth.
The Powernode Edge is currently available for pre-order and will ship starting in early October.
The following press release is courtesy of Lenbrook:
Bluesound Announces the POWERNODE EDGE
Turn any space into a HiFi haven with this entry point, ‘just-add-speakers’ streaming amplifier.
Toronto, Canada, August 31, 2022 – Bluesound, the original award-winning, hi-res wireless multi-room line of audio players, announces the POWERNODE EDGE. This single-zone, wireless music streaming amplifier is the perfect entry point into “just add speakers” HiFi for the modern age, combining streaming sources, control, and amplification all in one sleek, yet affordable, device. Pre-orders for the POWERNODE EDGE are now being taken on Bluesound.com and participating authorized retailers with shipping starting in early October. Suggested pricing for each unit is USD $649/ CAD $849.
Just Add Speakers
Audiophile-grade amplification packed into the POWERNODE EDGE makes it easy to connect a pair of passive speakers to create or extend a HiFi system. Other options include adding the PULSE SUB+ wireless subwoofer for a powerful but compact 2.1 stereo system. Alternatively, the POWERNODE EDGE can power the rear channels of a Bluesound wireless surround sound setup, for the ultimate modern home theater experience.
Punchy Hi-Res
A conservatively-rated 2 x 40 watts DirectDigital™ amplifier in the POWERNODE EDGE efficiently handles hi-res audio tracks up to 24-bit/192kHz and supports MQA playback, which allows music lovers to listen to the actual studio masters of favorite albums, as they were intended to be heard. Revel in the clarity of playback of everything from densely-layered heavy metal tracks to whisper-quiet dialog in movies and TV shows.
Sleek and Verstatile
The POWERNODE EDGE is designed with a compact form factor to suit any décor. An included multi-orientation wall bracket allows it to be hidden in closets or behind sofas. Easy to spec and simple to stack, smart home installers will appreciate its 1U rack height and half-rack width, along with an easy-access touch control panel for everyday playback functions and configuration.
Access It All
Over 20 natively integrated music services and thousands of internet radio stations are accessible directly on the POWERNODE EDGE, and controlled from the BluOS™ Controller app. To play from a personal music library, connection via Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet or playback from an external USB drive is available. Built-in AirPlay 2 makes for easy integration into the Apple ecosystem, while users of other devices can take advantage of the high quality aptX™ HD Bluetooth connection to stream audio directly to the POWERNODE EDGE. More traditional wired sources, such as a TV or preamp’d turntable, can be connected using the HDMI eARC input or the combo analog/digital input.
Multi-Room Control
Add multiple Bluesound players around the home to create a high-performance, multi-room system using BluOS, the world’s most versatile whole-home, hi-res audio platform. Send music from player to player or sync up multiple players to one stream for parties and gatherings. Easy control is always readily available via the BluOS Controller app for iOS, Android, Mac, or PC, or using the elegant glass touch panel for quick-access controls like Play, Pause, and Volume Up/Down. The POWERNODE EDGE can integrate with the most popular smart home controllers like Crestron, Control4, URC, RTI, ELAN, and others, while hands-free control is possible with voice assistants like Apple’s Siri, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant.
Key Highlights of the POWERNODE EDGE:
- DirectDigital™ Amplifier Platform
- 40 Watts Per Channel Into 8 Ohms
- Quad-Core 1.8GHz ARM® Cortex™ A53 Processor
- HDMI eARC, Optical & Analog Audio Inputs
- BluOS™ Wireless Multi-Room Music Capability
- App Control with Adjustable Audio Settings
- MQA Music And Hi-Res Audio Streaming
- Airplay 2 Integration
- Works With Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Siri
- Dual-Band Wi-Fi + Gigabit Ethernet
- Two-Way aptX™ HD Bluetooth
- Wireless Headphone Output
- Wired & Wireless Subwoofer Output
- IR Remote Learning Capability
- Front Panel Touch Controls
- Compact 1U Form Factor
- Easy Four-Way Mounting System
- Black Or White Finish
About Bluesound
An alliance of audiophiles. We are designers, engineers and individuals who have spent our lives in the music industry. Our founders helped pioneer HiFi in the 70s – innovation and the pursuit of perfection in audio runs deep in our collective DNA. Bluesound’s sole mission is to create innovative wireless audio products and technologies that allow for the most true-to-live performance music reproduction possible, utilizing the most advanced, state-of-the-art digital technology.
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