Just Add Speakers with new Bluesound POWERNODE EDGE
All-in-ones are well and truly back, and thanks to technological advances, modern hi-fi has never been easier. Bluesound's new POWERNODE EDGE is a prime example of the company's catchcry, "just add speakers".
The company, which was the first to bring hi-res wireless audio to the market, has announced its new single-zone, wireless music streaming amplifier with a conservatively rated 2 x 40 watts DirectDigital amplifier.
It combines streaming sources, control and the amplification mentioned above into just one sleek and affordable device. It also handles hi-res audio tracks up to 24-bit/192kHz and supports MQA playback. Plus, 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.
It will also allow you to play from a personal music library via Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet or playback from an external USB drive. Built-in AirPlay 2 makes for easy integration into the Apple ecosystem. At the same time, users of other devices can use the high-quality aptX™ HD Bluetooth connection to stream audio directly to the POWERNODE EDGE. Traditional wired sources, such as a TV or turntable (with an inbuilt phono pre-amp), can be connected using the HDMI eARC input or the combo analog/digital input.
POWERNODE EDGE makes connecting a pair of passive speakers easy, or add the EDGE in another zone to extend a HiFi system. You can also add a 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 theatre experience.
Finally, you can add multiple Bluesound players around the home to create a high-performance, multi-room system using BluOS. Send music from player to player or sync up multiple players to one stream for parties and gatherings. Easy control is available via the BluOS Controller app for iOS, Android, Mac, or PC, or the elegant glass touch panel for quick-access controls like Play, Pause, and Volume Up/Down.
The POWERNODE EDGE integrates with the most popular home automation platforms, such as Crestron, Control4, URC, RTI, ELAN, and others. At the same time, hands-free control is possible with voice assistants like Apple's Siri, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant.
The Bluesound POWERNODE EDGE will be available in October, priced at £599/ €699 RRP.
For more information visit Bluesound
Marc Rushton
StereoNET’s Founder and Publisher was born in England and raised on British Hi-Fi before moving to Australia. He developed an early love of music and playing bass guitar before discovering the studio and the other side of the mixing desk. After writing for print magazines, Marc saw the future in digital publishing and founded the first version of StereoNET in 1999.
Posted in: Hi-Fi | Lifestyle | Integration
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