SpeakerDecision
  • SPEAKERS
    • By Type
      Passive Bookshelf Speakers Passive Floor-standing Speakers Passive Center Channel Speakers Passive In-wall Speakers All Passive Speakers Powered Subwoofers Powered Stereo Speakers
      By Brand
      Acoustic Energy ATC Audio-Technica Audioengine Bluesound Bowers Wilkins Buchardt Cambridge Audio Canton DALI Definitive Technology Dynaudio ELAC Emotiva Fluance Focal Fyne Audio Genelec GoldenEar Harbeth Jamo JBL Kanto KEF KLH Klipsch Leak Mackie Magnepan MartinLogan McIntosh Mission MoFi Monitor Audio Nuvo Onkyo OSD Paradigm Polk Audio PS Audio PSB Q Acoustics REL Revel Russound Sennheiser Sonos Sonus faber Sony Spendor SVS Tannoy Technics Triangle Velodyne Victrola Wharfedale Wilson Audio Yamaha
  • AMPLIFIERS
    • By Type
      All Amplifiers Integrated Amplifiers Stereo Receivers Streaming Amplifiers Power Amplifiers
      By Brand
      Advance Paris Anthem Arcam AudioControl Audioengine Audiolab Bluesound Bose Buchardt Cambridge Audio Denon Devialet ELAC FiiO HiFi Rose Integra JBL LEAK Marantz Mark Levinson McIntosh Michi MISSION NAD Naim Onkyo OSD Parasound Peachtree Primare PS Audio Rega Roksan Rotel Sonos Sony SVS TEAC Technics WiiM Yamaha
  • SMART FIND
  • TOOLS
  • BLOG
Bluesound POWERNODE Review
Bluesound POWERNODE - Image 1

Main Features

  • 80 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • Class D
  • Minimum impedance: 4 ohms
  • Built-in DAC
  • Wi-Fi 2.4, 5GHz
  • USB Input
  • HDMI Input (eARC)
  • Bluetooth v5.0
  • Weight: 3.80 lbs / 1.72 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):2.75 x 8.6875 x 7.5 inch
MSRP: $949 (list price)
Check price atAmazon›

Compare To

x
Add an Amp for comparison
Bluesound POWERNODE Review
Bluesound POWERNODE Bluesound POWERNODE
Check price atAmazon›

The POWERNODE is a Streaming Integrated Amplifier by Bluesound that delivers 80 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms . It was released in May 2021. Minimum impedance of 4 ohms makes the POWERNODE compatible with a wide range of loudspeakers. Thanks to its built-in DAC, you can play digital sources directly without the need for an external DAC unit. Bluesound POWERNODE has an MSRP of 949$.

There are 3 Bluesound amplifiers in our database. Below you can see the main specs of these amps.

Bluesound Integrated Amplifier Series
Model Watts RMS (8-ohms) Minimum Impedance Built-in DAC Bluetooth
Bluesound POWERNODE
80 watts4-ohmsYesYes
Bluesound POWERNODE Edge
Compare
40 watts4-ohmsYesYes
Bluesound NODE NANO
Compare
watts-ohmsYesBuilt-in


**This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Performance Specs

One of the most important factors when deciding on an integrated amplifier is its power ratings and compatibility with your speaker's impedance requirements.The Bluesound POWERNODE is rated at 80 watts RMS into 8-ohms. Bluesound provides this wattage at a THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) of 0.008% which is an important indicator of distortion at the given values (lower THD is better).

Here are the main highlights of its performance specs:

  • 80 watts into 8-ohms (20-20k) at 0.008%
  • 4-ohms Min Impedance (allows compatibility with a wide range of loudspeakers)
  • 100dB Signal to Noise Ratio

How loud will 80 watts actually play in your room? →

Wiring more than one pair of speakers to it? Check the load first →

Which speakers suit the Bluesound POWERNODE?

80 W into 8 ohms, rated down to 4 ohms. We rank every passive speaker we cover against it on power, impedance safety and current delivery.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery — not just watts.

When pairing the Bluesound POWERNODE with a passive Bookshelf (Stand mount) or Passive Floor Standing (Tower) speaker, you have to check if their Max Power Range is below the max wattage of the amp for the given impedance levels. Operating your amp outside of this max range may damage the speakers.


What size of room is the Bluesound POWERNODE Amplifier good for?

An essential deciding factor is the size of the room in which you intend to employ the Bluesound POWERNODE amplifier. Here, taking into account its maximum power parameters, we analyzed its applicability to various size environments:

Listening Environment Suitability
Near-fieldPoor
Small RoomAverage
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomAverage
Very Large RoomPoor

Inputs and Outputs

Besides the performance specs of the Bluesound POWERNODE, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers. Bluesound POWERNODE has total of 2 Analog inputs .

Bluesound POWERNODE Back View
Bluesound POWERNODE Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

Inputs
  • Total Number of Analog Inputs: 2
  • 2 Optical Digital Input
  • USB Input:
    • USB-A(playing files from a thumb drive or external hard drive)

Outputs
  • Speaker Outputs
  • Mono-RCA(Sub) Preamp Outputs
  • 3.5mm Headphone Output
  • Subwoofer Output (1)

Bluetooth Connectivity

Bluesound POWERNODE features built-in Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless music streaming from your Bluetooth-enabled devices such as Apple iPod/iPhone/iPad, Android smartphone/tablet, Windows PC, Mac computers/laptops.

Among the amps in the same price range, these are the 5 amps that have Bluetooth Connectivity:

  • Audiolab 7000A - MSRP 999$ - Compare w/ POWERNODE
  • Denon PMA-900HNE - MSRP 949$ - Compare w/ POWERNODE
  • Arcam A15 - MSRP 999$ - Compare w/ POWERNODE
  • Rotel A11 Tribute - MSRP 800$ - Compare w/ POWERNODE
  • Marantz Stereo 70s - MSRP 1000$ - Compare w/ POWERNODE

Bluesound POWERNODE supports the following Bluetooth Codecs when used with supported devices:

  • AptX HD
  • AptX
  • AAC
  • SBC

Bluetooth Transmitter:

Bluesound POWERNODE can also act as a Bluetooth transmitter, making it possible to stream the music from the amp to your bluetooth headphones or speakers.

Phono Input

Bluesound POWERNODE doesn't have a phono input so in order to play your vinyl albums, Bluesound POWERNODE has to be paired with a Phono Preamp that is MM (Moving Magnet) or/and MC (Moving COil) depending on your cartridge type.

Subwoofer Output

Bluesound POWERNODE has a dedicated subwoofer output which can be used to connect it directly to a powered subwoofer via an LFE(Low Frequency Effects) cable.
Check our Powered Subwoofers page to find a subwoofer that will work with Bluesound POWERNODE amp and your speakers.

DAC and Digital Music

The Bluesound POWERNODE's built-in DAC allows the connection of digital sources directly, eliminating the need for an external DAC.

Bluesound POWERNODE External Dimensions and Weight

Bluesound POWERNODE has external dimensions of (H x W x D) 2.75inch x 8.6875inch x 7.5inch (69.9mm x 220.7mm x 190.5mm ). The unit weighs 1.72 kg (3.8 lbs).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of an integrated amplifier may become an important decision factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of the Bluesound POWERNODE is approximately 418.0cm2 / 64.8inch2.

  • Width: 220.7mm (8.6875")
  • Height: 69.9mm (2.75")
  • Depth: 190.5mm (7.5")
  • Weight: 1.72 kg (3.8 lbs)
  • Base Surface Area: ~418.0cm2 / 64.8inch2
  • Volume: ~2.9 liter / 0.8 gallon
Bluesound POWERNODE  - Top View
Bluesound POWERNODE - Top View

Available colors

Bluesound POWERNODE is available in Black and White color options.

What's in the Box of Bluesound POWERNODE?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of POWERNODE:
  • Wireless music streaming amplifier
  • 6-feet AC power cord
  • 58-inch Ethernet cable
  • 2 Optical-to-3.5mm adapters
  • Quick Setup Guide
  • Warranty Information
  • License Agreement

User's Manual

For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the Bluesound POWERNODE, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
Download User Manual for Bluesound POWERNODE

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the Bluesound POWERNODE Integrated Amplifier can be found below:
Official Product Page for Bluesound POWERNODE

Warranty

1 Year of parts warranty and 1 Year of labor warranty is generally provided for the Bluesound POWERNODE by the manufacturer.

Bluesound POWERNODE  Lifestyle
Bluesound POWERNODE Lifestyle

Bluesound POWERNODE Detailed Specifications

General
Brand Bluesound
Full Model Name Bluesound POWERNODE
Release Date May 2021
Amplifier Type Integrated Amplifier
Amp Class Class D
Performance
Watts RMS per Channel into 8-ohms 80 watts
Watts RMS per Channel into 6-ohms N/A
Watts RMS per Channel into 4-ohms N/A
Frequency Bandwidth 20-20k
THD 0.008%
Minimum Impedance 4
Signal to Noise Ratio 100 dB
Digital Music
Built-in DAC Yes
Bluetooth Yes
WiFi Yes
Ecosystem
Apple AirPlay Yes
Apple AirPlay2 Yes
DTS Play-Fi No
Chromecast built-in No
Roon Ready
HEOS No
BluOS Yes

CONNECTIONS
Total Analog Inputs 2
Phono Input No
Optical Digital Inputs 2
Coaxial Digital Inputs No
USB Input Yes
USB Type USB-A(playing files from a thumb drive or external hard drive)
Preamp Outputs Mono-RCA(Sub)
Pre-out / Main-in Loop No
Headphone Output 3.5mm
Subwoofer Output Yes
Removable Power Cord
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height 69.9mm (2.75")
Width 220.7mm (8.6875")
Depth 190.5mm (7.5")
Weight 1.72 kg (3.8 lbs)
Available Colors Black,White
OTHER
Parts Warranty 1 Year
Labor Warranty 1 Year
Bluesound POWERNODE Alternatives in Streaming Amplifiers
Model Watts RMS (8-ohms) Minimum Impedance Built-in DAC Phono Stage
Bluesound POWERNODE Edge
Compare
40 watts4-ohmsYesNo
Audiolab 6000A
Compare
50 watts4-ohmsYesMM
NAD C 338
Compare
50 watts4-ohmsYesMM
Arcam Solo Uno
Compare
25 watts4-ohmsYesNo
Denon PMA-900HNE
Compare
50 watts4-ohmsYesMM,MC
Marantz Stereo 70s
Compare
75 watts4-ohmsYesMM
Marantz Model 40n
Compare
70 watts4-ohmsYesMM
Rotel A14 MKII
Compare
80 watts4-ohmsYesMM
Frequently Asked Questions about Bluesound POWERNODE

How much power does the Bluesound POWERNODE have?

The Bluesound POWERNODE delivers 80 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms .

What amplifier class is the Bluesound POWERNODE?

The Bluesound POWERNODE uses a Class D amplifier design. Class D is a modern switching design that runs cool and wastes very little energy as heat, which is how makers fit high power into a compact, light chassis.

Does the Bluesound POWERNODE have a built-in DAC?

Yes. The Bluesound POWERNODE has a built-in DAC, so you can feed it a digital source directly without buying a separate converter.

Can I connect a turntable to the Bluesound POWERNODE?

No. The Bluesound POWERNODE has no phono input, so a turntable needs an external phono preamp (or a deck with one built in) before it can be connected.

Does the Bluesound POWERNODE have Bluetooth?

Yes. The Bluesound POWERNODE supports Bluetooth (Bluetooth 5.0 and the AptX HD,AptX, AAC,SBC codec), so you can stream straight from a phone, tablet or laptop.

Can the Bluesound POWERNODE stream music over the network?

Yes. The Bluesound POWERNODE is a streaming amplifier, with Wi-Fi and multiroom playback. It plays from your network without a separate streamer.

Can I connect a subwoofer to the Bluesound POWERNODE?

Yes. The Bluesound POWERNODE has a subwoofer output, so you can add a powered subwoofer to extend the low end below what your main speakers manage.

Does the Bluesound POWERNODE have a headphone output?

Yes. The Bluesound POWERNODE has a 3.5mm headphone output on the front panel for private listening.

How much does the Bluesound POWERNODE cost?

The Bluesound POWERNODE has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $949.

Was this amplifier review useful?
Tell us what is missing or wrong and we will fix it.
Thanks. Anything you would add?
Optional, and it goes straight to the person who maintains this page.
Thanks — noted.
Latest Amplifiers
Cambridge Audio Evo 300
Cambridge Audio Evo 300
300 watts into 8-ohms
Michi Prestige X430
Michi Prestige X430
210 watts into 8-ohms
NAD C3030S
NAD C3030S
50 watts into 8-ohms
NAD C3030
NAD C3030
50 watts into 8-ohms
FiiO AIR AMP
FiiO AIR AMP
watts into 6-ohms
Yamaha WXA-70A
Yamaha WXA-70A
55 watts into 8-ohms
Onkyo Muse Y-50
Onkyo Muse Y-50
125 watts into 8-ohms
Onkyo Muse Y-40
Onkyo Muse Y-40
75 watts into 8-ohms

Most Popular Amplifiers
Yamaha A-S301
Yamaha A-S301
60 watts into 8-ohms
Audiolab 7000A
Audiolab 7000A
70 watts into 8-ohms
Yamaha A-S801
Yamaha A-S801
100 watts into 8-ohms
Sonos Amp
Sonos Amp
125 watts into 8-ohms
Yamaha A-S501
Yamaha A-S501
85 watts into 8-ohms
Denon PMA-900HNE
Denon PMA-900HNE
50 watts into 8-ohms
Denon PMA-600NE
Denon PMA-600NE
45 watts into 8-ohms
WiiM Amp Pro
WiiM Amp Pro
60 watts into 8-ohms
Denon PMA-1700NE
Denon PMA-1700NE
70 watts into 8-ohms
Marantz PM6007
Marantz PM6007
45 watts into 8-ohms

Copyright © 2026 by SpeakerDecision
About Privacy Contact US Camera Decision