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. It is a 2-channel design using a Class D output stage. A minimum impedance of 4 ohms makes it compatible with a wide range of loudspeakers. It has a built-in DAC, so you can play digital sources directly with no separate DAC unit needed. The 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
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 Hz-20 kHz) 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.
Need more power?
Bluesound POWERNODE is rated at 80 watts into 8 ohms, which puts it in our 61 to 90 watts band. The next band up is 91 to 120 watts, which is worth about 1.5dB more output. That is a real difference in headroom on peaks, and a modest one in how loud the system plays - power and loudness are not the same thing.
Before buying watts, check what your speakers actually need: the amp and speaker matcher works it out from their sensitivity, impedance and your room. Plenty of systems are better served by the Up to 60 watts band and better speakers.
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-field | Poor |
| Small Room | Average |
| Mid-size Room | Good |
| Large Room | Average |
| Very Large Room | Poor |
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 (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:
Bluesound POWERNODE supports the following Bluetooth Codecs when used with supported devices:
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 Pros and Cons
Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.
- ✓80 watts per channel into 8 ohms.
- ✓Class D output stage, so it runs cool and wastes little power as heat - which is how it fits in a small case.
- ✓Signal-to-noise ratio of 100dB, so the amplifier itself should be inaudible between tracks.
- ✓Distortion is specified at 0.008%, an order of magnitude below what is generally held to be audible.
- ✓Built-in DAC handling 32-bit / 384 and MQA, so a TV, computer or streamer can connect digitally with nothing in between.
- ✓Digital inputs cover 2 optical and USB.
- ✓Streams over the network without a separate streamer: Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon Music and TuneIn; AirPlay 2, Roon and BluOS.
- ✓Bluetooth (version 5.0 and AptX HD,AptX, AAC,SBC) for playing straight from a phone.
- ✓Pre-outs (Mono-RCA(Sub)) leave room to add a power amplifier or an active subwoofer later.
- ✓Headphone output (3.5mm).
- ✓At 221mm wide it fits where a full-size component will not.
- ✓App control (BluOS Controller).
- ✗Parts warranty is only 1 year.
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 420.4cm2 / 65.2inch2.
- 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: ~420.4cm2 / 65.2inch2
- Volume: ~2.9 liter / 0.8 gallon
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
| General |
| Brand |
Bluesound |
| Full Model Name |
Bluesound POWERNODE |
| Release Date |
May 2021 |
| Amplifier Type |
Integrated Amplifier |
| Number of Channels |
2 |
| Amp Class |
Class D |
| Amplifier Technology |
Solid State |
| 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 Hz-20 kHz |
| 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 |