Bluesound POWERNODE Edge vs Yamaha A-S501 Detailed Comparison

Bluesound POWERNODE Edge vs Yamaha A-S501

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Bluesound POWERNODE Edge

Integrated Amplifier | 40 watts RMS into 8-ohms

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Yamaha A-S501

Integrated Amplifier | 85 watts RMS into 8-ohms

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Bluesound POWERNODE...

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Yamaha A-S501

See at AMAZON

Bluesound POWERNODE...

See at AMAZON

Yamaha A-S501

See at AMAZON

Bluesound POWERNODE Edge vs Yamaha A-S501 Integrated Amplifier Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers . Bluesound POWERNODE Edge is a Streaming Integrated Amplifier speaker whereas the A-S501 is a Integrated Amplifier with built-in DAC speaker.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Bluesound POWERNODE Edge and Yamaha A-S501 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Bluesound POWERNODE Edge Key Specs

40 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Built-in DAC

Wifi 2.4, 5GHz

USB Input

Bluetooth v5.0

Weight: 3.02 lbs / 1.37 kg

Dimensions (H x W x D):1.75inch x 8.6875inch x 8.5inch

Yamaha A-S501 Key Specs

85 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Built-in DAC

Phono Input

Weight: 22.70 lbs / 10.32 kg

Dimensions (H x W x D):6inch x 17-1/8inch x 15-7/16inch

What size room are the Bluesound POWERNODE Edge and Yamaha A-S501 Amplifiers good for?

The size of the room in which you are planning to use these amplifiers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their max power parameters:

Listening Environment	Bluesound POWERNODE Edge	Yamaha A-S501
Near-field	Good	Poor
Small Room	Good	Average
Mid-size Room	Average	Good
Large Room	Poor	Average
Very Large Room	No way	Poor

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to understand how Bluesound POWERNODE Edge and Yamaha A-S501 compares and end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these amplifiers is the better choice for you.

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

Reasons to choose Bluesound POWERNODE Edge over Yamaha A-S501

App-Based Control	Yes vs None	Control the amplifier via an app
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)	0.008% vs 0.019%	Less Harmonic Distortion
Bluetooth	Yes vs No	Stream music via Bluetooth devices
Wi-Fi	Yes vs No	High quality streaming over WiFi
Coaxial Digital Inputs	No vs 1	More options for connecting Digital sources
USB Input	Yes vs No	Connect Sources via USB
Apple AirPlay	Yes vs No	Compatible with Apple Devices with AirPlay
Apple AirPlay 2	Yes vs No	Compatible with Apple Devices with AirPlay 2
Roon	Ready vs No	Roon Compatibility
BluOS	Yes vs No	Compatible with BluOS Wireless Ecosystem
Base Surface Area	475.0cm²/ 73.6inch² vs 1709.6cm²/ 265.0inch²	takes less space in your room
Height	44mm vs 153mm	Easier to fit in smaller spaces

Reasons to choose Yamaha A-S501 over Bluesound POWERNODE Edge

MSRP Price(*)	550USD vs 649USD	costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
Handheld Remote	Yes vs No	Control the amplifier by the included RC
Watts into 8-ohms	85 watts vs 40 watts	Delivers higher power into 8-ohms speakers
Signal to Noise Ratio	99 dB vs 92 dB	Higher ratings results in cleaner sound
Total Analog Inputs	6 vs 1	More options for connecting Analog sources
PhonoInput	Yes vs No	Connect a turntable directly to your amp
Coaxial Digital Inputs	1 vs No	More options for connecting Digital sources
Headphone Output	1/4 vs No	Connect your headphone to the amplifier

Inputs and Outputs

The input and output selections that are offered is an important factor when comparing two amplifiers. Here you can find how the I/O selections of the Bluesound POWERNODE Edge and Yamaha A-S501 differs from each other.

Bluesound POWERNODE Edge Inputs

Total Number of Analog Inputs: 1
1 Optical Digital Input
USB Input:
- USB-A(playing files from a thumb drive or external hard drive)
Ethernet Port

Yamaha A-S501 Inputs

Total Number of Analog Inputs: 6
Phono Input
1 Optical Digital Input
1 Coaxial Digital Input

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

Outputs

Mono-RCA(Sub) Preamp Outputs
Subwoofer Output

Outputs

Sub Preamp Outputs
1/4 Headphone Output
Subwoofer Output

Yamaha A-S501 Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

What's in the Box of Bluesound POWERNODE Edge?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of POWERNODE Edge:

Wireless music streaming amplifier

6-feet AC power cord

58-inch Ethernet cable

Optical-to-3.5mm adapter

Mounting bracket

Mounting screw

Rubber mount attachment

Quick Setup Guide

Warranty Information

License Agreement

What's in the Box of Yamaha A-S501?

Here are the items that come with the A-S501:

Stereo integrated amplifier

Remote control (RAS13)

2 AA batteries

Owners manual (En/ Fr)

Warranty information (US/CA)

On-line product registration information

Yamaha Worldwide Representative Offices note