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Bluesound POWERNODE vs ELAC Discovery Series DS-A101-G
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Bluesound POWERNODE

Integrated Amplifier | 80 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Bluesound POWERNODE
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ELAC DS-A101-G

Integrated Amplifier | 40 watts RMS into 8-ohms

ELAC Discovery Series DS-A101-G
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Bluesound POWERNODE Bluesound POWERNODE
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ELAC DS-A101-G ELAC DS-A101-G
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Bluesound POWERNODE
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ELAC DS-A101-G
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Bluesound POWERNODE vs ELAC DS-A101-G Integrated Amplifier Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing POWERNODE and DS-A101-G, two Integrated Amplifiers from Bluesound and ELAC. Let's have a brief look at the main features of Bluesound POWERNODE and ELAC DS-A101-G first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Bluesound POWERNODE Key Specs

  • 80 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • Built-in DAC
  • Wifi 2.4, 5GHz
  • USB Input
  • Bluetooth v5.0
  • Weight: 3.80 lbs / 1.72 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):2.75inch x 8.6875inch x 7.5inch

ELAC DS-A101-G Key Specs

  • 40 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • Built-in DAC
  • Bluetooth v4.0
  • Weight: 4.80 lbs / 2.18 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):2-1/2inch x 8-7/16inch x 13-5/8inch

What size room are the Bluesound POWERNODE and ELAC DS-A101-G 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 ELAC DS-A101-G
Near-field Poor Good
Small Room Average Good
Mid-size Room Good Average
Large Room Average Poor
Very Large Room Poor No way

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to understand how Bluesound POWERNODE and ELAC DS-A101-G 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 over ELAC Discovery Series DS-A101-G
Watts into 8-ohms 80 watts vs 40 watts Delivers higher power into 8-ohms speakers
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) 0.008% vs 0.03% Less Harmonic Distortion
Bluetooth Version v5.0 vs v4.0 Higher transfer rate and range
Optical Digital Inputs 2 vs 1 More options for connecting Digital sources
Coaxial Digital Inputs No vs 1 More options for connecting Digital sources
USB Input Yes vs No Connect Sources via USB
Headphone Output 3.5mm vs No Connect your headphone to the amplifier
Apple AirPlay Yes vs No Compatible with Apple Devices with AirPlay
Apple AirPlay 2 Yes vs No Compatible with Apple Devices with AirPlay 2
BluOS Yes vs No Compatible with BluOS Wireless Ecosystem
Max Bit Depth 32-bit vs 24-bit Play higher resolution range media
Max Sample Rate 384kHz vs 192kHz Play higher resolution media
Base Surface Area 418.0cm2/ 64.8inch2 vs 746.1cm2/ 115.6inch2 takes less space in your room

Reasons to choose ELAC Discovery Series DS-A101-G over Bluesound POWERNODE
MSRP Price(*) 850USD vs 949USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
Handheld Remote Yes vs No Control the amplifier by the included RC
Signal to Noise Ratio 101 dB vs 100 dB Higher ratings results in cleaner sound
Minimum Impedance 2 ohms vs 4 ohms Compatible with 2-ohms speakers
Coaxial Digital Inputs 1 vs No More options for connecting Digital sources
Height 64mm vs 69mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces

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 and ELAC DS-A101-G differs from each other.

Bluesound POWERNODE 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)
  • Ethernet Port
ELAC DS-A101-G Inputs
  • Total Number of Analog Inputs: 2
  • 1 Optical Digital Input
  • 1 Coaxial Digital Input
  • Ethernet Port
Bluesound POWERNODE Back View
Bluesound POWERNODE Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

Outputs
  • Mono-RCA(Sub) Preamp Outputs
  • 3.5mm Headphone Output
  • Subwoofer Output
Outputs
  • Stereo RCA Preamp Outputs
  • Subwoofer Output
ELAC DS-A101-G Back View
ELAC DS-A101-G Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

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
  • What's in the Box of ELAC DS-A101-G?

    Here are the items that come with the DS-A101-G:
  • Integrated amplifier
  • 4-feet AC power cord
  • Remote control
  • 2 AAA batteries
  • 4 Banana-connectors
  • Operating Instructions
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