Bluesound POWERNODE vs Yamaha A-S801 Detailed Comparison

Bluesound POWERNODE vs Yamaha A-S801

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Bluesound POWERNODE

Integrated Amplifier | 80 watts RMS into 8-ohms

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Yamaha A-S801

Integrated Amplifier | 100 watts RMS into 8-ohms

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Bluesound POWERNODE

See at AMAZON

Yamaha A-S801

See at AMAZON

Bluesound POWERNODE

See at AMAZON

Yamaha A-S801

See at AMAZON

Bluesound POWERNODE vs Yamaha A-S801 Integrated Amplifier Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers . Bluesound POWERNODE is a Streaming Integrated Amplifier speaker whereas the A-S801 is a Integrated Amplifier with built-in DAC speaker.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Bluesound POWERNODE and Yamaha A-S801 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

Yamaha A-S801 Key Specs

100 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Built-in DAC

Phono Input

USB Input

Weight: 26.70 lbs / 12.14 kg

Dimensions (H x W x D):6inch x 17-1/8inch x 16-3/16inch

What size room are the Bluesound POWERNODE and Yamaha A-S801 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	Yamaha A-S801
Near-field	Poor	Poor
Small Room	Average	Poor
Mid-size Room	Good	Good
Large Room	Average	Good
Very Large Room	Poor	Average

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to understand how Bluesound POWERNODE and Yamaha A-S801 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 Yamaha A-S801

App-Based Control	Yes vs None	Control the amplifier via an app
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)	0.008% vs 0.019%	Less Harmonic Distortion
Signal to Noise Ratio	100 dB vs 99 dB	Higher ratings results in cleaner sound
Bluetooth	Yes vs No	Stream music via Bluetooth devices
Wi-Fi	Yes vs No	High quality streaming over WiFi
Optical Digital Inputs	2 vs 1	More options for connecting Digital sources
Coaxial Digital Inputs	No vs 1	More options for connecting Digital sources
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	418.0cm²/ 64.8inch² vs 1792.2cm²/ 277.8inch²	takes less space in your room
Height	69mm vs 153mm	Easier to fit in smaller spaces

Reasons to choose Yamaha A-S801 over Bluesound POWERNODE

MSRP Price(*)	900USD 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
Watts into 8-ohms	100 watts vs 80 watts	Delivers higher power into 8-ohms speakers
Total Analog Inputs	6 vs 2	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

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 Yamaha A-S801 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

Yamaha A-S801 Inputs

Total Number of Analog Inputs: 6
Phono Input
1 Optical Digital Input
1 Coaxial Digital Input
USB Input:
- USB-B(connect to your computer for playback)
- USB-A(charging only)

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

Outputs

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

Outputs

Sub Preamp Outputs
1/4 Headphone Output
Subwoofer Output

Yamaha A-S801 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 Yamaha A-S801?

Here are the items that come with the A-S801:

Stereo integrated amplifier

6.5-feet AC power cord

Remote control (RAS15)

2 AA batteries

Owners manual (En/ Fr)

Warranty information (US/CA)

On-line product registration information

Yamaha Worldwide Representative Offices note