The Bluesound NODE ICON is a reference-grade hi-res music streamer built around a dual-mono ESS Sabre DAC design for exceptional clarity, detail, and low distortion. With BluOS multi-room streaming, Apple AirPlay 2, and two-way Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive, it’s ready for modern listening across services and devices. Premium connectivity includes balanced XLR, RCA, optical/coax outputs, USB audio, and HDMI eARC with Dolby Digital for seamless TV integration. Dirac Live Ready support (license required) helps optimize real-room performance for a more accurate, immersive sound.
Get the Details
Features & Specs
Dual-mono DAC design with 2x ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M
Built for high-resolution playback, this architecture separates left and right channel conversion for improved channel separation, precision, and low-noise performance in revealing systems.
Balanced XLR + RCA outputs with fixed-output options
Dual-Mono design with two ESS SABRE® ES9039Q2M DAC chipsets
HDMI eARC + Dolby Digital® support for TV integration
Simplify your setup with a single HDMI connection and enjoy improved TV, movie, and gaming sound while keeping your streamer at the center of your system.
BluOS hi-res streaming with multi-room capability
Browse and play music from supported services and libraries, group rooms, and control playback from phones, tablets, or computers with the BluOS Controller App.
Two-way Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive + Apple AirPlay 2
Stream to the NODE ICON from compatible devices or transmit to Bluetooth headphones, while AirPlay 2 expands compatibility with Apple devices and select apps.
Dirac Live Ready output support (analog and optical/coax)
For users who want advanced room correction, NODE ICON supports Dirac Live on balanced XLR/RCA and optical/coax outputs (USB output not supported for Dirac Live).
Dual-mono DAC design with 2x ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M
Built for high-resolution playback, this architecture separates left and right channel conversion for improved channel separation, precision, and low-noise performance in revealing systems.
Balanced XLR + RCA outputs with fixed-output options
Dual-Mono design with two ESS SABRE® ES9039Q2M DAC chipsets
HDMI eARC + Dolby Digital® support for TV integration
Simplify your setup with a single HDMI connection and enjoy improved TV, movie, and gaming sound while keeping your streamer at the center of your system.
BluOS hi-res streaming with multi-room capability
Browse and play music from supported services and libraries, group rooms, and control playback from phones, tablets, or computers with the BluOS Controller App.
Two-way Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive + Apple AirPlay 2
Stream to the NODE ICON from compatible devices or transmit to Bluetooth headphones, while AirPlay 2 expands compatibility with Apple devices and select apps.
Dirac Live Ready output support (analog and optical/coax)
For users who want advanced room correction, NODE ICON supports Dirac Live on balanced XLR/RCA and optical/coax outputs (USB output not supported for Dirac Live).
Expert Insight
Dual DACs, XLR Outputs, a 5" Display, HDMIeARC and a great headphoe amp. This is the NODE that I have been waiting for!
Michael Chapman
Over 30 years with ListenUp!
Details
Bluesound NODE ICON Reference Music Streamer
The Bluesound NODE ICON is a flagship hi-res music streamer built for serious listening systems—delivering reference-grade sound, modern connectivity, and effortless control in a sleek aluminum chassis. A dual-mono DAC architecture (2x ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M) and ultra-low distortion performance help preserve detail, dynamics, and imaging, whether you’re feeding an audiophile amplifier through balanced XLR or running a powered speaker setup via RCA. For private listening, the built-in THX AAA™ headphone amplification and dual full-size 1/4" headphone jacks provide clean, powerful drive with excellent clarity and soundstage. Designed to be the digital hub of a premium setup, NODE ICON streams via BluOS with broad service support, multi-room flexibility, and simple app control across iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS. Apple AirPlay 2 and two-way Bluetooth with aptX Adaptive expand playback options, while HDMI eARC and Dolby Digital support make it an easy upgrade for TV, movies, and gaming. NODE ICON is also Dirac Live Ready (license and calibration kit required), helping you dial in clearer, more balanced sound in real rooms. The Bluesound NODE ICON is part of ListenUp's Bluesound NODE Music Streaming Collection.
What It's Good At:
Delivering reference-grade streaming performance with dual-mono ESS Sabre DACs and ultra-low THD+N for exceptional clarity and detail
Integrating into high-end systems with balanced XLR and RCA outputs (with fixed-output options) plus optical/coax digital outputs
Powering serious headphone listening with THX AAA™ amplification and dual 1/4" headphone jacks for clean, controlled drive
Elevating TV and movies with HDMI eARC + Dolby Digital® support for simple, high-quality AV integration
Running a whole-home, multi-room system via BluOS, dual-band Wi-Fi 5, Gigabit Ethernet, and extensive control-system support
Enabling advanced tuning with Dirac Live Ready output support (analog XLR/RCA and digital optical/coax; USB output not supported for Dirac Live)
Bluesound NODE ICON Full Specifications:
SKU: N530BLKUNV
Model/Version: N530
Color: Black
Finish: Black anodized aluminum
Wireless speaker: No
Operating system: BluOS
Processor: ARM® Cortex™-A53, quad-core, 1.8GHz per core
Music services & internet radio: 23+
Voice control integrations: Amazon Alexa Skills
App controller OS: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS
Supported network file sharing: SMB (Server Message Block) up to 200,000 files
Album art supported: JPG, PNG
3rd-party integrations: AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect (also support for Spotify Lossless), Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Roon Ready, Dirac Live Ready
Control system integrations: Crestron, Control4, RTI, ELAN, URC, Lutron, Josh.ai
Bluetooth connectivity: Two-way (transmit & receive)
IR input: 3.5mm jack
IR (built-in): Front-panel IR sensor with IR remote learning
Trigger out: 12 Volt
Power supply: Universal bi-pin AC cord input (100–240AC)
Display: 5" non-touch display
Status indicator: LED
Play/pause button: Touch LED
Previous/next track buttons: Touch LED
Preset buttons: Touch LED x5
Volume control: Touch slider LED
Proximity sensor: Yes
Included accessories: 120V AC power cord; 230V AC power cord; Ethernet cable; stereo RCA-to-RCA cable
Product dimensions: 220 x 84 x 193 mm (W x H x D); 8.7 x 3.3 x 7.6 in (W x H x D) (approx.)
Weight: 2.23 kg / 4.92 lbs
Operating environment: 0°C to 40°C
Storage environment: -10°C to 50°C, 20% to 80% relative humidity
Bluesound NODE ICON Q&A:
What is the Bluesound NODE ICON, and what does it do?
NODE ICON is a reference music streamer that connects to your amplifier, powered speakers, or headphones to play hi-res audio from BluOS, popular streaming services, and local network libraries.
What makes NODE ICON “reference” grade compared to typical streamers?
It uses a dual-mono DAC design with two ESS ES9039Q2M DACs, very low THD+N, and high signal-to-noise performance to preserve detail, dynamics, and imaging in high-end systems.
Can I connect NODE ICON to a TV for better sound?
Yes. It includes HDMI eARC and supports Dolby Digital®, making it easy to integrate TV audio while keeping your music streaming and AV sources in one clean setup.
Does it support balanced outputs for premium amplifiers?
Yes. NODE ICON includes balanced XLR stereo outputs and RCA stereo outputs, each with a fixed-output option for straightforward integration with external amplification.
How capable is the headphone output for high-performance headphones?
NODE ICON is designed for serious headphone listening, offering THX AAA™ headphone amplification and dual full-size 1/4" headphone jacks, plus Bluetooth headphone support.
Which streaming and control ecosystems does it work with?
It supports AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect (including support for Spotify Lossless), Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Roon Ready, and broad control-system integrations like Control4 and Crestron.
Is the Bluesound NODE ICON compatible with Dirac Live room correction?
It is Dirac Live Ready and supports Dirac Live on analog (XLR/RCA) and digital (optical/coax) outputs; the USB output does not support Dirac Live. A Dirac license and calibration kit are required.
Can it play music from my network storage or a USB drive?
Yes. It supports SMB network sharing (up to 200,000 files) and also supports a FAT32-formatted USB Type A device for external storage in Local Server Mode.
The Bluesound NODE ICON is a reference-grade hi-res music streamer built around a dual-mono ESS Sabre DAC design for exceptional clarity, detail, and low distortion. With BluOS multi-room streaming, Apple AirPlay 2, and two-way Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive, it’s ready for modern listening across services and devices. Premium connectivity includes balanced XLR, RCA, optical/coax outputs, USB audio, and HDMI eARC with Dolby Digital for seamless TV integration. Dirac Live Ready support (license required) helps optimize real-room performance for a more accurate, immersive sound.
Get the Details
Features & Specs
Features & Specs
Dual-mono DAC design with 2x ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M
Built for high-resolution playback, this architecture separates left and right channel conversion for improved channel separation, precision, and low-noise performance in revealing systems.
Balanced XLR + RCA outputs with fixed-output options
Dual-Mono design with two ESS SABRE® ES9039Q2M DAC chipsets
HDMI eARC + Dolby Digital® support for TV integration
Simplify your setup with a single HDMI connection and enjoy improved TV, movie, and gaming sound while keeping your streamer at the center of your system.
BluOS hi-res streaming with multi-room capability
Browse and play music from supported services and libraries, group rooms, and control playback from phones, tablets, or computers with the BluOS Controller App.
Two-way Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive + Apple AirPlay 2
Stream to the NODE ICON from compatible devices or transmit to Bluetooth headphones, while AirPlay 2 expands compatibility with Apple devices and select apps.
Dirac Live Ready output support (analog and optical/coax)
For users who want advanced room correction, NODE ICON supports Dirac Live on balanced XLR/RCA and optical/coax outputs (USB output not supported for Dirac Live).
Dual-mono DAC design with 2x ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M
Built for high-resolution playback, this architecture separates left and right channel conversion for improved channel separation, precision, and low-noise performance in revealing systems.
Balanced XLR + RCA outputs with fixed-output options
Dual-Mono design with two ESS SABRE® ES9039Q2M DAC chipsets
HDMI eARC + Dolby Digital® support for TV integration
Simplify your setup with a single HDMI connection and enjoy improved TV, movie, and gaming sound while keeping your streamer at the center of your system.
BluOS hi-res streaming with multi-room capability
Browse and play music from supported services and libraries, group rooms, and control playback from phones, tablets, or computers with the BluOS Controller App.
Two-way Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive + Apple AirPlay 2
Stream to the NODE ICON from compatible devices or transmit to Bluetooth headphones, while AirPlay 2 expands compatibility with Apple devices and select apps.
Dirac Live Ready output support (analog and optical/coax)
For users who want advanced room correction, NODE ICON supports Dirac Live on balanced XLR/RCA and optical/coax outputs (USB output not supported for Dirac Live).
Expert Insight
Expert Insight
Dual DACs, XLR Outputs, a 5" Display, HDMIeARC and a great headphoe amp. This is the NODE that I have been waiting for!
Michael Chapman
Over 30 years with ListenUp!
Details
Details
Bluesound NODE ICON Reference Music Streamer
The Bluesound NODE ICON is a flagship hi-res music streamer built for serious listening systems—delivering reference-grade sound, modern connectivity, and effortless control in a sleek aluminum chassis. A dual-mono DAC architecture (2x ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M) and ultra-low distortion performance help preserve detail, dynamics, and imaging, whether you’re feeding an audiophile amplifier through balanced XLR or running a powered speaker setup via RCA. For private listening, the built-in THX AAA™ headphone amplification and dual full-size 1/4" headphone jacks provide clean, powerful drive with excellent clarity and soundstage. Designed to be the digital hub of a premium setup, NODE ICON streams via BluOS with broad service support, multi-room flexibility, and simple app control across iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS. Apple AirPlay 2 and two-way Bluetooth with aptX Adaptive expand playback options, while HDMI eARC and Dolby Digital support make it an easy upgrade for TV, movies, and gaming. NODE ICON is also Dirac Live Ready (license and calibration kit required), helping you dial in clearer, more balanced sound in real rooms. The Bluesound NODE ICON is part of ListenUp's Bluesound NODE Music Streaming Collection.
What It's Good At:
Delivering reference-grade streaming performance with dual-mono ESS Sabre DACs and ultra-low THD+N for exceptional clarity and detail
Integrating into high-end systems with balanced XLR and RCA outputs (with fixed-output options) plus optical/coax digital outputs
Powering serious headphone listening with THX AAA™ amplification and dual 1/4" headphone jacks for clean, controlled drive
Elevating TV and movies with HDMI eARC + Dolby Digital® support for simple, high-quality AV integration
Running a whole-home, multi-room system via BluOS, dual-band Wi-Fi 5, Gigabit Ethernet, and extensive control-system support
Enabling advanced tuning with Dirac Live Ready output support (analog XLR/RCA and digital optical/coax; USB output not supported for Dirac Live)
Bluesound NODE ICON Full Specifications:
SKU: N530BLKUNV
Model/Version: N530
Color: Black
Finish: Black anodized aluminum
Wireless speaker: No
Operating system: BluOS
Processor: ARM® Cortex™-A53, quad-core, 1.8GHz per core
Music services & internet radio: 23+
Voice control integrations: Amazon Alexa Skills
App controller OS: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS
Supported network file sharing: SMB (Server Message Block) up to 200,000 files
Album art supported: JPG, PNG
3rd-party integrations: AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect (also support for Spotify Lossless), Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Roon Ready, Dirac Live Ready
Control system integrations: Crestron, Control4, RTI, ELAN, URC, Lutron, Josh.ai
Bluetooth connectivity: Two-way (transmit & receive)
IR input: 3.5mm jack
IR (built-in): Front-panel IR sensor with IR remote learning
Trigger out: 12 Volt
Power supply: Universal bi-pin AC cord input (100–240AC)
Display: 5" non-touch display
Status indicator: LED
Play/pause button: Touch LED
Previous/next track buttons: Touch LED
Preset buttons: Touch LED x5
Volume control: Touch slider LED
Proximity sensor: Yes
Included accessories: 120V AC power cord; 230V AC power cord; Ethernet cable; stereo RCA-to-RCA cable
Product dimensions: 220 x 84 x 193 mm (W x H x D); 8.7 x 3.3 x 7.6 in (W x H x D) (approx.)
Weight: 2.23 kg / 4.92 lbs
Operating environment: 0°C to 40°C
Storage environment: -10°C to 50°C, 20% to 80% relative humidity
Bluesound NODE ICON Q&A:
What is the Bluesound NODE ICON, and what does it do?
NODE ICON is a reference music streamer that connects to your amplifier, powered speakers, or headphones to play hi-res audio from BluOS, popular streaming services, and local network libraries.
What makes NODE ICON “reference” grade compared to typical streamers?
It uses a dual-mono DAC design with two ESS ES9039Q2M DACs, very low THD+N, and high signal-to-noise performance to preserve detail, dynamics, and imaging in high-end systems.
Can I connect NODE ICON to a TV for better sound?
Yes. It includes HDMI eARC and supports Dolby Digital®, making it easy to integrate TV audio while keeping your music streaming and AV sources in one clean setup.
Does it support balanced outputs for premium amplifiers?
Yes. NODE ICON includes balanced XLR stereo outputs and RCA stereo outputs, each with a fixed-output option for straightforward integration with external amplification.
How capable is the headphone output for high-performance headphones?
NODE ICON is designed for serious headphone listening, offering THX AAA™ headphone amplification and dual full-size 1/4" headphone jacks, plus Bluetooth headphone support.
Which streaming and control ecosystems does it work with?
It supports AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect (including support for Spotify Lossless), Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Roon Ready, and broad control-system integrations like Control4 and Crestron.
Is the Bluesound NODE ICON compatible with Dirac Live room correction?
It is Dirac Live Ready and supports Dirac Live on analog (XLR/RCA) and digital (optical/coax) outputs; the USB output does not support Dirac Live. A Dirac license and calibration kit are required.
Can it play music from my network storage or a USB drive?
Yes. It supports SMB network sharing (up to 200,000 files) and also supports a FAT32-formatted USB Type A device for external storage in Local Server Mode.
