System Features
Variety of Sources
Intuitive Control
System Features
PowerNode 2i: The Bluesound PowerNode 2i is a two-channel
integrated amplifier with wireless network and multiroom audio capability.
The PowerNode 2i utilizes sate-of-the-art, audiophile-grade HybridDigital
amplification and DAC technologies from NAD Electronics to bring dynamic power
and high-current delivery to your high-resolution music experience, resulting in
the ability to play louder than ever before, with zero-distortion precision
audio performance.
- HybridDigital Amplifier: The built-in HybridDigital
amplifier is rated at 60 watts x 2 channels (into 8Ω with 0.06% THD and
110dB signal-to-noise ratio) for rich, clear, and distortion free sound at
any volume.
- 32-Bit/192kHz DAC: The Bluesound Node 2 employs a
32-bit/192kHz DAC (digital-to-analog converter) to ensure that your lossless
high-res music playback is flawless, with precision and clarity.
Note: The Bluesound
D30 2.1 Sub/Sat System (sold separately) makes the perfect companion for
the PowerNode 2i.
BluOS Wireless High-Resolution Multiroom Audio: The
Bluesound PowerNode 2i is part of the
BluOS wireless high-resolution
multiroom audio eco-system - consisting of powered speakers, soundbar
speakers, amplifiers, players, and hard-drives. The BluOS wireless
high-resolution multiroom audio ecosystem uses your home's wired or wireless
network to connect multiple Bluesound products and play your music in perfect
sync, or different music simultaneously, anywhere in your home. Using advanced
technologies (like dual-band WiFi and an ARM Cortex9 1GHz Processor), BluOS can wirelessly transmit lossless music up to 24-bit/192kHz
at ultra-fast speeds with no lag and zero loss in sound quality.
- Compatible Multiroom Audio Sources: The following audio sources
can be used for multiroom audio playback - internet radio (including TuneIn
& iHeart Radio); online music services (including Tidal, Spotify,
Amazon, Deezer, Slacker, and Napster); Bluetooth & USB audio, music
libraries (from computers and NAS drives); and Aux inputs (analog or digital).
- Number of BluOS Zones: Up to 16 Bluesound devices can be connected in a strictly
wireless environment. Demonstrated practice has shown that you can
create up to 8 groups of 8 Bluesound devices or 4 groups of 16 Bluesound
devices. If you want to connect more than 16 Bluesound devices,
you will need to connect the Bluesound devices to your network using a wired
connection. BluOS can then control up to 64 devices in a strictly wired
environment.
Note: Gen 2i of Bluesound is compatible with earlier generations of
Bluesound products.
Wired or Wireless Network Connection: The Bluesound PowerNode 2i can be connected to your home network and Internet provider via a hardwired
Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 jack connector or wireless 2.4/5GHz dual-band WiFi 802.11 b/g/n/ac connection.
The 5GHz WiFi band offers a more faster and reliable connection with less
interruptions and dropouts. Either
network/internet connection allows you to stream music libraries from your Windows or Mac
computer and NAS drive (such as the Bluesound Vault 2i, sold separately); as
well as stream select online music services and internet radio.
- Wired Ethernet Setup: A wired connection to the network is simple
and requires no setup. If you wish to use the wired connection, simply
connect the PowerNode 2i directly to your router or home network using an
Ethernet cable (sold separately).
- Wireless WiFi Setup: A wireless connection allows you to place
your BluOS Player virtually anywhere inside your home, but does require setup
through the BluOS app on your Apple iOS or Android device. If you are on a
Windows PC (7/8/10) or Apple Mac, you'll use Bluesound's web browser based
application. You'll be walked you through the set-up process step-by-step.
Note: A wireless network connection will always be required for the BluOS
Controller
App.
High Resolution Audio: High-resolution audio tracks are
either 24-bit/96kHz or 24-bit/192kHz, and contain up to 6.5x more data than
standard CDs, letting you hear all the detail of your favorite music in superior
quality. With full support for hi-res audio, you can stream WAV,
FLAC, ALAC, AIFF, WMA-Lossless, MQA music files over your home's WiFi
network or directly from a connected USB mass storage class device. The
Bluesound system also supports compressed music files such as MP3, AAC, WMA and
OGG. Bluesound has been designed to work with today's larger music collections,
and has indexed libraries up to 200,000 songs in demonstrated practice (this
will depend on the music's metadata & artwork). Bluesound also offers gapless
playback by default for all supported file music types.
Compression | File Type | Sampling Frequency | Bit Rate or Bit Depth |
Compressed | Lossy | MP3 | 16-48kHz | 192-320
kbps |
WMA |
AAC |
OGG |
Lossless | WMA-Lossless | up to 96 kHz | up to 24-bit |
FLAC | 192 kHz | up to
24-bit |
ALAC |
MQA |
Uncompressed | AIFF | up 192 kHz | up to
24-bit |
WAV |
Notes: Bluesound cannot index or play AAC files with the
extension ".m4p". These files were purchased in iTunes prior to 2009 and are
subject to copy protection. Apple Consumers with an iTunes Match
subscription can delete and re-download these files free of charge from
their iTunes Cloud
MQA (Master Quality Authenticated): Bluesound is the first
wireless multiroom audio system to support MQA (Master Quality Authenticated).
MQA is a revolutionary end-to-end technology that captures and delivers master
quality audio in a file that's small enough to stream or download. Bluesound
worked closely with MQA to implement technology inside each Bluesound component
to ensure the listener will hear MQA encoded music and streams exactly like the
source and the way the artist intended you to hear it when it was approved in
the studio.
Outputs: The Bluesound PowerNode 2i features a set of
speaker output terminals for connecting a pair of speakers, a mono-sub out for
adding a powered sub, and a headphone jack for private listening.
- Binding Post Speaker Terminals: The Bluesound PowerNode
2i is equipped with four binding post speaker terminals to connect a pair of
loudspeakers. The terminals will accept single or dual banana plug
connectors, or bare wire. The plastic terminal caps must first be removed in
order to use banana plugs.
- Sub Output: The PowerNode 2i also features a mono-RCA
subwoofer output for adding a powered sub. The sub output is full-range; you
will need to use the low-pass crossover in your powered sub.
- Headphone Output: A 3.5mm headphone jack is located on
the front of the PowerNode 2i for private listening with a set of
headphones. The PowerNode 2i's output will be muted when headphones are
connected.
Optional Wireless Powered Sub: Using Bluesound's
RT100 wireless adapter (sold separately), you can add the Bluesound
Pulse Sub (sold separately) wirelessly to the PowerNode 2i integrated
amplifier for bigger bass response. A minijack-to-RCA adapter (sold separately)
will be required to make connection.
AC Power: The Bluesound PowerNode 2i operates off of
standard household current using it's internal power supply and the supplied
6.5' detachable AC power cord.
Mounting Options: The Bluesound PowerNode 2i can simply rest
on a table-top, shelf, stand, or other piece of furniture.
Firmware Updates: Firmware and software updates from
Bluesound are delivered to the PowerNode 2i via your home network's Internet
connection and the BluOS Controller app.
Variety of Sources
Online Music Services:
Many popular music streaming services and internet radio apps are built right
into BluOS, giving you an all-access pass to millions of songs and the freedom
to listen to everything you want to hear. Using the BluOS Controller app, you
can instantly discover and enjoy millions of songs from your existing music
services, tune in to your favorite internet radio stations and podcasts from
around the world, or access and listen to the music collections stored on your
smartphone, tablet or laptop on any and Bluesound in your home. Subscription and
purchase fees will apply to online music services.
-
Amazon Prime: With a
Amazon Prime Music subscription, you can access
over 2 million songs ad-free and on-demand, as well as curated playlists and
personalized stations. Upgrade to an
Amazon Music Unlimited subscription to access tens of millions of songs.
- Spotify Connect:
If you subscribe to
Spotify Premium and have the Spotify App on your
Apple iOS or
Android smartphone, you can stream Spotify to the Bluesound system
using Spotify Connect.
Spotify is a digital music service that gives you on-demand access to one of
the largest music libraries in the world (over 15 million tracks and
counting). Spotify makes it easier than ever to discover, manage, and share
music with your friends. You can browse music by artist, album, track, or
most popular; and create your own music library with customized playlists.
- TIDAL:
TIDAL is a global streaming service that offers over 30 million songs in
high-fidelity CD sound quality. TIDAL has two pricing tiers; either $9.99 or
$19.99 a month. Both pricing levels allow you to access TIDAL's entire music
library. The $19.99 tier has the added benefit of high-fidelity sound at
CD-level quality
- TuneIn:
The Bluesound system includes access to more than 70,000 free internet radio
streams from all corners of the globe via the TuneIn
internet radio service. Just
select the TuneIn logo from the main Music menu and browse among the 70,000
stations neatly organized into popular categories and select a station that
appeals to your mood.
- iHeart Radio: iHeart Radio is a free, all-in-one digital radio and music streaming
service that lets you listen to thousands of live stations from across the
country and allows you to create personalized custom stations featuring
songs from the artist you select and similar music.
- Napster: Napster is a streaming music subscription service (starting a $10
per month) that allows you to play the full-length songs you choose on
demand from a collection of over 10 million songs, without ads and without
having to purchase or download the music.
- Slacker:
Get the sound quality that you deserve with the new Slacker music
library available in high-quality AAC audio on Bluesound. Listen to music
streams at a bitrate of 320kbps and enjoy all your favorite Slacker stations
in pristine MP3-quality.
- Deezer: Deezer lets you explore over 53 million tracks (and counting), and discover
artists and tracks you'll love with personalized recommendations from the
Deezer Editors. Bluesound even supports Deezer HiFi for lossless quality
($19.99 per month).
- Other Services: Other online music services include
Qobuz,
HighResAudio,
Murfie,
JUKE,
KKBox, SoundMachine,
and more.
Note: Availability of online music services may vary by
region. Not all services may be available at time of purchase. Some services
may be added or discontinued from time to time based on decisions of the
music service providers or others.
Computer Audio: The BluOS wireless multiroom audio system by Bluesound
lets you easily connect and share your music collection from a computer or
network-attached storage drive and access up to 200,000 tracks for wireless
streaming. The BluOS wireless music system will pull music
from an existing digital music library across the network on your Windows PC, Mac computer,
or NAS drive using Windows or SMB File Sharing (SAMBA) and the BluOS Controller app for Windows
(XP-up) & Mac (OS X 10.7-up). However, File Sharing is not enabled by
default on Windows or Mac. You will have to manually alter these settings in
your computer's menu system.
AirPlay 2 (via Future Firmware Update): The PowerNode 2i
will support AirPlay 2 through a future firmware update later this year. With
AirPlay 2, you'll be able to stream just about any sound (including music,
books, podcasts and more) from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to the Bluesound system
- all in sync. You can even watch movies and videos from Netlfix or YouTube on
your Apple device while streaming the audio through to the Bluesound system.
AirPlay 2 also gives you more options for control, including using Siri voice
assistance. If you are an Apple Music subscriber and add the PowerNode 2i
to the Apple Home App on your iPhone or iPad, you can use your iOS device or
HomePod to say things like - "Hey Siri, play jazz in the Living Room" or "Hey
Siri, turn up the volume in the Kitchen." You can even group Gen 2i Bluesound
products with older Bluesound products in the BluOS App to add AirPlay 2
compatibility to your entire BluOS system.
Bluetooth Audio Streaming: The Bluesound PowerNode 2i
offers built-in Bluetooth 5.0 with two-way wireless communication and support for
aptX HD. You'll be able to wirelessly stream high-quality audio from your
smartphone, tablet, or computer to the PowerNode 2i. You'll also be
able to use the PowerNode 2i as a source and wirelessly stream its audio
content to a set of Bluetooth headphones (sold separately).
- aptX HD: The advanced Qualcomm CSR8675 chip used in the
PowerNode 2i supports aptX HD Bluetooth wireless audio. aptX HD is an
enhanced codec that supports 24-bit audio over Bluetooth and has been
engineered to improve the signal-to-noise ratio, resulting in lower
background noise. With the ability to support streams up to 24bit/48kHz,
you're able to wirelessly stream from an aptX HD compatible device to the
PowerNode 2i without sacrificing sound quality and listen to
"better-than-CD" quality audio.
- Two-Way Communication: The PowerNode 2i offers two-way
Bluetooth, featuring both Receive and Transmit functionality. Receive
capability allows you to wirelessly stream from your device to the PowerNode 2i. The Transmit capability means you can also use the Pulse
Mini 2i as a source and what your are listening to via Bluetooth to a pair
of wireless Bluetooth headphones (sold separately).
Note: The PowerNode 2i can be paired and connected via Bluetooth without
utilizing a network connection or the BluOS Controll app.
USB Port: The Bluesound PowerNode 2i features a USB
(type-A) port to directly connect your USB mass storage class (MSC) device; such
as a thumbdrive or external HDD. USB hard disk drives that require more than 0.5A of power will
require a separate power supply. The unit's USB port supports music playback from these
compatible USB devices formatted in FAT 32 or NTFS. Not only
can USB audio be played back on the PowerNode 2i, but can also be wirelessly
distributed to the rest of your Bluesound components throughout your home for
multiroom playback.
Note: The USB port is not compatible with the direct connection of an
Apple iOS or Android device.
Dual Optical/Analog Inputs: The PowerNode 2i is fitted with
two 3.5mm
Aux inputs which can be used as analog or digital connections. As an analog
input, simply connect a stereo minijack audio cable from your analog source to
the PowerNode 2i's Aux input. As a digital input, use the included
3.5mm-to-Optical adapter along with an optical digital cable (sold separately) to connect your digital source to the PowerNode 2i's Aux input. As an analog
or digital input, the unit's Aux input supports 2ch PCM audio (not Dolby Digital
or DTS). Audio from the Optical/Analog Aux inputs can be played back at the PowerNode 2i and wirelessly distributed to other Bluesound components in
your home for multiroom playback.
Intuitive Control
BluOS Controller App: The
free BluOS Controller app
(for Apple iOS 9.3-up, Android OS 4.1-up, Windows PC (XP-up), and Mac OS X
10.7-up) turns your mobile device or computer into a full-featured wireless
remote control for the PowerNode 2i and the BluOS wireless multiroom audio
system. The BluOS Controller app on your compatible device uses your home's
WiFi network to connect with Bluesound devices, so you can play all the music
you love anywhere in your home for a wireless multiroom music experience. Get
on-demand access to your music libraries on your home network, stream live
Internet radio from almost any place in the world, or listen to one of the many
music services available on Bluesound, all from the palm of your hand with the
easy-to-use BluOS Controller app.
- Multiroom Audio: Play a different song at the same time in different rooms, or group all your
BluOS enabled devices together and listen to your favorite music in perfect
sync throughout your home.
- Now Playing Screen:
Control your music and adjust the volume in any room, get rich album artwork and
detailed artist info, right from the Now Playing screen. Even check what quality
you are streaming at to ensure the best possible listening experience.
- Individual Songs & Playlists: Tap a song and have it play instantly, or create and edit playlists on the fly
by simply adding songs or entire albums to the play queue. Playlists can then be
saved inside the app and listened to at any time.
Alexa Compatible: The PowerNode 2i will support Amazon Alexa
and voice control through an over-the-network firmware update (now available).
Using an Amazon Alexa enabled device (sold separately), you can use your voice
to explore music services, select presets, adjust volume levels, switch up songs
in different rooms, or even group your Bluesound components together and play
your music in perfect sync throughout the house. Each Alexa voice command will
need to start with the phrase "Alexa, ask Blue Voice to" or "Alexa, Tell Blue
Voice to". Alexa Skills for BluOS will need to be setup through the Amazon Alexa
app on your Apple iOS or Android device.
Note: Click
here for more information regarding Alexa setup and voice commands.
Soft-Touch Controls: The PowerNode 2i offers soft-touch,
top-panel controls to operate basic playback functions like Volume Up/Down,
Play/Pause, and Previous/Next Track.
IR Input: An infrared extender (sold separately) can be
connected the PowerNodes 2i's IR input (3.5mm) to allow for programmable
learning remotes to control volume and source selection when the PowerNode 2i is
stored in a way that the front-panel IR sensor is not visible.
Custom Integration: Bluesound offers seamless integration with some of
today's most innovative 3rd-party smart-home control systems such as Control4,
Crestron, Lutron, ELAN, RTI, and more.