Bluesound
Bluesound POWERNODE Gen3
Best streaming amplifier for audiophiles seeking a modern, multi-room home setup.
The Bluesound POWERNODE Gen3 is a streaming amplifier designed for the modern music lover, blending audiophile-grade components with versatile multi-room capabilities. It delivers 80 watts per channel of hi-res audio, featuring a premium 32-bit/384kHz DAC and support for formats like FLAC and MQA. Connectivity options include HDMI eARC, optical, analog inputs, dual-band Wi-Fi, and aptX HD Bluetooth. Integrated BluOS software allows for seamless streaming from numerous services and easy multi-room setup, controllable via the BluOS app or voice assistants.
$875.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
186
/ 704
#186 in Audio & Video Receivers
Price vs Category Average
-67%
Below average
Who it's for
- Minimalists seeking a streamlined, all-in-one high-fidelity audio system
- Music lovers wanting seamless multi-room streaming and intuitive app control
- Home theater enthusiasts needing versatile connectivity for diverse audio sources
Who should skip it
- Audiophiles powering large, power-hungry speakers in expansive listening rooms
- Users preferring an open, brand-agnostic multi-room audio ecosystem
- Traditionalists who prefer physical buttons and tactile hardware controls
Performance breakdown
Amplification Power
Delivers robust, clean power that easily drives most bookshelf and floorstanding speakers.
Streaming Versatility
BluOS integration offers an unmatched, seamless experience across all major music services.
Digital Audio Fidelity
High-resolution DAC handles complex MQA and FLAC files with impressive sonic clarity.
Connectivity Options
HDMI eARC and diverse inputs make it a true modern home hub.
Multi-room Scalability
Effortlessly expands into a sophisticated wireless surround or whole-home audio system.
Processing Speed
Quad-core chipset ensures snappy app response and future-proof performance for years.
Key Specs
HybridDigital™ amplifier platform powering 80 watts per channel into 8 ohms
Quad-core 1.8GHz ARM® Cortex™ A53 processor
32-bit/384kHz premium DAC design
HDMI eARC, optical & analog inputs
BluOS™ wireless multi-room music capability
Wireless Dolby Surround Sound
Power Output
80W per channel into 8 ohms
Dynamic Power
130W (8 ohms) / 220W (4 ohms)
Features
- Audiophile-grade amplifier with 80 watts per channel of zero-distortion power.
- High-grade DAC supports up to 24-bit/192kHz hi-res audio.
- HDMI eARC for seamless TV audio integration.
- Versatile connectivity including optical, analog, and Bluetooth.
- BluOS built-in for intuitive multi-room audio systems.
- Voice control integration with Siri, Google Voice, and Alexa.
- Expandable system with Bluesound SUB+ for 2.1 or rear speakers for surround sound.
- New ARM Cortex A53 Quad-Core chipset for enhanced performance and future readiness.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Bluesound POWERNODE Gen3 for its exceptional sound quality and remarkable ease of use. Many are genuinely impressed by its ability to deliver powerful, detailed audio from a compact design, effectively driving a range of speakers. The intuitive BluOS app receives high marks for seamless streaming integration and straightforward setup, making the listening experience effortlessly enjoyable. Users appreciate its all in one convenience, finding it a highly capable and user friendly hub for their audio needs. This combination of robust performance and accessible operation stands out as a key differentiator.
Know before you buy
Yes, the POWERNODE features an HDMI eARC port, allowing you to connect your TV directly for high-quality audio playback. This setup enables you to control the volume using your existing TV remote.
Yes, you can create a wireless surround sound system by pairing the POWERNODE with other Bluesound speakers or a PULSE SUB+ to act as rear channels and a subwoofer.
BluOS supports a wide range of popular streaming services, including Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer, as well as internet radio stations and your own local music library.
The POWERNODE delivers 80 watts per channel into 8 ohms and is capable of handling 4-ohm loads as well. It is designed to power most bookshelf and floor-standing speakers effectively for a standard listening room.
The POWERNODE features two-way Bluetooth with aptX HD, which allows you to stream music from your phone to the amplifier or stream audio from the amplifier to compatible wireless headphones.
Yes, the POWERNODE includes a premium 32-bit/384kHz DAC that fully supports MQA decoding, ensuring you get the highest possible resolution from Tidal Masters and other high-fidelity sources.
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