Bluesound has unveiled its new POWERNODE EDGE, a single-zone, wireless music streaming amplifier which is an ideal entry point into ‘just add speakers’ hi-fi, combining streaming sources, control and amplification into one device.
The device features audiophile-grade amplification and is easy to connect to a pair of passive speakers to create or extend a hi-fi system. A conservatively rated 2 x 40 watts DirectDigital amplifier in the POWERNODE EDGE efficiently handles hi-res audio tracks up to 24-bit/192kHz and supports MQA playback, which allows music lovers to listen to the actual studio masters of favourite albums, as they were intended to be heard.
Users can access over 20 natively integrated music services and thousands of internet radio stations directly on the POWERNODE EDGE and are controlled from the BluOS Controller app. To play from a personal music library, connection via Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet or playback from an external USB drive is available.
Built-in AirPlay 2 makes for easy integration into the Apple ecosystem, while users of other devices can take advantage of the high-quality aptX HD Bluetooth connection to stream audio directly to the POWERNODE EDGE. More traditional wired source, such as a TV or preamp’d turntable, can be connected using the HDMI eARC input or the combo analogue/digital input.

Multiple Bluesound players can be added around the home to create a high-performance, multiroom system using BluOS, a versatile, whole-home, hi-res audio platform. Users can send music from player to player or sync up multiple players to one stream.
Easy control is available via the BluOS Controller app or using the elegant glass touch panel for quick-access controls like Play, Pause, and Volume Up/Down.
The POWERNODE EDGE can also be integrated into most popular smart home controllers, such as Crestron, Control4, URC, RTI, ELAN, and others, while hands-free control is possible with voice assistants like Apple’s Siri, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant.
The device comes with multi-orientation wall bracket which allows the POWERNODE EDGE to be hidden in a cupboard or behind sofas. Designed to have a compact form factor, the POWERNODE EDGE has a 1U rack height and half-rack width, along with an easy-access touch control panel for everyday playback functions and configuration.
Pre-ordering for the POWERNODE EDGE is available now with shipping starting early October. Suggested pricing for the units is £599 / €699 / $649.