Bluesound presents the Node X streamer in a special 10-year anniversary version, this in honor of – how surprising – the manufacturer’s 10th anniversary.
What immediately stands out about the “10-year” version of the Bluesound Node X is the silver finish. But under the hood you’ll find quite a few changes too. For example, this version uses the ESS Sabre 9028Q2M DAC chip. Furthermore, the headphone amplifier has been redesigned, it now uses THX AAA, which stands for Achromatic Audio Amplifier. This should lead to a reduction in noise and distortion and at the same time use less energy. Practical is that a 6.35mm headphone jack is now also implemented. All other strengths of the Node X are (obviously) retained in the birthday version. This limited edition streamer has a price tag of $749 (versus $549 for the “standard” version)
I am a very happy owner of a Node2i, but only after implementing the use of an external Linear Power Supply.
I found the built-in power supply and DAC to be wanting, badly.
Of course, I have no idea if the new ESS Sabre 9028Q2M DAC chip makes a great deal of difference, but maintain the need of using a far more capable power supply, the use of which will reveal the true potential of this most capable streamer.
The chip is just one part of the whole. Power is the basis. Clean, fast power is essential.