By: Dipin Sehdev
Bluesound, a pioneer in high-resolution multi-room audio, is set to redefine modern home entertainment with the launch of its latest PowerNode (2025). This next-generation wireless music streaming amplifier, internally designated as the N331, promises a powerful yet simplified audio-visual experience, merging audiophile-grade performance with intuitive smart home integration. Building on Bluesound's legacy of combining high-res, multi-room streaming with advanced Class D amplifier technology, the new PowerNode delivers a significant upgrade in power and a refined approach to distortion-free sound, making it an ideal central hub for both music enthusiasts and home theater aficionados.
Redefining Home Audio with Simplicity and Power
At its core, the PowerNode (2025) embodies Bluesound's commitment to delivering high-fidelity sound without the complexity often associated with traditional AV setups. Morten Nielsen, Associate Product Manager at Bluesound, emphasizes this philosophy, stating, “The PowerNode has always stood at the intersection of performance and simplicity. This evolution expands its capabilities while staying true to our vision of delivering HiFi quality sound without compromise.”
The PowerNode (2025) isn't just a stereo amplifier; it's designed to be a complete home audio system. It caters to users seeking powerful sound in a streamlined package, eliminating the clutter of multiple boxes, remotes, and wires. This is achieved through crucial integrations and thoughtful design choices.
Unleashing Enhanced Performance
The most notable upgrade in the PowerNode (2025) lies in its enhanced amplification. Moving from its predecessor's 80W per channel HybridDigital amplification, the new model boasts 100 watts per channel of DirectDigital™ amplification in stereo mode. This refined circuitry design incorporates signal path improvements and the latest gallium nitride (GaN) transistor technology, resulting in lower distortion and pristine, dynamic sound reproduction.
For those venturing beyond stereo, the PowerNode (2025) can adapt to a 3.1 system configuration, delivering 80 watts per channel when a center channel is engaged. This flexibility allows users to gradually build their home theater setup without immediate commitment to a full surround sound system. Bluesound asserts that this advanced DirectDigital amplification with GaN FETs in the output stage delivers "virtually no distortion," a claim that sets a high bar for audio purity.
Seamless AV Integration for the Modern Home
One of the PowerNode (2025)'s standout features is its ability to serve as a compact yet powerful AV receiver alternative. With HDMI eARC support, it effortlessly integrates with modern televisions, allowing for high-quality audio passthrough and simplified control. This eliminates the need for bulky AV receivers, freeing up space and reducing cable clutter.
Furthermore, the PowerNode (2025) introduces a third pair of binding posts, specifically designed to optionally power a dedicated center channel speaker in addition to the left and right loudspeakers. This "Hello 3.1!" capability is a significant step towards a more immersive home theater experience from a single, sleek component.
For a true surround sound experience, the PowerNode (2025) offers wireless surround capabilities. Users can seamlessly add Bluesound PULSE wireless speakers (such as the Pulse Flex) and a PULSE SUB+ subwoofer using BluOS Bonded Speaker Link. This proprietary technology enables Wireless Dolby Digital® surround sound, operating independently of your home's Wi-Fi network for robust and reliable audio transmission. This allows for a full 5.1 surround system without sacrificing the minimalist aesthetic that modern homes demand. As Matt Simmonds, Product Manager at Bluesound, puts it, "With the new PowerNode, we're not just delivering hi-res audio. We’re delivering a new way to experience music and home entertainment — one that’s powerful, flexible, and designed around how people actually live.”
The Power of BluOS: Multi-Room Mastery
As with all Bluesound products, the PowerNode (2025) is powered by BluOS, the critically acclaimed multi-room streaming platform. BluOS offers unparalleled access to a vast ecosystem of audio content and seamless multi-room functionality.
Key BluOS Features:
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Extensive Streaming Service Support: BluOS supports over 20 streaming services, including popular platforms like TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer. While Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Apple AirPlay 2 are confirmed, users will need to wait for further announcements regarding Qobuz Connect. The PowerNode (2025) is also Roon Ready, providing even more flexibility for audiophiles.
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High-Resolution Audio Playback: The PowerNode (2025) is a true high-resolution audio device, supporting formats up to 24-bit/192kHz, MQA, and DSD256 playback. This ensures that listeners experience their music with uncompromising detail and fidelity.
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Personal Library Access: Users can stream their personal music libraries stored on network-attached storage (NAS) devices or USB drives.
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Internet Radio Integration: Access to a myriad of internet radio stations expands listening options even further.
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Seamless Multi-Room Synchronization: The PowerNode (2025) integrates flawlessly with other BluOS-enabled products, allowing users to sync music across multiple rooms for a cohesive whole-home audio experience.
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Intuitive Control: The BluOS Controller app, available on iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows, provides a comprehensive and intuitive interface for Browse, controlling, and enjoying music from anywhere in the home.
Thoughtful Design and Connectivity
The PowerNode (2025) features a refined industrial design, presenting a sleek, compact form factor that blends seamlessly into any décor. Available in both classic matte black and white finishes, its minimalist aesthetic belies its powerful capabilities.
The top panel of the device showcases a full glass touch panel with a proximity sensor, offering responsive controls and five programmable presets. This allows users to instantly initiate playback of their favorite playlists or internet radio stations without needing to reach for their phone or tablet. A volume control slider is also integrated into the capacitive touchplate.
Connectivity options have also seen an upgrade, making the PowerNode (2025) incredibly versatile:
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USB-C Audio Input: A new USB-C input provides direct digital audio connectivity.
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Optical and Analog Inputs: The rear panel features a miniTOSLINK/analog 3.5mm combo socket, along with a full-sized TOSLINK optical input and RCA analog sockets, offering comprehensive connectivity for various audio sources.
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Bluetooth Connectivity: aptX™ Adaptive Bluetooth 5.2 ensures high-quality wireless streaming from compatible devices.
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Headphone Output: The front panel now features a 6.3mm (quarter-inch) headphone output powered by a dedicated headphone amplifier utilizing THX AAA technology. THX AAA (Achromatic Audio Amplifier) is renowned for its ultra-low distortion and high output power, providing an exceptional listening experience for headphone enthusiasts.
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Subwoofer Output: A software-managed subwoofer output allows for seamless integration with a dedicated subwoofer for enhanced bass response.
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USB-A Socket: A USB-A socket remains for connecting external storage devices.
Dirac Live Ready for Precision Tuning
For discerning audiophiles and those seeking optimal sound reproduction in their specific listening environment, the PowerNode (2025) is Dirac Live Ready. While users will need to bring their own Dirac license, this feature allows for precise room correction and audio tuning, compensating for acoustic imperfections in the listening space to deliver a more accurate and immersive soundstage. This capability will be enabled via a future firmware update, further enhancing the PowerNode's long-term value.
Specifications at a Glance:
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Amplification: DirectDigital™ amplification with GaN transistor technology
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Power Output (Stereo): 100W x 2 into 8 Ohms
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Power Output (3.1 Configuration): 80W x 3 (Left, Right, Center)
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Supported Audio Formats: Up to 24-bit/192kHz, MQA, DSD256
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Streaming Platform: BluOS
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Streaming Services: Over 20 supported, including TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer
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Connectivity:
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HDMI eARC
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USB-C audio input
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Optical (miniTOSLINK/3.5mm combo and full-sized TOSLINK)
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Analog RCA input
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aptX™ Adaptive Bluetooth 5.2
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6.3mm headphone output with THX AAA headphone amplifier
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Software-managed subwoofer output
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USB-A
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Wireless Surround: BluOS Bonded Speaker Link for Wireless Dolby Digital® surround sound
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Room Correction: Dirac Live Ready (requires separate license and future firmware update)
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Control: BluOS Controller app (iOS, Android, macOS, Windows), full glass touch panel with proximity sensor and five programmable quick touch presets
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Finishes: Matte Black, Matte White
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Model Number: N331
Pricing and Availability:
The Bluesound PowerNode (2025) is poised to become a highly sought-after component in the high-fidelity streaming amplifier market.
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Pre-order Start Date: August 12, 2025
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Shipping Start Date: September 10, 2025
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Pricing:
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USD: £905.00 (tariff adjusted) / $1199 (as per other sources, likely $1199)
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CAD: £1,100.00
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EUR: €1099
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GBP: £899
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The PowerNode (2025) will be available for pre-order and purchase directly from bluesound.com and through participating Bluesound dealers. With its combination of upgraded power, refined audio performance, and comprehensive smart home integration, the Bluesound PowerNode (2025) is set to deliver a new paradigm for high-performance home audio and entertainment. We look forward to the reviews and CE Critic Score.
