Bluesound Node (N132) Performance Music Streamer

The Streamer That Set the Standard, Updated

The Bluesound Node is the streamer most people picture when they think of adding Tidal or Qobuz to a hi-fi system. The N132 is the fourth one, and the best standard Node yet. It is a source, a converter and a preamp in a case the size of a paperback.

Two things are new this time. The converter steps up to an ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M, and there is now a THX AAA headphone amplifier behind a full-size quarter-inch jack on the front. The rest is the BluOS platform that made the Node's name.

What the Numbers Say

Distortion measures 0.0007% and signal-to-noise 118dB. It plays PCM up to 24-bit and 192kHz, handles MQA and DSD256, and will even decode Dolby Digital coming in from a television. The headphone stage puts out 230 milliwatts into 32 ohms.

BluOS, and Every Protocol You Already Use

The BluOS app puts more than 23 music services and thousands of radio stations in one place, on a phone, a tablet or a computer. If you would rather stay in the app you know, AirPlay 2 and the Spotify, Tidal and Qobuz Connect modes are all built in. It is fully Roon Ready too.

Add another BluOS player later and the Node becomes the center of a house that runs up to 64 rooms in sync. That is the part people underrate on the way in and use most in year two.

Connections for Everything

HDMI eARC brings the television in, and a shared optical and analog input takes an older source. Outputs run to fixed or variable RCA, coaxial, optical, USB audio, a subwoofer socket and a 12V trigger. Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive works both ways.

A touch panel on top wakes as your hand comes near, with five presets you can set. It works with Alexa, answers Siri through AirPlay 2, and learns your old remote. It is Dirac Live Ready if you want room correction later.

What Reviewers Are Saying

What Hi-Fi? tested the N132 and called it "an admirably controlled, balanced and easygoing performer," noticing at once "how much textural detail the dinky network player unearths."

On Waxahatchee's Right Back to It, the magazine heard "a clean, competent performer," bringing out the guitar and the vocal "with a calm, reassuring sense of control." Its verdict: "It’s easy to listen to the Node."

Who Is This Music Streamer Best For?

• You want streaming added to a system you already like — the Node feeds any amplifier you own, so nothing else has to change and nothing else has to be sold.
• You listen on headphones at night — the THX AAA stage and a full-size quarter-inch jack mean the good pair gets used without waking anyone or hunting for an adapter.
• The television is part of the system — HDMI eARC and Dolby Digital decoding send its sound to your real speakers, so films stop sounding like a flat panel.
• You plan to grow the system room by room — BluOS runs up to 64 zones in sync, so the next player you add joins what you already own instead of starting again.
• The Node is a source, not an amplifier — passive speakers need an integrated or power amp between the two, though the variable output can drive active speakers directly. Pair it with one of our integrated amplifiers.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Join it to the network over dual-band Wi-Fi or Gigabit Ethernet and let the BluOS app walk you through setup. A television connects on HDMI eARC, and an older source on the combined optical and analog input.

The RCA output runs fixed into an integrated amplifier, or variable into a power amp or active speakers. Coaxial, optical and USB audio outputs feed an outboard converter, and there is a dedicated subwoofer output alongside the 12V trigger.

Pairs Well With

Building your system? Here are some great companions:

• Integrated Amplifier: The usual partner for the RCA output — browse our Integrated Amplifiers.
• Headphones: Put that THX AAA stage to work — see our Headphones.
• Cables: A good RCA run between streamer and amp — see our Interconnect Cables.
• Subwoofer: There is a dedicated output for one — see our Subwoofers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate DAC or preamp?

The Node has both built in. Its variable outputs connect straight to a power amp or active speakers, and a digital output is there if you later want an outboard converter.

Which services and protocols are built in?

More than 23 services through BluOS, plus AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect and Roon Ready.

What resolution does it play?

PCM up to 24-bit and 192kHz, along with MQA, DSD256 and Dolby Digital from a television.

How does it compare with the Node Icon?

The Icon steps up to dual converters, balanced XLR outputs and a front display. The Node covers the core BluOS experience for a good deal less.

Can it send music to Bluetooth headphones?

Yes. Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive works in both directions, receiving from a phone or transmitting to wireless headphones.

What finishes are available?

Matte black or white, in a case measuring 8.7 by 5.7 inches and weighing 2.4 pounds.

See It in Action

The Listening Post unboxes the N132 and walks the back panel:

And here it is set up and running in a system:

Why Audio Advisor?

• 40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.
• 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.
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• Flexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.

Learn More

Want to learn more about network streamers, multi-room audio, or building a digital front end? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.