Bluesound NODE X – to the eXtreme?

Measurements and conclusion

Bluesound Node X – Measurements

We hooked up the Bluesound Node X to the Prism dScope. We did our tests via an optical connection. The network connection is wireless in this case.

Overall, we see a pretty neat noise floor for a compact streamer with single ended outputs in this price range. After all: it is extremely difficult to implement a switching power supply internally without leaking noise to sensitive components

In the high frequency range, we do see some spikes. And we do not see this with the N130. There the spectrum is also different.

Because of these spikes, the dynamic range is also somewhat smaller: 106 dB (17.7 bits) compared to 109 dB (18.2 bits) for the N130. This is not directly audible, but is measurable.

Distortion is lower with the Node X. Quite lower even: at 1 kHz it drops below -100dB where the N130 stays around -90.

In terms of Jitter, the Node X measures slightly better than the Node N130, although we think that’s a crazy result considering the jitter spectrum. Indeed, the Node X has a crazy bump of harmonics around the input. Both players also score much better in 24/48 mode than in 16/44.1

Bluesound NODE N130 comparison

Volumio Primo comparison

The reason we included the Primo is to show the influence of a good power supply as well as the advantage of a balanced output. With the standard adapter, the output is downright nasty. Much worse than the Node and Node X. So it shows that Bluesound has managed to keep things pretty much under control.

Put a good power supply on it and the spectrum drops significantly. Both the lab power supply and the Farad reduce noise by tens of dBs. If we go to a balanced output, then basically everything is just gone. In short: balanced has its advantages.