Bluesound Powernode EDGE Streaming Amplifier, Black

The Bluesound Powernode EDGE is a compact streaming integrated amplifier that combines a network player, DAC, preamp and power amplifier in one slim enclosure.

In black, it all but disappears on the shelf – yet still turns two passive speakers into a fully-fledged, networked system. Straight talk: you need neither a rack nor a cable jungle. Connect the speakers, put the app on your phone, done. The EDGE is the slim answer to the question of how to get good sound without furnishing half your living room.

Why the Powernode EDGE?

The EDGE is the space-saving entry point into the Bluesound world. 2 × 40 watts at 8 ohms is easily enough for small to medium rooms, and BluOS gives you Spotify, TIDAL, Qobuz, internet radio or your own network files. A paid service is never a requirement – internet radio and local music run at no ongoing cost. Multiroom is built in: add a second Bluesound later and both rooms play in sync.

HDMI eARC brings TV sound cleanly onto your speakers, no separate soundbar needed. Hand on heart – once you've heard the TV through proper speakers, you don't want to go back to the thin sound from the panel.

What you get

Hi-res up to 24-bit/192 kHz including MQA and DSD256, Bluetooth 5.0 aptX HD in both directions (so also to wireless headphones), AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and Roon Ready. You connect a subwoofer via RCA or wirelessly with the PULSE SUB+. It's operated via the touch panel on top or the BluOS app.

If you want, you can also smooth out room acoustics with Dirac Live: the EDGE is ready for it, with the software and measurement kit available as an option. Without it, it runs just as fully-featured. The amplifier stays cool and fanless-quiet in the process – two qualities you'd also want from a good flatmate.

Who's the Powernode EDGE for – and who isn't it for?

Ideal if you want to start out compact, wireless and multiroom-capable, running speakers from bookshelf to medium floor-standing size.

Honestly: less ideal if you want to drive big, power-hungry speakers really loud in a large room – then the larger Powernode N331 with 2 × 100 watts is the better fit. You can only connect a turntable with a separate phono preamp, as the EDGE has no phono input. And if you like listening to headphones over a cable, you're out of luck here: headphones only run over Bluetooth.

Our verdict

The Powernode EDGE proves that 'small' and 'sounds good' aren't mutually exclusive. For anyone who wants a tidy, streaming-capable system without a jumble of gear, it's one of the most convincing all-rounders in its class. The team at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil is happy to help you with speaker matching and setup.

Technical Data

• Amplifier: DirectDigital™, 2 × 40 W at 8 Ω
• Dynamic power (IHF): 80 W at 4 Ω, 50 W at 8 Ω
• Signal-to-noise ratio: −91 dBA
• Distortion (THD): 0.008%
• Resolution: 16–24-bit, up to 192 kHz
• Hi-res formats: FLAC, MQA, WAV, AIFF, MPEG-4 SLS, DSD256
• Data formats: MP3, AAC, WMA, WMA-L, OGG, ALAC, OPUS
• Multichannel: Dolby Digital via HDMI eARC
• Room correction: Dirac Live Ready, software licence and measurement kit available as an option
• Services and integrations: AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Roon Ready, BluOS multiroom
• Network: Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) dual-band
• HDMI: 1 × eARC
• USB: 1 × Type A for storage (FAT32), no PC/DAC input
• Analogue/digital input: 1 × combo mini-Toslink / analogue stereo (3.5 mm)
• Subwoofer output: 1 × RCA, or wirelessly to the PULSE SUB+
• Speaker terminals: screw terminals
• Output level: adjustable, volume is controlled in the unit; there's no separate line or preamp output
• Headphone output: not present, headphones run wirelessly via Bluetooth
• Phono input: not present
• Bluetooth: 5.0 aptX HD, bidirectional (receiving and sending)
• Operating system: BluOS
• Controls: touch panel, BluOS app (iOS, Android, Windows, macOS), IR sensor
• Processor: ARM Cortex-A53 quad-core, 1.8 GHz
• Enclosure: Black
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 219 × 44.5 × 193 mm
• Weight: 1.37 kg
• In the box: 2 × power cable, Ethernet cable, Toslink adapter, metal and rubber mount with screw, manual

Frequently Asked Questions

How much power does the Powernode EDGE have?

The EDGE delivers 2 × 40 watts at 8 ohms from a DirectDigital power stage, up to 80 watts at 4 ohms dynamically. That's enough for bookshelf and compact floor-standing speakers in small to medium-sized rooms. For big speakers or high levels in large rooms, the more powerful Powernode N331 is a better fit.

Do I need a paid subscription for the EDGE?

No. Streaming services like Spotify, TIDAL or Qobuz are an option, not a requirement. Even without a subscription you can play internet radio, music from network storage or local files, and use Bluetooth and AirPlay 2. A service later simply widens your choice.

Can I connect the EDGE to my TV?

Yes. Via HDMI eARC you connect the EDGE directly to the TV and hear the TV sound through your stereo speakers. You then usually control the volume with the TV remote. A slim alternative to a soundbar that also streams all your music on the side.

Can I connect headphones to the EDGE?

Not with a cable – the EDGE has no jack socket. But it actively transmits via Bluetooth 5.0 aptX HD to wireless headphones, so you can listen undisturbed late at night too. Volume remains adjustable on the unit and in the BluOS app.

Why buy the Bluesound Powernode EDGE from HD Zürisee?

Because we won't leave you alone with the box. As an experienced specialist shop in Wädenswil, we'll tell you honestly which speakers suit your room, how to operate the EDGE, and how to integrate it into a multiroom setup. Advice, delivery and service all come from one source, with our own in-house technician.

Goes well with

You'll find the right partners among the bookshelf speakers and floor-standing speakers. A subwoofer adds more depth, and the right cable keeps the connection clean. If you want to compare, check out the streaming amplifiers.