Bluesound Powernode N331 Streaming Amplifier, White

The Bluesound Powernode N331 is an all-in-one streaming integrated amplifier that combines a network player, DAC, preamp and 2 × 100 watt power amplifier in one enclosure.

In white, it stays visually in the background and turns passive speakers into a complete, networked system – without a separate streamer, DAC or amplifier. Hand on heart: anyone who claims all-in-one always sounds like a compromise simply hasn't heard this third generation yet. Connect the speakers, put the app on your phone – and the rest is music.

Why the Powernode N331?

2 × 100 watts at 8 ohms gives even larger floor-standing speakers definition. The DirectDigital power stage now works with gallium nitride transistors, replacing the predecessor's HybridDigital circuit – more efficient, cleaner, cooler. Via BluOS you reach more than 20 streaming services, internet radio and your own network files; radio and your own music run entirely without a paid service. Five preset buttons on the touch panel bring your favourites back instantly.

HDMI eARC turns it into the sound centre for your living room, and paired 3.1 with a PULSE SUB+ it becomes a slim home cinema. A device that grows with your demands.

What you get

Hi-res up to 24-bit/192 kHz including MQA and DSD256, Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX HD and aptX Adaptive in both directions, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and Roon Ready. Plus USB-C as a PC input, analogue RCA input, optical and coaxial, a subwoofer output and a 6.35 mm headphone output with THX AAA amplification for low-noise listening.

The power stages get by without a fan – heat stays within bounds, quiet stays in the room. For room acoustics, the N331 is ready for Dirac Live; you add the software and measurement microphone as an option if your room calls for it.

Who's the Powernode N331 for – and who isn't it for?

Ideal if you're looking for a fully-fledged streaming system in one device, run larger speakers and want to use room correction as well as HDMI.

Straight talk: if you only ever listen casually via Bluetooth, the N331 is almost too much – the smaller EDGE is enough for that. For vinyl: no phono input on board, a turntable needs a separate phono preamp. And it's no good as a pure preamp for existing power amps – its power amplifier is permanently built in, and there's no line output.

Our verdict

The Powernode N331 in white combines comfort and sound in an unobtrusive enclosure: streaming, converting, powerfully amplifying – without a stack of gear. For the 2 × 100 watts to show their potential, you need the right speakers. That's exactly what the specialist team at HD Zürisee is for: call us, write to us, or get in touch via WhatsApp.

Technical Data

• Amplifier: DirectDigital™ (Class D) with gallium nitride transistors
• Output power: 2 × 100 W at 8 Ω, 3 × 80 W at 8 Ω in 3-channel mode
• Dynamic power (IHF): 265 W at 4 Ω, 140 W at 8 Ω
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 102 dBA
• Distortion (THD+N): 0.005%
• Resolution: 16–24-bit, up to 192 kHz, DSD256
• Hi-res formats: FLAC, MQA, WAV, AIFF, MPEG-4 SLS
• Data formats: MP3, AAC, WMA, WMA-L, OGG, ALAC, OPUS
• Multichannel: Dolby Digital via HDMI eARC
• Room correction: Dirac Live Ready for up to 3.1 channels; software licence and measurement kit available as an option; Bass Control and ART are not supported
• Services and integrations: AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Roon Ready, BluOS with over 20 music services
• Network: Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) dual-band
• HDMI: 1 × eARC
• USB: 1 × Type A for storage, 1 × USB-C as PC input
• Analogue/digital input: analogue RCA, optical Toslink, 3.5 mm combo
• Subwoofer output: 1 × RCA, or wirelessly to the PULSE SUB+
• Speaker terminals: 5-way screw terminals
• Output level: adjustable, volume is controlled in the unit; there's no separate line or preamp output
• Headphone output: yes, 6.35 mm stereo with THX AAA amplification, plus wireless via Bluetooth
• Phono input: not present
• Bluetooth: 5.2 with aptX HD and aptX Adaptive, bidirectional
• Operating system: BluOS
• Controls: touch slider, 5 preset buttons, proximity sensor, IR learning function
• Control systems: Crestron, Control4, RTI, Nice, URC, Lutron
• Processor: ARM Cortex-A53 quad-core, 1.8 GHz
• Generation: 3
• Finish: matte satin lacquer, white
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 220 × 70 × 190 mm
• Weight: 1.9 kg
• In the box: power cable (230 V), Ethernet cable, Toslink adapter, manuals, Dirac Live Ready info card

Frequently Asked Questions

How much power does the Powernode N331 have?

The N331 delivers 2 × 100 watts at 8 ohms, 3 × 80 watts in three-channel mode, dynamically up to 265 watts at 4 ohms. That effortlessly drives even more demanding floor-standing speakers and provides enough headroom for larger rooms and higher volumes.

Does the N331 support hi-res and DSD?

Yes. The N331 plays high-resolution formats up to 24-bit/192 kHz including FLAC, MQA and DSD256. Via USB-C it also serves as a DAC for your computer. That way you get the most out of your digital music collection too.

Can the N331 be integrated into a multiroom system?

Yes. Via BluOS you connect the N331 with other Bluesound devices into a synchronised multiroom system. Each room can be controlled individually or together – entirely via the BluOS app on smartphone, tablet or computer.

What amplifier technology is in the N331?

The N331 uses a Class D DirectDigital power stage with gallium nitride transistors. It replaces the predecessor's HybridDigital circuit and works more efficiently, with less noise and staying cool – which is why the amplifier gets by entirely without a fan.

Why buy the Powernode N331 in white from HD Zürisee?

Because the best of the N331 only comes out with the right setup. Our specialist team advises you on speakers, Dirac setup and multiroom, delivers and installs on request, and stands ready with our own in-house technician for service – as an authorised dealer with correct warranty handling.

Goes well with

For the power to really land, it's worth checking out floor-standing speakers and bookshelf speakers. A subwoofer turns it into a 3.1 system, and headphones make use of the THX AAA output. Matching cables complete the picture; the streaming amplifiers collection shows further devices of this kind.