Bluesound Powernode N331 Streaming Amplifier, Black

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

In matte black, it looks elegantly understated and replaces an entire stack of separate components. Quite honestly: this is the generation where 'all-in-one' and 'sounds like a compromise' finally have nothing to do with each other anymore. Connect the speakers, put the BluOS app on your phone – done, that's your fully grown, networked system.

Why the Powernode N331?

The third generation steps things up noticeably: 2 × 100 watts at 8 ohms drives even more demanding floor-standing speakers, and the new DirectDigital power stage with gallium nitride transistors works more efficiently and cleanly than the predecessor's HybridDigital circuit. Via BluOS you get access to more than 20 streaming services, internet radio and your own files – with internet radio and network music running entirely without a paid service. Five preset buttons on the touch panel bring back your favourite stations with one tap.

Via HDMI eARC it becomes the control centre for TV sound, and running 3.1 with a PULSE SUB+ it gets serious for movie nights too. In short: a device that grows with you instead of gathering dust.

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, an analogue RCA input, optical and coaxial, a subwoofer output – and, on the front, a 6.35 mm headphone output with THX AAA amplification that drives even sensitive headphones quietly and with very low noise.

The power stages run fanless: the N331 stays quiet even when you're not. If you want to tame room acoustics, you use Dirac Live – the N331 is ready for it, with software and measurement kit available as an option if needed.

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

The right choice if you want a fully grown streaming system in one device, run larger speakers, and value room correction, headphone use and HDMI.

Straight talk: if you only ever run Spotify over Bluetooth now and then in the background, you're buying a racing bike to wait for the tram – the smaller EDGE is enough for that. Vinyl fans take note: there's no phono input, a turntable needs a separate phono preamp. And if you're looking for a pure preamp for your own power amps, you're in the wrong place – the N331 comes with its power amplifier permanently built in.

Our verdict

The Powernode N331 is the point where convenience and ambition meet: a tidy device that streams, converts and powerfully amplifies, without you having to fill a whole rack. Which speakers get the most out of the 2 × 100 watts is best worked out in a conversation with HD Zürisee in Wädenswil – tell us about your room.

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, black
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 220 × 70 × 190 mm
• Weight: 1.9 kg
• In the box: power cable, 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 drives even larger floor-standing speakers with ease and leaves enough headroom for bigger rooms and higher levels.

What does Dirac Live Ready mean on the N331?

The N331 is prepared for Dirac Live room correction and supports up to 3.1 channels. The room is measured with a microphone and the frequency response is corrected. Software licence and measurement kit are available as an option – without calibration, the N331 plays with full functionality.

Can the N331 handle a subwoofer and TV at the same time?

Yes. TV sound comes in via HDMI eARC, and you add a subwoofer via RCA or wirelessly to the PULSE SUB+. This creates a compact 3.1 system for music and film from a single device, without any AV receiver on the shelf.

Can I connect headphones to the N331?

Yes. On the front there's a 6.35 mm jack output with THX AAA amplification that drives even sensitive headphones with very low noise. You can also reach wireless headphones via Bluetooth. There is, however, no separate line output for external power amplifiers.

Why buy the Bluesound Powernode N331 from HD Zürisee?

Because with a device in this class, how everything works together is what counts. In Wädenswil, we advise you on speakers, Dirac setup, HDMI integration and multiroom – and take care of installation and service with our own in-house technician. As an authorised dealer, we also handle the warranty correctly.

Goes well with

The 2 × 100 watts want to be put to work: you'll find suitable partners among the floor-standing speakers and bookshelf speakers. For the 3.1 setup, a subwoofer is worthwhile, and for quiet evenings, headphones. Solid cables belong on the list too, and the streaming amplifiers collection shows further alternatives.