HiFi Set Audio Analogue Pure AA100DM + Bluesound Node Icon, Black

The HiFi set made of Bluesound Node Icon, Audio Analogue Pure AA100DM and AudioQuest Mackenzie XLR is a lean high-end chain with a network streamer as digital preamp, analogue stereo power amplifier and balanced XLR cable: you only connect speakers and start listening.

Put together by us because the combination is reduced to the essentials: two devices, one cable, no compromises in the signal chain. The streamer provides music, TV sound and volume control, the power amp provides power and calm. Both devices have a trigger, so operation stays simple.

Why as a set?

The Node Icon combines streamer, dual-mono converter and adjustable preamp in one housing. Its XLR output is controlled in the BluOS app and plays straight into the AA100DM. The Italian amp is a dual-mono design in Class AB without negative feedback and delivers 100 watts into 8 ohms. The AudioQuest Mackenzie is included in the set, in the price. You need neither a preamp nor an integrated amplifier, just decent speakers.

What is in the set?

• Bluesound Node Icon network streamer: streamer, dual-mono DAC (2 × ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M) and adjustable preamp with XLR and RCA output, plus HDMI eARC, THX AAA headphone amplifier and 5-inch colour display.
• Audio Analogue Pure AA100DM stereo power amplifier, Black: dual-mono power amp in Class AB without global feedback, 100 watts into 8 ohms and 200 watts into 4 ohms, XLR and RCA input, trigger input, bridgeable to a mono power amp (bridging kit required).
• AudioQuest Mackenzie XLR cable, 0.5 m: balanced stereo cable with solid PSC+ conductors, carbon noise dissipation and cold-welded XLR plugs to connect Icon and power amp.

Who is this set for – and who is it not for?

For everyone who wants to listen to really good music with few components and already has speakers or picks them to match. Also ideal if the TV should join in: the Icon has an HDMI eARC input, so TV sound plays through your system.

Plain talk: speakers are not included. The Node Icon has no phono and no CD input; it plays streaming, HDMI eARC and, via the combo input, an analogue or optical source. If you want to connect a turntable or CD player directly, an integrated amplifier suits you better. The AA100DM weighs 15.5 kilograms and is 445 millimetres wide, so plan your furniture accordingly. And over just 0.5 metres of cable the advantage of XLR over RCA is small; the gain lies in the fully balanced chain.

Our verdict

This is our set recommendation for everyone who wants to enjoy high-end with two devices: a cool streamer as preamp, an Italian power amp with character and a clean cable in between. We put the set together in Wädenswil for you and are happy to set it up with you on request.

Technical data

• Set contents: 1 × Bluesound Node Icon, 1 × Audio Analogue Pure AA100DM (Black), 1 × AudioQuest Mackenzie XLR (0.5 m)
• Streaming: BluOS, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Roon Ready, Dirac Live Ready
• Converter (Node Icon): 2 × ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M (dual mono), up to 24 bit / 192 kHz, DSD256
• Output level (Node Icon): variable, XLR and RCA, switchable to fixed level in the app
• Headphone output: yes, 2 × 6.3 mm jack (THX AAA, 230 mW into 32 Ω)
• Inputs (Node Icon): HDMI eARC, combo RCA analogue / optical, USB-C, USB-A, LAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2
• Power (AA100DM): 100 W into 8 Ω, 200 W into 4 Ω, 320 W into 2 Ω, bridged 400 W into 8 Ω (mono, bridging kit required)
• Inputs (AA100DM): 1 × XLR (balanced), 1 × RCA (unbalanced), input sensitivity 1.4 Vrms, gain 26 dB
• Trigger: Node Icon with 12 V trigger output, AA100DM with trigger input (5 to 12 V)
• Connection: XLR cable AudioQuest Mackenzie, length 0.5 m, included in the set
• Dimensions Node Icon (W × H × D): 220 × 84 × 193 mm
• Dimensions AA100DM (W × H × D): 445 × 120 × 390 mm
• Weight: Node Icon 2.23 kg, AA100DM 15.5 kg
• Colour: Black (AA100DM satin black), Node Icon black
• Scope of delivery: Node Icon with power cable, Ethernet and RCA cable, AA100DM with power cable and manual, AudioQuest Mackenzie XLR cable (0.5 m)

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an additional amplifier?

No. The Node Icon controls the volume itself via its XLR output, and the AA100DM is a pure power amp that delivers the power. You only need speakers and speaker cable. You connect an analogue source to the Icon's combo input, and the BluOS app takes care of the rest.

Can I connect my TV?

Yes. The Node Icon has an HDMI eARC input. If you connect it to your TV's eARC port, the TV sound plays through the set and you control the volume as usual. We are happy to check with you beforehand whether your TV fits and what you need.

Does the power amp switch on automatically?

The Node Icon has a 12 V trigger output, and the AA100DM has a trigger input for 5 to 12 volts. Technically, the two are prepared for joint switching. How this behaves in daily use, we clarify with you during setup so that operation stays simple.

Which speakers suit this set?

The AA100DM delivers 100 watts into 8 ohms, 200 watts into 4 ohms and 320 watts into 2 ohms. It can therefore drive even demanding floorstanding speakers. Which ones suit your room, your budget and your taste best, we are happy to discuss with you in person.

Why XLR instead of RCA?

The Node Icon and the AA100DM both offer balanced XLR connections. The AudioQuest Mackenzie keeps the chain balanced from source to power amp. The cable run is short, and you hear the gain mostly as calm in the background rather than as a big change in sound.

Why buy the HiFi set Audio Analogue AA100DM + Bluesound Node Icon at HD Zürisee?

Because we put the set together ourselves and know how the devices work together. We advise you on speaker choice and setup, including Dirac Live. Call: 044 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

All that is missing from the set are speakers; speaker stands, HiFi furniture and cables & connectors go well with it. Find more sets in HiFi Sets.