HiFi Set NuPrime STA-9X + Bluesound Node Icon, Black

The HiFi set made up of the Bluesound Node Icon, NuPrime STA-9X and Advance Paris L-XLR 0.5 is a compact high-end chain with a network streamer as digital preamp, a stereo power amplifier and a balanced XLR cable: all you still connect is your speakers, then you press play.

We put it together because the combination is fun: both devices take up little space, look good and work together over a fully balanced connection. No rack full of boxes, no cable mess – just streaming, power and plenty of music in a small space.

Why a set?

The Node Icon combines streamer, dual-mono converter and adjustable preamp in one chassis. Its XLR output is controlled in the BluOS app and feeds straight into the STA-9X, which drives your speakers with 2 × 130 watts. The matching XLR cable is included in the price. So you need neither a preamp nor an integrated amplifier, just decent speakers.

The devices take up little room: stacked, they measure around 14 centimetres in height and a little over 23 centimetres in width. They fit on a shelf, in a sideboard or in a cabinet with some air around them so the heat can escape.

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.
• NuPrime STA-9X stereo power amplifier, black: Class-A input stage with Class-D output stage, 2 × 130 watts into 8 and 4 ohms, XLR and RCA input, bridgeable to a 330 watt mono amplifier with a switch.
• Advance Paris L-XLR 0.5 XLR cable, 0.5 m: balanced stereo cable with OCC copper conductor and metal XLR connectors to link the Icon and the power amplifier.

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

For anyone who wants a high-quality streaming system in a small space and already has speakers or will choose them separately. Also ideal if your 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 is the better choice. The Icon is 84 millimetres high, so measure your shelf before buying. And at only 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 anyone who wants a lot of system in little space: a streamer as preamp, a powerful power amplifier and a clean cable in between. We put the set together for you in Wädenswil and are happy to set it up with you on request.

Technical data

• Set contents: 1 × Bluesound Node Icon, 1 × NuPrime STA-9X, 1 × Advance Paris L-XLR 0.5
• 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): adjustable, 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 (STA-9X): 2 × 130 W into 8 and 4 Ω (RMS), bridged 1 × 330 W (mono)
• Inputs (STA-9X): 1 × XLR (balanced), 1 × RCA (unbalanced)
• Trigger: Node Icon with 12 V trigger output, STA-9X with 12 V trigger input
• Connection: Advance Paris L-XLR 0.5 XLR cable, length 0.5 m, included in the set
• Dimensions Node Icon (W × H × D): 220 × 84 × 193 mm
• Dimensions STA-9X (W × H × D): 235 × 55 × 281 mm
• Weight: Node Icon 2.23 kg, STA-9X 4 kg
• Colour: Black
• In the box: Node Icon with power cord, Ethernet and RCA cable, STA-9X with power cord and quick start guide, Advance Paris L-XLR 0.5 XLR cable (0.5 m)

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an additional amplifier?

No. The Node Icon controls volume through its XLR output, and the STA-9X provides the power. All you need is speakers and speaker cable. If you have a source with an analogue output, connect it to the Icon's combo input.

Can I connect my TV?

Yes. The Node Icon has an HDMI eARC input. Connect it to your TV's eARC port and the TV sound plays through the set. We will check with you whether your TV is suitable.

Does the power amplifier switch on automatically?

The Node Icon has a 12 V trigger output and the STA-9X a 12 V trigger input. Technically they are therefore prepared for joint switching. How the combination behaves in everyday use, we clarify with you during setup.

Does the set fit in a sideboard or shelf?

Yes, the devices are small: the Node Icon is 84 mm high, the STA-9X 55 mm. Allow some air around the power amplifier so the heat can escape, and measure the height and depth of your compartment beforehand. We do not recommend a closed drawer.

Which speakers go with it?

The STA-9X delivers 2 × 130 watts into 8 and 4 ohms and drives the vast majority of bookshelf and floorstanding speakers. Which ones suit your room and listening taste best, we are happy to discuss with you.

Why buy the HiFi set NuPrime STA-9X + 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 the set lacks is speakers; speaker stands, HiFi furniture and cables & connectors go well with it. You will find more sets in HiFi sets.