HiFi Set NuPrime Evolution STA-SE + Bluesound Node Icon, Black

The HiFi set made up of the Bluesound Node Icon, NuPrime Evolution STA-SE and AudioQuest Yukon XLR is a compact high-end chain with a network streamer as digital preamp, a stereo power amplifier with 2 × 400 watts and a balanced cable: all you still connect is your speakers, then you press play.

The bigger sister set to our set with the STA-9X, put together by us for anyone who wants more reserves: the power amplifier is flat, cool and quiet, yet delivers 400 watts per channel into 8 as well as 4 ohms. Together with the Icon you get a lot of system in a small space, connected in a fully balanced way.

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 Evolution STA-SE, which thanks to its GaN power supply drives even power-hungry speakers with control. The AudioQuest Yukon XLR, the top model of the River series, connects the two and is included in the price. You need neither a preamp nor an integrated amplifier, just decent speakers.

The space requirement stays small: the Icon is 22 centimetres wide and 8.4 centimetres high, the power amplifier is especially flat at 5.7 centimetres, but 43 centimetres wide. They fit on a shelf or in a sideboard 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 Evolution STA-SE stereo power amplifier, black: dual-mono power amplifier with ANC GaN power supply, 2 × 400 watts into 8 and 4 ohms, XLR and RCA inputs and trigger input and output.
• AudioQuest Yukon XLR cable, 0.5 m: balanced stereo cable with solid PSC+ conductors in air tubes and a carbon-mesh network, cold-welded XLR connectors, silver over Purple Copper.

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

For anyone who wants a high-quality streaming system in a small space, already has speakers or will choose them separately, and values power reserves. 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, the power amplifier 43 centimetres wide and 37.5 centimetres deep: 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. The Yukon is a high-class cable and, for this distance, a deliberate luxury.

Our verdict

This is our set recommendation for anyone who wants a lot of system and reserves in little space: a streamer as preamp, a power amplifier with 400 watts per channel and a high-quality 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 Evolution STA-SE, 1 × AudioQuest Yukon 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): 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 (Evolution STA-SE): 2 × 400 W RMS into 8 and 4 Ω
• Amplifier type: dual mono, Class-D hybrid with ODC, ANC GaN power supply, 650 kHz switching frequency
• Inputs (Evolution STA-SE): XLR balanced, RCA (Furutech FP900)
• Trigger: Node Icon with 12 V trigger output, Evolution STA-SE with trigger input and output
• Connection: AudioQuest Yukon XLR, length 0.5 m, PSC+ conductors, triple-balanced geometry, included in the set
• Dimensions Node Icon (W × H × D): 220 × 84 × 193 mm
• Dimensions Evolution STA-SE (W × H × D): 430 × 57 × 375 mm
• Weight: Node Icon 2.23 kg, Evolution STA-SE 9.0 kg
• Colour: Black
• In the box: Node Icon with power cord, Ethernet and RCA cable; Evolution STA-SE with power cord, trigger cable and manual; AudioQuest Yukon 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 Evolution STA-SE 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 Evolution STA-SE a trigger input. Technically they are therefore prepared for joint switching. How the combination behaves in everyday use, we clarify with you during setup.

Which speakers go with it?

The Evolution STA-SE delivers 2 × 400 watts into 8 and 4 ohms and, according to NuPrime, also copes with power-hungry speakers. Which ones suit your room and listening taste best, we are happy to discuss with you.

Does the set fit in a sideboard or shelf?

Usually yes, but measure beforehand: the Icon is 84 mm high, the power amplifier 57 mm high, 430 mm wide and 375 mm deep. Allow some air around the power amplifier so the heat can escape. We do not recommend a closed drawer.

Why buy the HiFi set NuPrime Evolution STA-SE + 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 a good power cable go well with it. You will find more sets in HiFi sets.