The Bluesound NODE and AM5 speakers were provided, temporarily, for the purpose of this article. None of the links that follow are monetized.
The Bluesound NODE is a high-performance music streamer that I didn’t know existed until recently. And, when accompanied by the AM5 speakers, my perspective on the importance of dedicated speakers has completely changed. I grew up with basic JBL speakers on my desktop PC – a Hewlett Packard Vectra 486. And when I finally began to earn money as young man, I splurged on Altec Lansing 5.1 surround sound speakers. I remember the upgrade was huge. But I have a stronger memory of the cords. So many cords in the small nook of the bedroom in my parents house where I had my PC. When I bought my home and moved out, I intentionally gave away those speakers and went to pair of Bose over-ear headphones my friend gave me. My desire to simplify escalated. I moved on from desktops to gaming laptops and used integrated speakers. I never looked back. Until now.
The Gear
- BlueSound NODE
- audiophile-grade circuitry includes ES9039Q2M ESS SABRE® DAC
- powerful ARM® Cortex-A53 quad-core processor, 1.8GHz per core
- high-performance THX AAA headphone amplifier
- built-in dual-band Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- two-way Bluetooth with high-fidelity aptX Adaptive audio coding for more musical detail
- stream to compatible Bluetooth headphones
- stream from a compatible smartphone or laptop
- Apple AirPlay® 2 lets you stream directly from an iPhone® or iPad® and ask Siri to play Apple Music
- works with Amazon Alexa-compatible devices
- top-mounted backlit capacitive touch controls with proximity sensor
- AM5 Bookshelf Speakers
- amplification: 50 watts RMS per speaker
- each speaker features:
- 5-1/4″ polypropylene midbass woofer
- 3/4″ aluminum ferro-fluid cooled tweeter with front waveguide
- bass-reflex (ported) design
- built-in Bluetooth® with high-quality aptX™ audio streaming
- frequency response: 55-20,000 Hz (±3dB)
- selectable sound modes for prioritizing dialogue, musical soundstage, and more
- magnetically attached perforated-steel grilles
- remote control included
Test Setup: Gaming
I started by testing the AM5s with my gaming PC, and the difference was immediately noticeable. The clarity was leaps ahead of the integrated speakers on my Lenovo Legion Pro laptop. Whether I was immersed in a shooter or listening to music in the background, the AM5’s crisp sound was a game-changer.
Next, I connected the AM5s to my home theater setup, which links my PS5 and Nintendo Switch to my Sony TV. The result? Mind-blowing. I’ve been using the integrated speakers on my TV for years, and we all know TV speakers aren’t known for their bass or clarity. But the AM5s made it feel like I was hearing sound effects and in-game music for the first time. Even simple dialogue sounded much richer and more detailed. The range between the thump of the bass and the clarity of the high notes was beyond impressive.
I’ve always avoided adding too many components to my setup because I dislike clutter, but the AM5s are sleek enough not to be intrusive, and their performance more than justifies their presence.
As for the Node. I thought it would be the heart of my system. But I learned that it’s a complimentary device that helps with streaming from your phone. And, by the way, you can connect it to other Bluesound products, wirelessly. Allowing you to stream audio to the NODE from your phone/tablet and send audio from the NODE to even headphones.
Perfect for Casual Gaming and Background Listening
My office is a 120 square-foot room where I also do my gaming. My favorite games are the kind that don’t require too much active listening, so I can enjoy podcasts or music in the background. Now, picture this: I’m kicked back on my rocking chair, controller in hand, and instead of relying on my iPhone for podcasts or Alice in Chains, I can stream directly to the AM5s or to the AM5s via the NODE. It’s a huge upgrade! The audio quality is miles better than my iPhone or even my MacBook Pro, making casual gaming sessions even more enjoyable. Whether I’m gaming or just unwinding with some background tunes, the AM5s make it easy and elevates the experience in ways I hadn’t anticipated. I know I am going to miss this setup when my review window closes.
Versatile
The NODE is not meant to be the heart of your home audio system, as I originally thought. Packed with industry-leading tech such as the ESS SABRE DAC and a THX AAA headphone amplifier, the NODE provides a multi-source entry point into your entertainment setup. In my case, the AM5 speakers were my output. The best way I can describe the output is crystal-clear audio, whether you’re streaming via Spotify, Apple Music, your preferred podcast app, or connecting through Apple AirPlay. Of course, there are many source options available to users with the NODE in place. What surprised me the most is the multi-room functionality, powered by BluOS. This means you can sync the NODE with other Bluesound devices throughout your house, playing your favorite tracks everywhere or creating tailored soundscapes for each room. The app is pretty handy too. You can also add BluOS to Mac or Windows computers to control music sources there.
Pair this with the AM5 speakers, and you’re in for a treat. The AM5s are engineered with clean sound that I’d categorize as great mid clarity and resounding bass, especially without a discrete subwoofer. It uses aptX Adaptive Bluetooth. My understanding is this yields low-latency wireless streaming, and whether you’re listening to compressed or lossless files, the audio holds up well. For me, I had no issues with loss. But I did not do an exhaustive tests.
Beyond Streaming: Ultimate Connectivity
When it comes to options, the NODE doesn’t fall short. With HDMI eARC, optical, coaxial, and analog inputs and outputs, it connects effortlessly to your TV, gaming consoles, and other audio systems. Dual-band Wi-Fi and gigabit Ethernet ensure reliable streaming. Again, I had no issues with loss. The NODE comes with multiple cables, but not optical. I purchased one on Amazon for $15 for my testing.
While I do prefer listening nowadays without headphones, the headphone experience is great. As I wrote earlier, the NODE has a THX AAA amplifier built in. Not once did any of my songs get distorted and I really noticed a difference in quality. It just felt more immersive.
Conclusion
With the Bluesound NODE and AM5 speakers working in harmony, you’re looking at one of the best setups for a home audiophile or a gamer looking to elevate their sound experience. Whether you’re diving into high-resolution streams, testing the limits of your favorite games, or just enjoying some background listening, this system delivers an unparalleled experience with effortless style. The NODE’s sleek design and rich feature set, combined with the AM5’s exceptional sound reproduction, create a dynamic partnership that will be a challenge for me to walk away from, as I do have to return these products.