The Edge was provided, on loan, by Bluesound for the purpose of this article and the embedded video.
The Powernode Edge is a high-performance audio solution that doesn’t compromise on quality. Available for $649, the Edge is an amplifier that punches well above its weight while keeping your setup sleek and simple. Its a device built for audiophiles and people who want to stream music and podcasts to loud speakers in any room, or throughout their entire home.
Overview
The Powernode edge weighs 1.2 kilograms and with a minimalist design that blends seamlessly into any space, this thing is built to disappear visually. But if you want to mount it, you’re in luck as included in the box is a mounting bracket designed for it. Once connected to your loudspeakers and home network (Ethernet or wireless) you’ll be ready to experience the included HybridDigital amplification technology, which delivers 40 watts per channel into 8 ohms. I’m not an audiophile so I didn’t understand what that meant until I connected a pair of ALPHAseries AM5 bookshelf speakers. My take: the technology enables precision. Whether you’re playing rock, classical, etc. or enjoying a podcast, the Edge handles it with ease.
To enable ease of use is the BlueOS app, available for iOS, Android, Windows, and MacOS. In the app you’ll find all the major streaming platforms, such as Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music, and Qobuz—it’s all here, and you can control it effortlessly through the BluOS Controller app. FOr high-resolution audio the Edge supports playback of up to 24-bit/192kHz, ensuring every detail of your favorite tracks comes through crystal clear.
This isn’t, however, just a streaming amp; it’s the centerpiece of a modular audio ecosystem that you can infuse into your home. You can add more Bluesound speakers or a subwoofer at any time. Most of my testing was done with the two AM5 bookshelf speakers connected to the Edge and my gaming PC. Additionally, I streamed a variety of content via the low-latency Bluetooth aptX HD and noticed no perceptible delay. I threw everything at it—from the haunting acoustics of Alice in Chains’ MTV Unplugged to the Ready Player Piano soundtrack of the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. It sounded amazing. I put the soundtrack side by side with my MacBook Pro speakers, which are amazing in their own right and the Edge didn’t just play the music; it brought it to life. My only regret in testing is not having a subwoofer.
Who is it For?
The Powernode Edge is perfect for anyone looking to upgrade their home audio experience without the hassle of a complicated setup. Whether you’re a hardcore audiophile, a casual gamer, or someone who just wants to fill their space with high-quality sound, the Edge delivers on all fronts. At $649, it offers a value proposition that’s hard to ignore given the performance and flexibility you’re getting.