Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Impressively small, with a sleek, modern design
- The BluOS app is easy to use, fast, responsive, and offers decent customization
- It supports a wide range of streaming services, including Tidal, Amazon Music, Spotify, Deezer, and Qobuz
- It is Roon Ready and supports AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect, plus Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive codec
- It delivers a pristine audio experience with clear and detailed sound and creates a wide and well-defined soundstage
Product Considerations
- It omits some features found in the larger Node, such as HDMI ARC connection, optical input, and a headphone socket
- It does not have native support for Apple Music or Google Cast
- It lacks a universal search function within the BluOS app
- The Bluetooth pairing is always available, so anyone within Bluetooth range can connect to it
- The Nano can sound slightly small-scale
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Raspberry Pi, the Nano has better ease of use, automatically indexes USB-stored music, and finds other BluOS devices
- Compared to WiiM Pro Plus, Node Nano is smoother, has a slightly wider and better-defined soundstage, and cleaner highs
- Compared to Sonos Port, they are very close, but Node Nano avoids the Port's slightly crunchy delivery
- Compared to the middle-of-the-range Node, the Node has an uptick in clarity, definition and detail across the frequency range
- Compared to WiiM Ultra, they are indistinguishable in sound quality
Takeaway: The Node Nano is a compact and easy-to-use music streamer with high-resolution audio support, making it a great option for anyone looking to upgrade their existing systems. Its excellent integration, streaming support, and the potential for multiroom audio make it a worthwhile investment.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
Node Nano
reviews
[{"title":"Review: Bluesound NODE Nano Streaming DAC","link":"https://wallofsound.ca/audioreviews/digital/review-bluesound-node-nano-streaming-dac","source":"Wall of Sound","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"Bluesound Node Nano Streamer Review","link":"https://www.avforums.com/reviews/bluesound-node-nano-streamer-review.22020","source":"AVForums","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"Bluesound Node Nano Review","link":"https://www.hifioasis.com/reviews/bluesound-node-nano-review","source":"HiFi Oasis","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"Bluesound Node Nano Streamer","link":"https://www.soundstagesimplifi.com/index.php/equipment-reviews/268-bluesound-node-nano-streamer","source":"SoundStage! Simplifi","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"Bluesound Node Nano review: an affordable, audiophile-grade mini music streamer","link":"https://www.digitaltrends.com/home-theater/bluesound-node-nano-review","source":"Digital Trends","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"Bluesound Node Nano Review","link":"https://www.trustedreviews.com/reviews/bluesound-node-nano","source":"Trusted Reviews","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"Bluesound NODE NANO Review: An Audiophile Streamer Made for the Masses","link":"https://www.cepro.com/audio-video/bluesound-node-nano-brings-audiophile-streaming-to-the-masses-ce-pro-review","source":"CEPro","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"Bluesound Node Nano review: small size, big multi-room capabilities","link":"https://www.t3.com/tech/audio/bluesound-node-nano-review","source":"T3","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"David’s Take – The Bluesound Node Nano Provides both Exceptional Value and Great Sound","link":"https://wifihifi.com/davids-take-the-bluesound-node-nano-provides-both-exceptional-value-and-great-sound","source":"WifiHifi","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"Bluesound Node Nano","link":"https://www.sound-advice.online/product-reviews/bluesound-node-nano","source":"Sound Advice","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"Bluesound Node Nano: a small streamer with big potential","link":"https://blog.son-video.com/en/2024/08/bluesound-node-nano-a-small-streamer-with-big-potential","source":"blog.son-video.com","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"Bluesound Node N132 vs Node Nano","link":"https://7review.com/bluesound-node-n132-vs-node-nano","source":"7 Review","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"BLUESOUND NODE NANO WIRELESS MUSIC STREAMER","link":"https://avnews.co.za/bluesound-node-nano-wireless-music-streamer","source":"AV News","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"Bluesound Node Nano review","link":"https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/bluesound-node-nano","source":"What Hi-Fi?","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"THEY UPPED THEIR GAME ! Bluesound Node Nano Streamer Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9tpfdRlHlA","source":"A British Audiophile","datePublished":"2025"},{"title":"Bluesound Node Nano Streamer Review: Is It Perfect?","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlGGOBBVDs4","source":"AVForums","datePublished":"2025"},{"title":"Get With It: Bluesound Node Nano Streamer/DAC | TM Reports...","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjW76gIcVkQ","source":"THE ABSOLUTE SOUND","datePublished":"2025"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- DAC: ESS ES9039Q2M
- Native Sampling Rates: up to 192 kHz
- Bit Depth: 16-24
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: -118 dB
- DSD Support: DSD256
- Distortion: THD+N, 0.0007%
- Processor: ARM® Cortex™ -A53, Quad-Core, 1.8GHz per core
- Power Supply: USB-C (5V-2A)
- Connectivity: [object Object]
- Outputs: [object Object]
- Dimensions: 143 x 36 x 143mm (W x H x D) / 5.6 x 1.4 x 5.6 in
- Weight: 0.57kg / 1.26lbs
Description
Upgrade your stereo system effortlessly with the NODE NANO. Just connect to Wi-Fi and start streaming music, radio stations. Experience audiophile-grade sound with the industry-leading ESS SABRE® DAC, supporting audio up to 24-bit/192kHz for exceptional clarity.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Bluesound's BluOS platform stands out with its vast compatibility, enabling seamless multi-room setups across its own products and those from partners like NAD and Dali.
- It combines a hifi wireless audio streamer with a range of connectivity options.
Select products
Select product comparisons
Node Nano
- Positioning: The entry-level wireless music streamer in the Bluesound lineup.
- Description: Offers a compact and affordable way to enjoy high-quality audio streaming, featuring the ESS SABRE DAC for clear sound. While it lacks the HDMI eARC and THX AAA technology found in higher models like the Node and Node Icon, it is ideal for small spaces and budget-conscious users who want basic streaming capabilities.
Node
- Positioning: The mid-range performance music streamer, offering a balance of features and price.
- Description: Enhances your audio experience with its improved ESS SABRE DAC and THX AAA headphone technology, providing detailed sound. Unlike the Node Nano, it includes HDMI eARC and Dirac Live room correction.
Powernode Edge
- Positioning: A compact wireless music streaming amplifier, combining streaming and amplification in one unit.
- Description: Perfect for those who want an all-in-one solution, offering 40 watts per channel with DirectDigital amplification. It stands out from the Node series by including amplification, making it a complete solution for powering passive speakers without needing a separate amplifier, though it lacks the advanced DAC features of the Node Icon.
Node Icon
- Positioning: The flagship wireless music streamer, designed for audiophiles seeking the highest performance.
- Description: Sets a new standard with its dual-mono DAC design and THX AAA headphone amplifier, delivering exceptional sound quality. It surpasses other models with features like balanced XLR outputs and a full-color display.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
63
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
56
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
14
Founding Year
2013
Our take on the brand
Bluesound is one of the best entry-level amps if you're looking to dip your toes into hifi. Reviewers love it for what it offers at the price—solid dynamics and tight bass, which is exactly what you expect from good Class D. It’s the go-to pick for people new to hifi since it gives you about 75% of the high-end experience without needing a ton of power. It’s perfect for smaller setups where you want good sound without going all-in on expensive gear.
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Our interview with the brand
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Used
Bluesound
All of the Brand's Used Products
What if you spend more?
Bluesound
Node
549
549
/
14
Reviews
Simply put, there is nothing like the NODE. With re-engineered components and circuitry for even better performance, the original wireless hi-res music streamer now features built-in THX AAA™ headphone technology, DSD playback, and more. Connect it to your stereo system and stream music, radio, podcasts, and more from popular streaming services or your personal library. With HDMI eARC, Dolby Digital decoding, and Apple AirPlay 2, the NODE is at the core of your home audio experience, with the flexibility to wirelessly connect to Bluesound Players for seamless multi-room music throughout the home.
Bluesound is one of the best entry-level amps if you're looking to dip your toes into hifi. Reviewers love it for what it offers at the price—solid dynamics and tight bass, which is exactly what you expect from good Class D. It’s the go-to pick for people new to hifi since it gives you about 75% of the high-end experience without needing a ton of power. It’s perfect for smaller setups where you want good sound without going all-in on expensive gear.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Easy streaming setup
- BluOS streaming platform is stable, responsive, and organized, which allows one to access local and networked libraries
- The internal DAC allows one to run the NODE directly into a preamp, integrated amplifier, or pair of powered/active loudspeakers as a source
- Has digital and analog outputs, a USB, Optical, and COAX out, as well as a SUBWOOFER OUT
Product Considerations
- BluOS control app isn't as user-friendly as some competitors, taking time to master
- There's no supplied remote
- Tone controls remain oddly limited in variable range
- Some reviewers recommend connecting via ethernet cable for a stable connection
- The BlueOS apps have issues, and the player intermittently will not be detected in iphone, ipad and windows desktop app
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Cambridge Audio MXN10 offers superior dynamic transparency and rhythmic insight, but the Bluesound Node is still an appealing affordable box
Takeaway: The Node is a great way to add streaming to an existing system and delivers high-quality audio with versatile connectivity. It offers a comprehensive set of features to turn an audio system into a modern music-streaming system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Bluesound is one of the best entry-level amps if you're looking to dip your toes into hifi. Reviewers love it for what it offers at the price—solid dynamics and tight bass, which is exactly what you expect from good Class D. It’s the go-to pick for people new to hifi since it gives you about 75% of the high-end experience without needing a ton of power. It’s perfect for smaller setups where you want good sound without going all-in on expensive gear.
Product Page
Product Page
Bluesound
Node Icon
999
999
/
6
Reviews
Bluesound is one of the best entry-level amps if you're looking to dip your toes into hifi. Reviewers love it for what it offers at the price—solid dynamics and tight bass, which is exactly what you expect from good Class D. It’s the go-to pick for people new to hifi since it gives you about 75% of the high-end experience without needing a ton of power. It’s perfect for smaller setups where you want good sound without going all-in on expensive gear.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- High-quality aluminum chassis with a sleek design, including a 5-inch color display
- Dual-mono DAC design using two ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M DACs, for excellent audio quality
- Powered by BluOS, supporting high-res audio streaming (24-bit/192kHz) and various streaming platforms
- Includes THX AAA headphone amplifier technology, for a superior headphone listening experience
- Versatile connectivity with analog inputs, optical input, HDMI eARC, USB-A, USB-C, LAN, coaxial output, and subwoofer output, along with balanced audio outputs
Product Considerations
- The Node Icon is the priciest streamer Bluesound has made, placing it at a premium price point
- Some features, like aptX Adaptive Bluetooth and Dirac Live, may require future software updates
- When using a turntable, the analog signal gets converted to digital
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Icon outperformed the WiiM Ultra in overall sound quality
- Some reviewers preferred the Icon over some EverSolo products
Takeaway: The Bluesound Node Icon is a reference music streamer packed with impressive hardware and software, making it a great choice for serious music listeners. With its versatile connectivity and high-quality audio components, the Icon will integrate well into various audio setups.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Bluesound is one of the best entry-level amps if you're looking to dip your toes into hifi. Reviewers love it for what it offers at the price—solid dynamics and tight bass, which is exactly what you expect from good Class D. It’s the go-to pick for people new to hifi since it gives you about 75% of the high-end experience without needing a ton of power. It’s perfect for smaller setups where you want good sound without going all-in on expensive gear.
Product Page
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.jpeg){kind=small}
EverSolo
DMP-A6
769
769
/
25
Reviews
EverSolo is a newer hifi audio brand that makes affordable, high-performance DACs and streamers. The brand appeals to budget-conscious audiophiles by offering features typically found in more expensive equipment, such as dual AKM4499EX DAC chips and R2R volume control, at more accessible price points.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent and responsive touchscreen display, and user-friendly interface that is intuitive and easy to navigate
- Versatile as an all-in-one device, functioning as a streamer, DAC, pre-amp, and media storage server with a competitive price point
- High build quality, featuring a solid aluminum alloy chassis
- Supports a wide variety of streaming services, including Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, and more
- Rock solid as a streamer, especially when going into a separate DAC
Product Considerations
- Customer support from Eversolo may be limited, with some reviewers noting slow or nonexistent responses to inquiries
- Internal DAC, while good, is not on par with higher-end—more expensive DACs
- Lack of a traditional I/R remote could be a drawback for some users
- Some unusual control procedures are noted, such as the inability to power on the unit from the mobile app
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The DMP-A6 sounds just as good as the Lumin U2 Mini as a streamer
- The A6 beats the Bluesound Node when used only as a streamer
- The A6 has similar features, a similar control/display, and a similar size and shape
- The Lumin U2 has more "shine", dynamics, solidity and is a touch more refined than the A6
- The Eversolo is favored over the iFi Neo Stream, especially as a streaming DAC
- Eversolo proves it can play with Cambridge Audio CXN (V2) in many ways
Takeaway: The Eversolo DMP-A6 is a versatile and user-friendly streamer that delivers great value, and it provides a great streaming experience with its screen. It is a great entry point into high-resolution digital audio and can serve as the center of a modern hifi system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
EverSolo is a newer hifi audio brand that makes affordable, high-performance DACs and streamers. The brand appeals to budget-conscious audiophiles by offering features typically found in more expensive equipment, such as dual AKM4499EX DAC chips and R2R volume control, at more accessible price points.
Product Page
Product Page
iFi
NEO iDSD 2
899
899
/
20
Reviews
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- The NEO iDSD 2 functions as a versatile all-in-one (AIO) solution, working as a DAC, headphone amplifier, and preamplifier
- It has a significantly more powerful amplifier section than its predecessor, making it better at driving a wider range of headphones
- Includes sound-shaping features such as XBass and XSpace, plus selectable digital filters, allowing users to customize the sound
- Comprehensive connectivity options include USB, S/PDIF (coaxial/optical), Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless, and both balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs
Product Considerations
- The amplifier section may not be powerful enough to drive some very power-hungry headphones to their full potential
- The Nexis app only works with a 2.4ghz WiFi signal
- There is a slight click or noise when switching inputs as a pre-amp
- Some reviewers would have preferred the inclusion of the iPower X power adapter instead of the iPower V2, considering the unit's price
- The variable volume output may not save the last used settings
Takeaway: The iFi Audio NEO iDSD 2 combines a high-quality DAC with a significantly improved headphone amplifier, making it a good all-in-one solution for desktop audio. With its wide range of features, solid build quality, and pleasing sound, the NEO iDSD 2 is a worthwhile upgrade.
Video review
Our take on the brand
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Product Page
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What competes at this price?
Bluesound
Node (N130)
349
/
Released
2021
The Bluesound NODE unlocks the world of hi-res music streaming and multi-room audio to create a modern addition to existing HiFi systems or your favorite set of powered speakers. Discover all the music ever recorded with access to hundreds of internet radio stations, dozens of streaming music services, or even your own digital music library, with a few taps of the BluOS Controller app for iOS, Android, or Mac or PC computers.
Bluesound is one of the best entry-level amps if you're looking to dip your toes into hifi. Reviewers love it for what it offers at the price—solid dynamics and tight bass, which is exactly what you expect from good Class D. It’s the go-to pick for people new to hifi since it gives you about 75% of the high-end experience without needing a ton of power. It’s perfect for smaller setups where you want good sound without going all-in on expensive gear.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The BluOS software and ecosystem are excellent, stable, intuitive, and easy to use, offering a wide range of control
- Vast features, including HDMI ARC port, Bluetooth, WIFI, Ethernet, and Airplay 2
- A significantly larger touch control panel that is made of glass with proximity sensors and five handy preset shortcuts
- Supports multiple audio formats like FLAC, WAV, and AIFF
- It is Roon Ready
Product Considerations
- The BluOS app can be counter-intuitive and requires some getting used to
- The new NODE is a valuable update but not significantly better, if a NODE 2i is already owned
- The touch controls require the streamer to be placed at the top of any audio equipment in order for the controls to be accessible
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Bluesound NODE 2i, the new device has a more explicit soundstage with better center fill and extra presence and immediacy—bass is slightly deeper with more thump
- Compared to the Bluesound NODE 2i, usability has improved significantly over its predecessor, with a snappier, easier, and more stable user interface
- Compared to the internal DAC of the McIntosh C47, the DAC of the N130 sounds very similar, with a little bit more focus on the upper end of the frequency range
Takeaway: The Bluesound NODE N130 is a versatile streamer with excellent software that provides a satisfying musical experience. It is easy to use and has enough processing power to satisfy most users.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Bluesound is one of the best entry-level amps if you're looking to dip your toes into hifi. Reviewers love it for what it offers at the price—solid dynamics and tight bass, which is exactly what you expect from good Class D. It’s the go-to pick for people new to hifi since it gives you about 75% of the high-end experience without needing a ton of power. It’s perfect for smaller setups where you want good sound without going all-in on expensive gear.
Product Page
Product Page
Bluesound
Hub
319
/
Released
2021
Streaming audio is more flexible than ever with the HUB. Turn any wired audio device into a multi-room player by adding a HUB to transmit music to one or many Bluesound players around the home, wirelessly. This means you can now stream virtually any audio source, anywhere.
Bluesound is one of the best entry-level amps if you're looking to dip your toes into hifi. Reviewers love it for what it offers at the price—solid dynamics and tight bass, which is exactly what you expect from good Class D. It’s the go-to pick for people new to hifi since it gives you about 75% of the high-end experience without needing a ton of power. It’s perfect for smaller setups where you want good sound without going all-in on expensive gear.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Universal integration with multiple audio sources
- Allows the user to bring physical sources into the ecosystem and, for example, play a turntable in one room and listen to the output in a completely different room
- High-resolution audio support
- Impressive phono stage
- Compact form factor
Product Considerations
- Limited to two simultaneous streams per unit
- Requires BluOS ecosystem for optimal performance
- No XLR inputs for professional equipment
- Wi-Fi sound was not that impressive, wired sound is better
- Some sonic trade-offs for the privilege of having all that flexibility in terms of sources connected to a home network
Takeaway: The Bluesound Hub transforms any wired audio device into a multi-room player, giving unprecedented flexibility in an audio setup, making it a brilliant little digital delivery service. It offers a lot of flexibility, especially when connected with a Blue Sound Node.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Bluesound is one of the best entry-level amps if you're looking to dip your toes into hifi. Reviewers love it for what it offers at the price—solid dynamics and tight bass, which is exactly what you expect from good Class D. It’s the go-to pick for people new to hifi since it gives you about 75% of the high-end experience without needing a ton of power. It’s perfect for smaller setups where you want good sound without going all-in on expensive gear.
Product Page
Product Page
iFi
GO bar
329
/
Released
2022
The GO bar may be the size of a USB stick, but with powerful sound customisation and 10x the output power of your iPhone, it's your portable audio powerhouse - ready for any adventure.
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Comprehensive specifications, aiming to equal or improve upon existing portable DACs
- Features a balanced 4.4mm output and a single-ended 3.5mm headphone output
- High power output, described as the most powerful headphone amp of its size
- Includes XBass+ and XSpace analog processing for sound enhancement
- Supports PCM up to 384kHz, DSD up to 256, and DXD
Product Considerations
- The blue text on the blue chassis is hard to read in almost any lighting condition
- Can be considered chunky compared to other dongle DACs
- Can be noisy and produce audible hiss with sensitive IEMs, though IEMatch can help mitigate this
- High power consumption potentially impacts battery life of the source device
- The digital filters can be tricky to access, according to one review
Takeaway: The iFi Audio GO bar is a powerful and versatile portable DAC/amp that can drive most headphones, providing a clean and detailed sound. It is packed with features and offers good sound quality, making it a great option for enjoying high-resolution music on the go.
Video review
Our take on the brand
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
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Cambridge Audio
DacMagic 200M
399
/
Released
2021
Digital audio files can be packed with incredible musical detail, but they need to be converted to analogue first for you to hear it. And how good it sounds will depend on how well the digital audio from your computer, network player or CD is converted. DacMagic 200M's twin ESS DACs decrease crosstalk and improve separation because there's a DAC dedicated to both left and right channels. These fully balanced, optimised, and efficient signal paths reveal previously hidden glittering musical prizes.
Cambridge Audio pioneered the use of toroidal transformers in power amplifiers, a technology now widely adopted by high-end audio companies. The brand stands out for using premium amplification technology across their product range, from Class A/B amplifiers in their wireless earbuds to Hypex Ncore modules in their EVO series, while maintaining accessible price points between their CX and Edge product lines.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Rich feature set is its ace card
- Presents a very clean, detailed, and dynamically punchy sound
- Tonal smoothness and expansive soundstage
- Balanced and unbalanced outputs, plus a headphone output
Product Considerations
- Front fascia is a wee bit cluttered
- Lacklustre feel of the volume control
- No remote control
- The headphone output is a useful convenience feature, but it doesn't live up to the unit's performance in other areas
- Auto-shut-off feature turns it off after a little while of not being used
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Chord Mojo: Chord edges ahead in performance, delivering even greater subtlety and rhythmic precision, but it can't match the DacMagic 200M's impressive feature versatility
- Vs Schiit Bifrost: Bifrost offers more meat on music's bones, making the DacMagic 200M sound comparatively lighter weight, presenting a skinnier version of the music at hand
- Vs Denafrips ARES II: The DacMagic 200M sounds pale as it does its best to tease out music's kaleidoscope of tone colors
- Vs Audiolab M-DAC+: Rhythmically the DacMagic 200 does a good enough job, it can't compete with the next tier up of DACs costing close to twice its price
- Vs Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital: The sound of the Pro-Ject DAC was not as different from that of the DacMagic
Takeaway: The DacMagic 200M is a feature-rich device with good sound, offering balanced and unbalanced outputs, plus a headphone output. Its versatile feature set makes it a great all-rounder at its price point.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Cambridge Audio pioneered the use of toroidal transformers in power amplifiers, a technology now widely adopted by high-end audio companies. The brand stands out for using premium amplification technology across their product range, from Class A/B amplifiers in their wireless earbuds to Hypex Ncore modules in their EVO series, while maintaining accessible price points between their CX and Edge product lines.
Product Page
Product Page
iFi
GO bar Kensei
449
/
Released
2024
Forged for masters of audio. Like a true Kensei, this GO bar is a skilful master of power and performance. Adorned with K2HD Technology and crafted from Japanese stainless steel, the Kensei represents the pinnacle of our refinement in the GO bar range.
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Detailed, organized, and spacious sound.
- Strong output power for a dongle.
- Premium build quality with tactile Japanese stainless steel.
- Feature-rich with exclusive sound-tuning options, like K2HD processing, XBass, XSpace, and digital filters.
- Improved clocking and circuitry contribute to less background noise, no jitter, and increased audio quality.
Product Considerations
- Treble can sound rather relentless—overstated, hard-edged, and thin.
- The device can get quite warm during use.
- High power draw can drain a mobile phone battery quickly.
- Stainless steel exterior is prone to collecting fingerprints and scratches.
- Controls can be difficult to understand at first, necessitating the manual.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Kensei offers slight improvements in clarity and bass accuracy compared to the original GO Bar, with less warmth in the lower mids.
Takeaway: The iFi GO Bar Kensei is a premium, well-built portable DAC/amp that delivers a detailed and powerful sound experience. It's packed with features and offers a noticeable upgrade for those serious about high-quality mobile hifi listening.
Video review
Our take on the brand
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
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