Meta-review: Bluesound Suite

The Canadian company owned, multi-room wireless speaker brand, Bluesound is sometimes referred to as audiophile version of Sonos with Hi-Res support.

Bluesound

Bluesound is a wireless multi-room system brand under the Canadian company, Lenbrook Group. The Lenbrook group owns NAD Electronics and PSB Speaker brands, which are technologies incorporated in the Bluesound.

The first generation of Bluesound products were released in 2013. Just couple years later, Bluesound Second generation were introduced in August 2015. During these times, Bluesound have won several awards as a multi-room wireless speaker brand including four consecutive years What Hi*Fi best Multiroom system £500+ 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017. Home Theater High Fidelity awarded Best Wireless Speaker System of 2016 and 2017.

In October 2018, the latest/current generation product line Bluesound Gen 2i were introduced. This latest iteration added support for Apple’s AirPlay 2, Qualcomm aptX HD Bluetooth for two-way hi-res streaming as well as HDMI Audio Return Channel on the Soundbar.

PSB Speakers are respected by audiophiles who prefer a flat frequency response curve.

Wikipedia: PSB Speakers

According to the Ranker, PSB Speakers is currently ranked #33.

NAD is known for high quality amplifier. The company was originally founded in London, England, in 1972 and was eventually owned by the Lenbrook Group in 1999.

Sonos sued Bluesound

In June 2019, Sonos sued Bluesound for patent infringement. Sonos have had sued Denon and most recently Google. Although some may worry the future of Bluesound while these type of litigation arises, Denon and Sonos reached settlement in 2018 after 4 years of litigation. HEOS line did not see any change after the settlement (CNET). Denon is planning to release Denon Home speaker series soon, which include built in microphone support, which is seen as direct competitor of Sonos One. So personally, I would not worry about this.

Bluesound suite

The latest iteration, Generation 2i, consists of 3 speakers: Pulse Flex 2i, Pulse Mini 2i, and Pulse 2i. Wireless home theater components: Pulse Soundbar 2i and Pulse Sub. Three wireless stereo/HiFi components: Node 2i, Powernode 2i and Vault 2i.

Hardware

From the hardware stand point of view, Bluesound products are one of the most versatile/robust system. Wireless connection are well covered with a support of both Airplay 2 for Apple users and Bluetooth Apt-X HD for Android users. All Bluesound products, including the first generation, are Roon-Ready.

From the hardware stand point of view, Bluesound products one of the most versatile/robust system.

Unlike other multiroom wireless speaker ecosystems, Bluesound decided to give robust options for wired input connection as well. All speaker units, soundbar and Hifi units have combo Toslink/3.5 mm input and headphone output jack. Pulse Soundbar 2i and Powernode 2i have HDMI with ARC & eARC support.

Hi-Res

Bluesound 2i products supports 24 bits/192kHz Hi-Res audio play. Furthermore, Bluesound is one of the leading company for native MQA format support within its App.

What is MQA?

MQA stands for Master Quality Authenticated. Using pioneering scientific research into how people hear, MQA’s award-winning technology captures and authenticates the sound of the original master recording, and packages it in a file small enough to stream or download.

MQA

Bluetooth

In contrast to Sonos, all Bluesound 2i products support Bluetooth. Other than Pulse Flex 2i, which supports only 4.1 Apt-X, all other 2i products support Hi-Res capable 5.0 Apt-X HD with two-way connectivity. The two way connectivity allows those speakers to act as transmitter of music to bluetooth connected device such as Bluetooth headphone.

Pulse Speakers

Three Pulse speakers are priced Flex 2i ($349), Mini 2i ($549) and Pulse 2i ($899).

The flagship speaker, Pulse 2i ($899), has listed frequency response of 45Hz-20kHz with 65W x 2 Woofer and 10W x 2 Tweeters.

Pulse Soundbar 2i

As stated above, this soundbar supports HDMI Arc and eARC. One design decision Bluesound made is that this soundbar is only 2 channel rather than more common 3 channel soundbar.

Hi-fi Components

Bluesound gives 3 options to connect existing stereo system to Bluesound Wireless Streaming ecosystem. All 3 supports Airplay 2 and 2 way, Bluetooth 5.0 AptX-HD.

	Node 2i	Powernode 2i	Vault 2i
Built in Amp	N	Y	N
USB	Y	Y	Y
Audio Input (TOSLINK/3.5mm)	Y	Y	Y
HDMI (ARC&eARC)	N	Y	N
Audio Output
Analog & Coaxial RCA	Y	N	Y
TOSLINK digital	Y	N	Y
Headphone Stereo Out	Y	Y	Y
Subwoofer RCA	Y	Y	Y
Bluetooth 5.0 aptX HD, 2-way	Y	Y	Y
CD	N	N	Y
Storage (2TB)	N	N	Y
Price (US$)	$549.00	$899.00	$1299.00

Node 2i is a Pre-Amp i.e. no built in Amp; whereas, Powernode 2i has a built in Amp. Additionally, Powernode 2i has a HDMI with eARC.

Vault 2i is a CD ripper as well as Network Attached Storage (NAS) with 2TB of storage.

In fact, these may be the strongest sales point of Bluesound with more stronger than ever rise of competitions in premium standalone wireless speaker market.

As far as wireless streamers and just-add-speakers systems go, you’d be hard pushed to find a sound quality superior to that of the Node 2i or Powernode 2i. Those improvements, along with a family of mostly talented products, has kept Bluesound as an attractive high-end multi-room proposition.

What Hi*Fi? Bluesound Generation 2i multi-room system review

Pulse Sub

Pulse Sub is a subwoofer unit for Bluesound family. Interesting feature here is Bluesound ecosystem allows more than one Pulse Sub link to Soundbar 2i.

You can also pair the PULSE SUB with other Bluesound Generation 2 models with the help of the Bluesound RT100 wireless speaker link (sold separately). 

Bluesound: CONNECTING YOUR PULSE SUB WIRELESSLY

So Pulse Sub can be paired with other Bluesound Speaker to extend bass range but for this, you need $99 optional component.

Accessory

Hardware strength of the Bluesound ecosystem extends beyond typical audio units.

Although wireless speakers are primarily controlled via cellphone, some may prefer convenience of more conventional remote control. Bluesound offers this as an optional accessory purchase and supports all Bluesound Gen 2 and Gen 2i Players.

Pulse Flex 2i has an optional accessory, pulse flex battery pack ($89). This pack allows Pulse Flex to become portable speaker like Sonos Move. Bluesound claims 6 hours of playtime with this rechargeable battery pack.

Another interesting accessory is Wireless Subwoofer Speaker Link RT100 ($99). This unit connects any subwoofer to the Pulse Soundbar wirelessly. Since most Multiroom wireless speaker ecosystem restricts use of subwoofer specific to their brand, this is a rather unique product and proving Bluesound ecosystem flexibility and versatility.

Beyond Bluesound

Bluesound’s ecosystem uses software platform called, BlueOS. Analgous to Denon’s HEOS technology, BlueOS technology is being extended beyond the Bluesound brand. Currently, two other brands use BluOS on their selective devices, NAD and Dali.

NAD Amplifiers

NAD have two premium amplifiers supporting BlueOS platform. Masters M10 and Masters M33 ($4999). The latest, flagship model M33 will be available in March 2020.

Sonos vs. Bluesound Price comparison

In comparison to the Sonos, Bluesound product line have bluetooth support on its all product lines, Aux input, Hi-Res etc. but you will be paying for all these additional features.

Bluesound 2i		Sonos
Flex 2i	$349.00	Sonos SL	$179.00
		Sonos One	$199.00
Mini 2i	$549.00	Sonos Move	$399.00
Pulse 2i	$899.00	Sonos Play 5	$499.00
Pulse Soundbar	$899.00	Sonos Beam	$399.00
		Sonos Playbar	$699.00
		Sonos Playbase	$699.00
Pulse Sub	$649.00	Sonos Sub	$699.00
Node 2i	$549.00	Sonos Port	$449.00
Powernode 2i	$899.00	Sonos Amp	$649.00
Vault 2i	$1299.00

All Bluesound products except bass unit are on average $100-$200 more than Sonos equivalent models.

Aesthetics

Aesthetics preference is subjective. Bluesound product appearance are more in-line with Sonos speakers. These do not look bad at all, but I do not think these are at the level of Naim Mu-So, B&W Formation, or Bang & Olufsen speakers.

Software

Multiroom Audio

Bluesound ecosystem allows up to 16 players in strictly wireless environment and up to 64 players in a strictly wired environment. In another word, most home setup, you will never likely to hit the limit.

In another word, most home setup, you will never likely to hit the limit.

With the BluOS Controller App you can easily control up to 16 multiple Players in a strictly wireless environment in demonstrated practice.  If you want to connect more than 16 players, we strongly recommend you connect the Players to your network using a wired connection.  Bluesound can then control up to 64 Players in a strictly wired environment in demonstrated practice. A wireless connection will still be required for the BluOS App.

How Many Bluesound Players Can I place on My Network?

Stereo Pairing

Just like many of its competitors, Bluesound suite supports stereo pairing setup. All stand-alone speakers can be paired with the same model, which include Flex 2i, Mini 2i, and Pulse 2i.

4.1 Channel Home Theater Setup

Bluesound allows home theater setup with pulse soundbar 2i, a pair of pulse flex 2i and a pulse sub. Pulse soundbar is 2 channel soundbar so this will result in 4.1 setup rather than more conventional 5.1 channel setup.

BlueOS

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Bluesound proprietary software is called BlueOS. BlueOS is a feature rich application. BlueOS currently supports Amazon Music, Deezer, Qobuz, Spotify and Tidal along with several others.

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Furthermore, BlueOS supports several smart home device integration.

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Despite the established, feature rich app, Apple App Store currently has it rated 2.3/5 based on 174 ratings, and Google Play store has 2.7/5 based on 1926 ratings.

The primarily reason why this App is having relatively low rating is due to app’s stability. Unfortunately, BlueOS is not something new, so if they have not yet been able to fix this, you may need to wait a quite bit longer to get actual fix (if ever).

Roon-Ready

If one can afford $119/yr subscription or $699 lifetime license fee of Roon and as long as stream service of your interest is covered, Roon is simply the best app over anything proprietary app including class-leading Sonos App. Here, all Bluesound products including first generation are Roon-ready, which is great for audiophile.

Voice Assistant

• 

• 

Currently, Bluesound product line does not have built-in microphone speaker unit; however, Bluesound products work with Alexa and Google Assistant via the use of Amazon Echo or Google Nest products.

A bit strange approach here is the command requires you to say “ask Bluevoice.”

For example, “Alexa, ask Bluevoice to play popular songs on Tidal in the Living Room.” This is in contrast to “Alexa, play popular songs on Tidal in the Living room” on other Alexa compatible speakers.

Sound Quality

As stated in introduction, Bluesound is considered premium version of Sonos. This is not just because these support Hi-Res audio that Sonos product line currently do not support, it is because the true superior sound quality.

My point of comparison is to my existing Sonos system, and I found the sound quality of the Bluesound superior.

[…]

There’s something magical about the DAC in the Bluesound, as it rendered these CD quality files sounding better than the Sonos or any other music player I’ve had in the same audio system.

I consider the Sonos an excellent music player. The Bluesound is an excellent audiophile quality player

Home Theater HiFi: Bluesound Wireless Music System Review

I listen to everything under the sun on my Sonos system, music-wise, but I favor Tidal and pay for its hi-fi streaming service. With the Pulse 2, I was able to use my Tidal streaming subscription and listen to lossless audio. The difference was dramatic. The Pulse 2 pushed right past the Play:5, establishing an unbeatable lead that was clear on rock, pop, jazz, blues, classical — you name it. 

Business Insider

The overall sound of a Bluesound multiroom system is big and bold, with impressive powers of organisation and timing. There’s punch when you need it, delicate tenderness when required, and a broad understanding of every type and genre in between.

[…]

And if you value the extra detail of an information-heavy hi-res audio file, Bluesound is the obvious multiroom choice.

WIRED: These are the best wireless speakers in 2020

The gains in sonic performance between the last generation and this, while not particularly dramatic, are undeniably effective. The smaller 2i versions still fall just short of the very best of their rivals, but they are undeniably the best of the Bluesound speakers.

What Hi*Fi? Bluesound Generation 2i multi-room system review

Pulse Soundbar

Our only qualm about the Pulse Soundbar 2i is that it lacks the dynamic range, ultimate transparency and precision of class-leading rivals. It isn’t that the performance is entirely bereft in these respects, but there is a looser rhythmic sense and more subdued use of dynamics than we’d like at this price.

What Hi*Fi? Bluesound Generation 2i multi-room system review

Bluesound Node 2i

Bluesound’s representative products are Hi-fi components. These units make existing Hi-fi system to wireless multiroom speaker. In another word, you need to invest on Hi-fi system on its own. But if you do/did, Bluesound may be one of the very best choice to make these system into part of wireless multiroom speaker ecosystem.

There is greater life to the performance as well; the Node 2i shows not only an increased level of expression but also enthusiasm. Its considerable bass weight, while always supporting a full-bodied midrange, now also adds kick and drives forward proceedings.

[…]

As far as sub-£500 wireless streamers go – whether incorporated into a Bluesound multi-room system or not – you almost certainly won’t achieve sound quality superior to that of the Node 2i.

5/5 Stars

What Hi*Fi? Bluesound Node 2i review

AV forums gave Best in Class Award with 9/10 scores.

This is a brilliant product that does everything you could reasonably ask of it and more and if you are looking to spend under a £1,000 on a network streamer, the Node 2i has to be seen as the Best in Class. 

avforums: Bluesound Node 2i Network Audio Player Review

Powernode 2i

Node 2i’s bigger brother with built in amp, Powernode 2i is again represents Bluesound product line.

If the Award-winning Naim Uniti Atom ($3189) is out of reach, Bluesound has come to the rescue with another one-box product that refuses to compromise in any single area, representing another superb all-rounder on a smaller budget.

Not only a multi-room component, the Powernode 2i is the best just-add-speakers system you can get for this kind of money

What Hi*Fi? Bluesound Powernode 2i Review

Conclusion

Bluesound suite can be considered as an audiophile grade or Hi-Res supporting Sonos. This is one of the greatest compliment in wireless multiroom speaker world. Every comparable product in Bluesound line are usually $100-$200 more expensive than Sonos counterpart but still cheaper than B&W Formation or Naim Suites. The price difference considering how much additional features and improved sound quality you gain compared to Sonos, I consider it is well worth the cost for those serious about wireless multiroom audio.

Especially, Bluesound Hi-fi components are class-leading. So if you are on the market primarily to make existing premium Hi-fi system to wireless, multiroom ready product, Bluesound Hi-Fi components must be the serious consideration.

BlueOS is a feature-rich but currently appear to lack stability. However, all Bluesound products are Roon Ready so if you are willing to pay for the Roon service, BlueOS may become irrelevant.

From Hardware perspective, Bluesound product line are one of the most versatile units. One design decision; however, made by Bluesound is to keep their soundbar 2 channel rather than conventional 3 channel despite current generation being the third iteration of its product line; hence, hometheater setup is limited to 4.1.