Music distribution sounds even better. Greatly evolved HDMI-equipped small player "NODE"

Enhanced circuit configuration such as DAC chip. HDMI terminal has also been added

First, let's sort out the changes.

In this model change, upgrading the DAC circuit is the biggest topic in terms of sound quality. Both models have a single DAC differential output to improve SN and distortion at once. In NODE, the DAC chip itself has also been upgraded from "PCM5122" to the higher "PCM5242", and SN will improve by itself, but it seems that changing to a differential configuration will contribute more to sound quality improvement. ..

Both NODE and POWER NODE have a differential 2-pair configuration within a single DAC, but compact NODE requires special ingenuity in board design.

Since we are also adding an HDMI input to NODE this time, it is essential to change the board and add parts, and the price has risen slightly. HDMI is mainly used to receive the audio output of a TV in PCM and connect it to an audio system such as an amplifier. POWER NODE with a built-in amplifier has traditionally had an HDMI terminal, but it seems that there was a strong demand for NODE to have the same equipment.

The back of NODE.The back of POWER NODE with a new HDMI input (eARC compatible)

The ARM processor that runs the basic software has been strengthened from the conventional single core (1GHz) to a quad core (1.8GHz), gaining about 8 times the CPU performance and greatly improving the operating speed, while preparing for future function expansion. ing. The enhancement of the CPU also affects the operation response of the application, so it seems that usability can be expected to improve.

NODE has coaxial and optical digital outputs like the previous work, but after updating the firmware, it will be possible to extract signals from USB as well. This audition overlapped during the year-end and New Year holidays, but it seems that the update was done immediately after installation, and it became possible to perform high-resolution playback using an external USB DAC for both streaming and NAS network playback. The details will be introduced later in the article.

Satin White Satin Black

The change in appearance is modest compared to the evolution of the contents.

At first, you can't tell even if you squint, but you will notice that the display on the top panel is clean when it is in operation. The heat dissipation holes that were previously arranged so as to surround the operation panel have been reduced to a minimum, and a horizontally long slider for volume adjustment has been introduced to the touch operation panel that has become larger by that amount. You can make fine adjustments in 3 dB steps when operating the slider, and in 1 dB steps by touching the left and right buttons.

Touch operation panel on the top. Comparison with the conventional model "NODE 2i" (left) where the "white dot" at the top is a preset button.The size of the operation panel has been increased, and the heat dissipation holes have become less noticeable.

Five preset buttons are lined up on the rear side of the operation panel, and various inputs and playlists can be freely assigned using the app. These operation units have a mechanism that the proximity sensor reacts and emerges when you bring your hand close to it, and it is very simple as the small blue ring-shaped LED is shining during playback and stop except during operation.

You can adjust the brightness of the indicator and the proximity sensor by using the app that the sensor reacts when you bring your hand close and the indicator lights up.

The lighting time of the operation keys can be adjusted with the BluOS app. In addition, it seems that the finish has changed to satin paint, but if it is white, the difference from the conventional model is not so noticeable. In any case, it's an exceptionally simple and stylish audio device, and I think it's a design that you won't get tired of.

Like the previous model, it does not come with a remote control, but if you purchase the optional infrared remote control, you will be able to use a total of 10 presets. If you register your favorite album or Internet radio song, you can call it with one touch without touching the main unit, so it seems worth considering if you use the preset function a lot.

Optional infrared remote control.Color is black only

The remote control has a power button, but the NODE series does not have a power button. Press and hold the play / pause key to enter vacation mode, but the manufacturer does not recommend using this mode regularly due to the increased load on the power circuit. With this model change, the display has been minimized, so even if the power is on, it doesn't bother the appearance. In addition, if it is idle for 15 minutes or more, it will automatically enter the power saving mode.

Below the blue LED on the front, there is a stereo mini headphone jack, and you can adjust the volume with a slider or app even during digital output or analog fixed output. Since the sound quality improvement extends to the headphone output, I will also introduce the result of listening and comparing with NODE 2i.

It also features a compact housing. The external dimensions of NODE are 220 x 146 x 46 mm (width x depth x height). Weight is 1.09kg