Bluesound multiroom audio systems are the ultimate in modern listening. They have their own ecosystem powered by the BluOS controller app. In this way, any BLuOS-enabled device can communicate with any other so-equipped device. All this is done using your home network. Moreover, up to 64 players can connect and be directed to any room.
Bluesound is a high-end audiophile company. They have, a spare-no-expense, ethos when it comes to the best integration of innovative technologies. The players can use just about any format including hi-res codecs as well as MP3s. They will also stream MQA or Master Quality Assured studio files. It is best to stick with one eco-system when choosing a multiroom system, and Bluesound are one of the best.
One device to rule them all.
Bluesound brings all of your music together in one app. You may stream internet radio or files from a CD library that you love. Moreover, Bluesound gives you instant access to millions of songs online. One smart device controls it all. In the past, digital audio was convenient but the quality was not there. Now we have 24 Bit audio and hi-res audio files. Portable players gave a new way of listening to music but the soul was missing.
Now you can hear the true detail, texture and volume of the music, wherever you are in the house. Bluesound make a range of Audiophile speakers that will rock your world. Bluesound, with their cutting edge digital platform, will transform how you listen to music
What is Multiroom sound?
If you are used to separate components and are scratching your head about what multiroom sound is. Here is a guide.
Multiroom audio describes a network of devices, speakers, amplifiers, soundbars and AV receivers that allow you to play music in any room. The key is that you can control everything from one place. This is usually by using an App. on a Smartphone or tablet. Nowadays most devices are connected to each other via your home network using WiFi. You can also connect Bluetooth devices to most smart-speakers and Streaming amplifiers. Even hi-end systems such as Bluesound are connected in this way.
The other issue is where is your music stored? All of the sources mentioned can have their output sent to any room. CD’s can be played via a normal CD player, as can vinyl. You can also play ripped files or MP3’s via a USB connected storage device. However modern streaming comes into it’s own when you use an online service such as Spotify or Tidal. There are now a range of hi-res streaming services that offer studio quality playback. In this way there is no compromise in sound quality when using a multiroom system.
The Bluesound range.
The POWERNODE EDGE streaming amplifier
We will take a look at smart speakers a little later. First, lets see how you can create a streaming system with you existing passive speakers.
The POWERNODE EDGE is a great entry point that combines streaming with control and amplification all in one place. Audiophile components are used along with a DAC capable of decoding 24 bits/192 kHz hi-res audio. Control is simple with the BlueOS app. There is a 40W per channel amplifier as well as a Quad-Core 1.8GHz ARM® Cortex A53 Processor. This gives plenty of grunt for decoding MQA files.
The Bluesound Vault network storage and CD ripper.
As mentioned earlier if you have a large CD collection, the Vault is the perfect add on. The Vault has a massive 2TB drive as well as a built in CD ripper. Store all of your music in one place and stream it to your multiroom system. You can rip bit perfect hi-res files and then store your CD collection in a safe place. There is also a USB port so you can transfer existing files. Moreover, the Vault has the same form factor as the POWERNODE EDGE amplifier.
What are smart speakers?
Smart speakers are essentially three things in one, a speaker, an amplifier and a DAC. Some also have a built in battery for portable use. Bluesound have a range of four smart speakers of varying sizes. the smallest being the PULSE FLEX 2i.
This is a versatile hi-res speaker that can also be used as a stereo pair. It is a Bluetooth speaker so can easily connect to your Smartphone. There is also an optional rechargeable battery pack so that you can take this amazing sounding speaker to the park.
Next in the range is the PULSE M. This is a cylindrical speaker with an up-firing woofer and two tweeters. It can be listened to at virtually any angle. this is a powerful and great sounding speaker with a dual amp of 50 W for the woofer and 15 W for the tweeters. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are built in.
Next is the PULSE MINI 2i, if you are short of space. The PULSE MINI delivers rich and detailed sound, and can easily fit into any room. It is also hi-res capable. Moreover, the Mini has an innovative dual acoustic chamber for size-defying performance. The bass is deep and free from distortion.
Finally, perhaps the ultimate smart speaker is the Bluesound PULSE 2i.
This smart speaker can fill large spaces with quality sound. Moreover, It is the best featured speaker in the range with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The Pulse 2i is also a stereo speaker with different sound modes including wide and dialogue. This mode is great for audio books.
The 2i has an enhanced 150w class D amplifier and the twin woofer units deliver deep bass with no distortion. The blazing-fast ARM Cortex A9 processor ensures you get no skips or dropouts even with MQA files.
PULSE SOUNDBAR+
Bluesound also make a soundbar for use under your flat screen TV. The soundbar is Dolby Atmos equipped for 3D sound. Become part of the action with the soundbar and the PULSE SUB+ subwoofer. You can also add a pair of rear speakers. For example the PULSE FLEX. This would then give you a wireless surround sound system. You can also use the soundbar to stream music and your CD library.
View the full Bluesound range.