Enhanced circuit configuration such as DAC chips.HDMI terminals have also been added
First, let's organize the changes.
In this model change, upgrading the DAC circuit is the biggest topic in terms of sound quality.Both models have improved SN and distortion at a stretch due to differential output of single DAC.In Node, the DAC chip itself has been upgraded from "PCM5122" to the top "PCM5242", which improves SN alone, but it seems that changing to a differential configuration will contribute to sound quality improvement.。
Both Node and PowerNode have a two -pair configuration in the single DAC, but in a compact node, the substrate design is particularly required.
This time, since the HDMI input has been added to the node, changing the board and adding parts is essential, and the price has risen slightly.HDMI receives the audio output of the TV on a PCM, and is mainly used to connect the audio system such as amplifier.The built -in PowerNode has previously had an HDMI terminal, but Node may have been seeking the same equipment.
NODEの背面。新たにHDMI入力(eARC対応)が追加されたPOWERNODEの背面The ARM processor that runs the basic software is a quad core (1 GHz) from the conventional single core (1GHz)..It has been enhanced to 8GHz), gaining about 8 times the CPU performance, and greatly improving the operation speed, and also has the future function expansion.The enhancement of the CPU also affects the operation response of the application, so it can be expected to improve usability.
Node has a coaxial and digital output of light as in the previous work, but after updating the firmware, it will be able to extract signals from USB.Although this audition coincided with the year -end and New Year holidays, it seems that the update was performed immediately after the installation, and it was possible to play high -resolution using external USB DACs on both streaming and NAS network playback.The details will be introduced in the latter half of the article.
サテン・ホワイトサテン・ブラックChanges in appearance are modest compared to the evolution of the contents.
At first, I don't know even if I look closely, but I notice that the top panel display is clear in the operation state.In the past, the heat dissipation hole that had been placed around the operation panel was minimized, and a horizontally long volume adjustment slider was introduced on the touch operation panel that became larger by that much.When the slider is operated, you can adjust the 3dB step and the left and right buttons to make fine adjustments in the 1DB step.
天面のタッチ操作パネル。上部の“白い点”がプリセットボタンになっている従来機「NODE 2i」(左)との比較。操作パネルがサイズアップし、放熱孔が目立たなくなったFive preset buttons are arranged on the rear side of the operation panel, and the application can be used to freely assign various inputs and playlists.These operating parts are mechanisms in which the proximity sensor reacts when the hands are approached, and it has become very simple, just as a small blue ring -shaped LED shining during playback and stopping except during the operation.
手を近付けるとセンサーが反応し、インジケーターが光るアプリを使えば、インジケーターの明るさや近接センサーの調整が行なえるThe lighting time of the operation key can be adjusted with the Bluos app.In addition, the finish seems to have changed to satin painting, but if it is white, the difference from the conventional machine is not very noticeable.In any case, I think it's an unusual, stylish, and tiring design that is unusually simple and stylish for audio devices.
Like the conventional machine, a remote control is not included, but if you purchase an 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 those who use the preset function are likely to be considered.
オプションの赤外線リモコン。カラーはブラックのみThe remote control has a power button, but the body of the node series does not have a power button.If you press and hold the playback/pause key, you will enter the vacation mode, but the regular use of this mode is not recommended by the manufacturer because the load on the power supply circuit will increase.The display was minimized in this model change, so even if the power was turned on, I was not bothered by the appearance.In addition, if it is an idle state for more than 15 minutes, it will automatically enter power saving mode.
Below the blue LED on the front is a stereo mini -specification headphone terminal, which can be adjusted with sliders and apps even when digital output or analog fixed output.The sound quality improvement extends to the headphone output, so let's introduce the results of comparing it with node 2i.
コンパクトな筐体も特徴。NODEの外形寸法は、220×146×46mm(幅×奥行き×高さ)。重量は1.09kg