All-in-One (Streamer/DAC/Amp) - Powernode vs WiiM amps


I am looking for a small room setup, with Sonus faber Lumina II Amator speakers, to be driven by an all-in-one streamer, dac and amp. Is the Bluesound Powernode relevant any more? It’s been out for 4-5 years now. The WiiM amps (and pro) have gotten rave reviews and have tons more features. Does that render the Bluesound Powernode redundant at this point?

 

Is there anyone who switched from Powernode to the WiiM amps? Or to any other all-in-one system? I am looking to spend $1K, max. Thank you. 

nathandfwacoustics

My suggestion as per your budget would be this beauty!
https://www.marantz.com/en-us/product/amplifiers/model-m1/300836.html?srsltid=AfmBOopK1Pv9GBNFVH-cxCWyoKQVIgeBs0SHckwDbYi4X53amQyX-aFR#specifications
The power node doesn’t have a 4ohm rating so that is not an option. 
The WIIM does have a nice 4ohm rate. It doubles up from 8ohm. This would be my choice for sure for those speakers, If the budget is low. Am definitely a fan of this guys stuff. 
 

@gkelly - this one apparently has way too many bugs (Marantz acknowledged, too). Although if it works, it sounds great, according to many users. 

Bluesound has an appreciable array of different products.  I believe the SQ and functionality are very good.

Wiim Ultra is going to be hard to beat ... 

You might buy both at Amazon and return the loser.

+1 Wiim BUT there are choices bet. Wiim Amp vs Wiim Amp Pro. Sorry about double posting if you were aware of the following differences.

- Pro has 10dB higher THD+N ratio than non-Pro (higher is better);

- Pro has incorp. PFFB (Post filter feedback) tech which takes care of 8-ohm load dependency issue;

- Both support 4 ohm load with almost 100% amp. efficiency; 

- Non-Pro has Airplay 2 support while Pro does not; and

- Pro is $80 more expensive than Non-Pro (listed at $300 but you could often find like new used for less)

Anyway, Pro does sound a bit better (according to some reviewer) but if you could not live without Airplay, Non-Pro version will be the choice.

 

I have the Auralic Polaris all in 1 for a second system, much better than the bluesound, not sure about the other. Auralic makes very nice equipment. I’ve had large Usher speakers hooked up to it with no issues.

PowerNode2 superseded the original, so it has been updated. Its output rating is “load invariant” so same at 4and 8 ohms…it will drive 4 ohms fine if you’re not expecting it to behave like a Krell. WiiM provides a great feature set at a very good price. If you aren’t already committed to the BluOS environment, it’s hard to argue that the PN2 is really comparable value. Bluesound products are more heavily marked up to allow dealers some margin, more than WiiM. 

Just a heads-up -- WiiM has announced they will be releasing the Amp Ultra which will combine their Ultra streamer and their Vibelink amp in a single case.  It should be available third quarter 2025.  This should be a really attractive option if you are really looking to minimize your electronic footprint.

You don't mention what service you use, but I run a Rotel A11 in a small room with a Chromecast puck into the optical input for Roon playback. It sounds shockingly good at low levels, although that could be due to my speakers (Dali Oberon 1). Anyway, a cheap streamer could be a worthy alternative to a cheap all in one integrated.

Sorry I don’t have any real experience with WiiM, but I do with Bluesound and their products have always been mechanically reliable and the company has always been proactive on the software side.

My 2cents.