Bluesound B160S – Networked Streaming Stereo Amplifier with BluOS

Product Overview

The Bluesound Professional B160S is a compact networked streaming stereo amplifier that combines a BluOS network music player with a HybridDigital 2 × 60W amplifier section in a versatile, non-rack form factor built for commercial AV installations. Like the B170S, it can be mounted vertically, horizontally, under shelves, on walls, or rack-mounted — up to six units in a single 3U space using the optional RM160 rack shelf. The B160S is well-suited for small to medium commercial spaces where a self-contained per-zone streaming amplifier simplifies the system architecture and reduces rack footprint. It supports all major commercial music services and integrates with leading control systems.

Product Description

The B160S streams from SoundMachine, Custom Channels, QSIC, SiriusXM for Business, Tunify, Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, and internet radio via wired gigabit ethernet. Hi-res audio up to 192kHz/24-bit and MQA content are supported. A USB input provides local playback from connected storage drives. The HybridDigital amplifier section delivers 2 × 60W into 8Ω with thermostatic fan cooling ensuring reliable operation in commercial rack and AV cabinet environments. Standby mode drops power consumption to 6W, suitable for always-on commercial deployments.

Control is via the BluOS Controller app on iOS, Android, Mac, or Windows, or through third-party systems including Control4, Crestron, RTI, URC, ELAN, and Lutron. The optional CP100 wall-mount control panel gives local staff volume and preset control without a mobile device. The B160S operates independently per zone or groups with other BluOS devices on the network — including the B400S, B170S, and the full BSP speaker series.

Key Features

• Integrated Streamer and Amplifier — Combines BluOS network music player and 2 × 60W stereo amplifier in one unit, eliminating a separate streaming source per zone.
• HybridDigital Amplification — Provides 2 × 60W into 8Ω with energy-efficient HybridDigital technology and thermostatic fan cooling for reliable continuous commercial operation.
• Flexible Mounting — Mounts vertically, horizontally, on walls, under shelves, or in a 19-inch rack (up to six in 3U with the optional RM160 shelf).
• Commercial Streaming Services — SoundMachine, Custom Channels, QSIC, SiriusXM for Business, and Tunify supported natively alongside Spotify, Tidal, and Qobuz.
• Hi-Res Audio to 192kHz/24-bit — Streams FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, MQA, and compressed formats from local network storage or cloud services via gigabit ethernet.
• USB Local Playback — Type-A USB port enables playback from FAT32-formatted USB drives, supporting offline music content without network dependency.
• 6W Standby Mode — Energy-efficient standby meets commercial building power management requirements while keeping the unit network-ready.
• Third-Party Control Integration — Control4, Crestron, RTI, URC, ELAN, and Lutron integration supported for automated commercial AV systems.

Typical Applications

• Single-zone streaming amplifier for retail stores, cafes, and restaurant zones
• Multi-zone rack systems using the RM160 shelf (up to 6 zones per 3U)
• Conference rooms and boardrooms needing combined streaming and amplification
• Hospitality spaces — hotel rooms, spa areas, and bar/lounge zones
• Corporate huddle rooms and small meeting spaces
• House of worship auxiliary zone amplification

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the B160S and the B170S?

The B170S provides higher power output (2 × 80W vs 2 × 60W), adds support for 70V/100V constant-voltage speaker systems, and includes a dedicated balanced subwoofer output. The B160S is suited for low-impedance speaker systems in smaller spaces where 60W per channel is sufficient. Both share the same form factor and rack-mount compatibility with the RM160 shelf.

How many B160S units can share a single rack shelf?

Up to six B160S units mount side-by-side in a single 3U rack space using the optional RM160 rack shelf, creating a 12-channel streaming amplifier system in minimal rack space.

Does the B160S support 70V or 100V speaker systems?

No. The B160S provides low-impedance 8Ω outputs only. For 70V/100V constant-voltage installations, the B170S is the appropriate choice.

Can the B160S play content without an active internet connection?

Yes. The B160S can play audio from locally connected USB drives or from network-attached storage (NAS) devices on the local network without requiring an internet connection.

What is the warranty on the B160S?

Bluesound Professional products are backed by a manufacturer warranty. Contact Creation Networks at creationnetworks.net for current warranty terms.