Despite the lingering love for physical formats like vinyl and CDs, it’s clear that streaming online is how most of us pay attention to music these days.
Being able to wirelessly stream music into your home audio system is an incredibly convenient and flexible way to listen, whether it’s a popular music streaming service like Tidal or Apple Music, or their high-resolution virtual downloads or copies. of locally stored CDs. For music lovers and audiophiles who need to provide their virtual music library with the most productive sound quality imaginable, a network audio player or dedicated music streamer is an indispensable source in their hi-fi formula. .
There are more options than ever when it comes to music streaming, with more compact and budget-friendly models from WiiM and Cambridge Audio joining the high-end models from Arcam, Naim, and Linn, all provided with the latest generation of streaming and the highest specs to satisfy. all. Array But which network transmitter is the most productive choice for you?The most productive models will feature all popular streaming methods, from Wi-Fi/Ethernet streaming to Tidal Connect and Bluetooth, and will be able to play high-resolution files with the maximum solution you need. In addition to perfect sound quality, smart music streamers deserve to have a solid connection and be easy to use, especially when multiple streaming options are combined.
All of the music streamers on this list have been thoroughly tested by What Hi-Fi?’s team of expert reviewers. In our dedicated listening rooms, our recommendations contained in this consultant are the result of authentic internal testing. You can learn more about our music streamer testing process or scroll down to see the top streamer we reviewed for each and every budget.
The tiny, horny MXN10 delivers impressive, engaging sound and impressive specs at an affordable price.
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This incredibly cost-effective box brings music streaming to the masses as it comes with a massive price tag.
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The CXN100 is a stylish and feature-rich transmitter that offers enhanced functionality in terms of clarity, refinement, precision and openness.
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There may not be much to look at, but Naim’s ND5 XS 2 focuses on premium sound rather than aesthetics. This one is worth every penny.
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A compelling proposition for those who like to keep things physical from time to time, the Technics SL-G700M2 is a well-designed, high-performance unit that looks to the long term but also addresses the past.
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Anyone looking to unlock the future of their headphones, think seriously about it.
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The Klimax DSM AV represents the ultimate in streaming sound quality, with a price to match.
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I’m the audio and hi-fi editor of What Hi-Fi?And I’ve been looking for audio and hi-fi products for almost a decade. When I review and present the most productive network music streamers, I appreciate the seamless sound functionality and the look to enjoy elegant delight as I contemplate the many streaming strategies and music that those multitasking products have to combine. During verification, I place special emphasis on the usability of the transmitter and the accompanying app, and I make sure that there are no Wi-Fi drops or issues during streaming. My most sensible picks on this list range from the most affordable to the high-end, and they all passed those very important checks to deliver the best functionality expected at their price.
Our opinion:
Until we reviewed the WiiM Pro Plus (below), the Cambridge Audio MXN10 was the most affordable music streamer to pass our test rooms. It still remains great value, however, and delivers so much performance out of its dinky stature, for what we think is still an affordable, entry-level price tag to the world of music streaming. The strikingly minimalist streamer doesn’t come with a remote, nor are many physical connections on the back – an RCA line level analogue output, one coaxial and one optical are all you get – yet this tiny titan still offers everything you need by delivering truly five-star levels of performance.
Controlled via Cambridge Audio’s StreamMagic app, the MXN10 hosts a host of streaming strategies and services, adding Google Chromecast, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal, Deezer, Qobuz and internet radio, as well as Bluetooth 5. 0 and stored file playback. elsewhere on your local network. It’s very easy to use.
Effectively encompassing the functionality of its big brother CXN (V2) on a smaller scale (in length and price), the MXN10 inspired us by bringing much of that musical team spirit and that rhythmic, dynamic prowess we love so much about the CXN. Compared to rival Bluesound Node (2021), the MXN10 adds a new layer of dynamic expression and rhythmic agility that feels more original than the original song. The breadth and authority are impressive for such a small device, while the tone and texture of the tools stand out with a wonderful amount of detail. It is balanced and energetic, and it adapts to all the musical genres we play through it.
If you’re on a tight budget and have a small space, but need incredible high-fidelity functionality than the WiiM, this MXN10 has the sonic wherewithal and is an impressive piece of equipment for this still relatively affordable price.
Read the full Cambridge Audio MXN10 review
Our opinion:
The WiiM Pro Plus costs less than a fraction of the value of the budget music streamers we’ve reviewed in the past (see Cambridge Audio MXN10, above), and this incredibly affordable little unit inspired us so much that we knew it deserved a 2023. Hi-Fi system? Awarded when we first reviewed it.
It’s as feature-packed as any of its more expensive alternatives, with AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, and Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections available. The WiiM app is the crowning glory: setup is quick and easy. Everything makes sense and its ease of use will conquer many. Through the app, you have access to all other streaming and music apps stored on the same network. It also has line-level RCA, coaxial and optical connections, and can handle virtual audio files with up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512 resolution. This is more flexible than we expected at the end of this budget.
It’s ideal for adding transmission power smoothly and cost-effectively to an older hi-fi formula, but it can also be used to create a multi-room formula with an existing kit.
In terms of audio quality, the Pro Plus offers clear, detailed, and even quite dynamic sound. Feed it high-quality source files and be rewarded with a giant soundstage with tools, all conveyed in a safe and self-confident way. Voices gain advantages from this quality, as the media is full of character, attitude, and emotion. It’s not as muscular or richly textured as its more beloved alternatives, but there’s plenty of attack that keeps a song’s herbal rhythm going. In fact, we enjoy every minute of it.
A new WiiM Ultra is launching at High End Munich 2024 that adds a touchscreen, more connectivity options and a new DAC chip, but it’s more expensive at $329 / AU$599 and we’ve yet to review this updated model. Additionally, the Pro Plus is a well-executed, easy-to-use, full-sounding, and feature-packed transmitter. For its price, you can’t ask for more.
Read the full WiiM Pro Plus review
Our opinion:
Keeping up with an illustrious and much-loved product like the award-winning Cambridge Audio CXN (V2) Hall of Fame is no simple task, but the new CXN100 does it in style. Cleverly (or conservatively, depending on your point of view) it keeps the same design and many of the same features, but the innards of the new style have been completely redesigned and updated.
It now has the newer StreamMagic Gen four module (the same one used in the previous MXN10) and a new 32-bit ESS DAC chip, meaning the CXN100 is smarter and has better specs than before. Newer, more effective parts have also been used. CXN Circuits. The list of streaming features is long: you can stream from your local NAS storage, from popular music streaming services, and with all available streaming and playback strategies (including stressed connectivity).
But it’s the CXN100’s sound quality that really does the talking here: it makes huge strides in terms of clarity, precision and openness. It’s bold and spacious sounding and is more articulate and subtle than the outgoing CXN (V2) in many areas. A sleeker presentation means the CXN100 excels in terms of attack and agility, with sharp edges to notes that deliver crisp detail. We’re missing a touch of that richness and warmth on the old CXN (V2) that made listening relaxing; The more affordable and smaller MXN10 has that natural warmth for vocals, but it can’t compete with the CXN100’s new degrees of precision and space.
Feed it high-resolution recordings and pair it with a similarly capable amplifier and speakers, and the new CXN100 performs admirably.
Our opinion:
The award-winning ND5 XS 2 might be an entry-level device by Naim’s standards, but the sound it produces isn’t. With a decent break-in time (it can take a few months for Naim products to catch up), its incredibly detailed, dynamic, and expressive sound makes it exciting to pay attention to.
We said in our review: “The tone is even, with the ability to delve into the low frequencies with ease and set them off with rich, insightful mids and highs. It has the neutrality needed to paint a fair picture of a song, refusing to force it. ” his own presentation just to catch the listener’s ear.
This neutrality speaks to the quality of the transmitter at this maximum price. The Naim sounds balanced regardless of the quality or genre of the source, and handles rhythmic patterns with a kind of maturity and ease that less demanding streamers can dream of. A song’s dynamic ebbs and flows are as dramatic as they are subtle, while the emotion of ballads is conveyed with admirable degrees of insight, combined through the tracks’ incredibly fun, snappy, and fast-paced hip-hop beats.
But it’s not just a question of sound. The ND5 XS 2 is also packed with features and capabilities to meet all your streaming needs. They come with Chromecast, Apple AirPlay, Spotify Connect, and Tidal, as well as UPnP support so you can stream from any connected storage, and there’s support for plenty of physical connections, too. It also supports up to 32-bit/384kHz files stored on an external NAS or PC connected to the same network.
The only thing missing is a screen, but it is not essential; you use Naim’s own app (now renamed Focal app)
Read the full Naim ND5 XS 2 review
Our opinion:
Do you combine physical media playback with wireless music streaming?This CD/SACD player with the intelligence of network audio streaming is a product of the 21st century. The Technics SL-G700M2 is a flexible virtual power supply that builds on its five-star predecessor, providing a wealth of virtual connectivity as well as a host of streaming options.
The SL-G700M2 remains a superbly designed body, with precision and a silky smooth disc tray – the quality of compatibility and finish is among the most productive we’ve noted at this level. A few shortcomings remain from the past first generation, namely that the streaming application software is rarely the most productive we’ve noticed, but it still gets the job done.
The M2 edition adds a new USB Type-B input and a new DAC, replacing the old AKM AK4497 with an ESS ES9026PRO chip. This upgrade was due to strength issues with the original chip, but the integration of the new DAC resulted in a redesign of the virtual board and an excuse to run even harder, as well as upgrade the formula power supply.
And we’re glad they did. This Technics streamer sounds excellent. His delivery is clear, detailed and insightful, managing to organize musical data in a coherent and entertaining way. Its main objective lies in the distribution of music in a balanced way, regardless of genre or source. Bold and authoritarian when the situation warrants it; Delicate when necessary. This same character is provided on all virtual inputs and when used as a standalone DAC; It can also be used with a wide variety of association kits.
Musically engaging and versatile, this Technics SL-G700 is a high-performance streamer and CD player that covers all the bases while still being entertaining. Yes, it is imaginable to get better sound with a separate setup, but this well-designed combination is difficult. to outperform on this value point.
Read the full Technics SL-G700M2 review
Our opinion:
Uniti Atom Headphone Edition is a headphone-based edition of Uniti Atom, What Hi-Fi? The award-winning Uniti offers a variety of streaming systems with additional speakers, and like its predecessor, this edition is packed with smart streaming features and connections.
Although the new Atom has been designed with headphone users in mind, it can of course also be used as a streaming preamp, connected to a force amplifier or a pair of active speakers.
At the center is Naim’s streaming platform, a gateway to streaming services (such as Qobuz, Tidal, and Spotify), web radio, and DLNA playback, while for AirPlay 2, Chromecast is integrated and Roon leverages this streaming know-how. Analog and virtual attachments, adding USB, coaxial, optical, RCA, and phono, are also integrated to connect more sources.
In terms of sound, the Headphone Edition has all the features expected from the Atom, characterized by impressive vision, dynamism and musicality, but its presentation is even more complicated and open, with greater separation of tools and very good degrees of detail.
It’s a little more specialized than most of the streamers on this list, but anyone can unlock the possibility of a high-end pair of headphones with a multifaceted streaming formula, whether to use them alone as an office centerpiece or to slide around. . in an existing transmission formula too. -fi, then that may be ideal.
Read the full Naim Uniti Atom Headphone Edition review
Our opinion:
The Linn Klimax DSM AV is priced to put it out of reach for most people, and with that ultra-premium charging comes high expectations. But Linn’s newest not only has an impeccable design, but also offers a lot of sonic perception, clarity, and dynamic expression, not to mention a point of organization and transparency that will take your breath away. In fact, it lives up to its premium price as well as its ambitious design.
There are 3 variants of the Klimax DSM, the AV edition here has 4 HDMI 2. 0 sockets and a single output supplied with e-ARC for this already extensive list of features. Specify the optional surround sound module for an additional £1,200 ($1,560/AU$2,395) and it can decode all existing movie sound formats, unless Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. However, if you want to go the surround sound route, you want to invest heavily in the Linn ecosystem, employing a full active 7. 1 configuration that employs the DSM. Stereo analog outputs and Exakt connections for a hybrid passive/active setup.
You can access music on your home network from a NAS storage drive or stream Tidal, Qobuz, or Spotify Connect. There’s also Bluetooth (version 4. 2) and AirPlay connectivity and can double as a Roon endpoint.
Rather than being a transmitter, the DSM is more of a broadcast preamplifier. In addition to a multitude of HDMI inputs, it has a USB Type B, an optical and a pair of coaxials (in BNC form) and analog equivalents in balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA (x2)Array
The highlight of this generation is the arrival of the Organik virtual analog circuit, Linn’s first in-house DAC design that evolved from the first principles of the company’s three decades of virtual expertise.
The result? This is an exceptional product that raises the benchmark in the premium streamer category. If you have the budget and formula to host this Linn streamer, we salute your fortune and strongly encourage you to take the plunge.
Audiolab 9000N: Audiolab’s new flagship transmitter inspired us tremendously. It runs on the high-end streaming platform Lumin and is a modern and complicated artist. The 9000N focuses on knowledge and precision, to reveal the subtleties of detail and dynamics while still being composed with more complex music. Its tonal neutrality is praiseworthy and may be enough to annoy the leaders of its category like the Naim ND5 XS 2 on this list.
Eversolo DMP-A6: We can’t praise this newcomer enough for its elegant interface and overall design. Whether you use the intuitive and organized smartphone app or the touch screen (which is large, colorful and sharp), the DMP-A6 is responsive and pleasant to use. It has a multitude of streaming capabilities, a variety of connections and even has built-in storage. Although it may benefit from more herbal warmth and more wonderful subtlety, it sounds clear, forged and forceful – a wonderful choice for leaders of elegance.
Bluesound Node (2021): A former award winner, this compact case offers plenty of streaming features and exciting sound for the money. An option for the Cambridge Audio MXN10, the Bluesound uses the BluOS app and platform (and can be connected to other BluOS). -compatible for multiroom), it has an HDMI eARC input and a headphone jack. On the sound side, it’s packed with power and delivers low-level dynamics with considerable subtlety.
Naim NSS 333: It’s not as expensive as the Linn, but this new Naim transmitter from their new three-hundredth series is one of the most musically satisfying listens we’ve heard in this category. It sounds inherently correct and its organized, articulate sound and dynamic form with all kinds of music is worthy of applause.
Music streamers are a standalone component of a compromised hi-fi setup. But while other hi-fi equipment, such as a turntable or CD player, has only one undeniable task to do, a music streamer (or a network audio streamer) wants to take care of many other wireless resources and be able to play music files from local storage. . in your network.
Most of the options on this list are compatible with the vast majority of high-resolution music formats, the upper limit can range from 24-bit/96kHz PCM registers for more basic products and up to 32-bit/768kHz for those looking to go further. . edge. However, we probably don’t live too much on numbers, since the vast majority of music can’t be achieved on such excessive types of records. The CD quality is 16-bit/44. 1 kHz and a 24-bit/ 192 kHz capacity deserves to be more than enough to satisfy the desires of maximum audiophiles.
In terms of connectivity, the streamers can boast AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, UPnP compatibility, and physical connections. Regardless of the model, you can also play local music files from a connected NAS player and pay attention to thousands of websites. radio stations. You’ll also be able to listen from your favorite music streaming facilities: at least Spotify and the maximum of probably higher-quality opportunities, such as Tidal or Qobuz, are integrated.
Bluetooth is almost included, and if it’s the best performing and highest quality aptX HD form, then great. Most audio streamers will also have virtual inputs, so in addition to playing music files from a USB stick or flash drive, you’ll be able to regularly force optical and coaxial virtual streams as well, making the streamer a sort of virtual hub for your system.
For the most productive user experience, you really want a smartphone or tablet to control your transmitter. Using your streamer app is the most productive way to browse giant music libraries, transfer between sources, and the fastest way to create playlists. If you’re not interested in that, you might want to look for models that have a giant screen and a classic remote control.
Since we’re talking about practicalities, it’s worth mentioning that the first thing any music streamer wants is a solid internet connection at home, and you want to make a decision whether you want to connect the vaporizer directly with an Ethernet cable or run a wireless fix. It’s interesting because it makes things easier and neater, and if your net paints are solid, they’ll work well for a lot of people. If you can, opt for cabling, as it provides a stronger connection and the most productive sound quality, making everything smoother in long-term use.
In terms of value, as with all things hi-fi, transmitters can vary wildly, and the value you can expect to pay depends on the rest of your setup. We recommend that spending approximately the same amount as your amplifier would be a smart choice. starting position, although it will pay to be flexible to get the right one.
Whatever your budget, music streamers are a great way to enjoy sound from an undisputed wireless speaker, especially if you need to give your virtual music collection what it deserves. If you like comfort but need better sound and have the space and budget to accommodate a stereo system, a hi-fi transmitter is the way to go.
Almost no matter which music streamer you buy, you’ll have access to an amazing diversity of music; but decide carefully and it will make listening to that music even more enjoyable.
Every music streamer we review and rate on What Hi-Fi?is tested at our dedicated, acoustically treated testing facilities in Reading and London, where our in-house team of experts puts the new product through our rigorous testing process.
What Hi-Fi system? This is all about benchmarking, so each and every music streamer we review is listened to and compared to the existing leader in your box and is worth a point to evaluate how it compares to the most productive festival in its class. We keep our award-winning, five-star transmitters in our on-site warehouse so they are available to compare with new products. For all music streamer reviews, we compare the intelligence, specifications and connectivity of the stream, and also use them for several days or even weeks to check how well they use in daily listening.
We make sure to spend a lot of time with a new music streamer, ensuring it is fully operational before we begin checking and analyzing it with other component equipment, employing other recording formats, streaming facilities and music genres as part of our verification process. . . We also check all connections, whether wireless or Wi-Fi, from AirPlay and Bluetooth to high-resolution game tracks downloaded from our NAS storage, adding USB, virtual and analog connections. We’re also checking the ease of use of the transmitter with the accompanying app, remote control, and on-screen demo (if equipped), and we’re keeping an eye out (and listening) for any connection interruptions.
All our evaluation verdicts are agreed through the team as a whole and not through a single evaluator, to avoid subjectivity and individual bias. There is never any input from the brand, PR, or our sales groups about our reviews or the final verdict. We’ve prided ourselves on conducting independent, independent assessments for around five decades, and that won’t be replacing it anytime soon.
You can find out more about how we check and review products at What Hi-Fi? here.
It depends on how you listen to music and how flexible you want to give your system, but in general, yes, it’s worth it if most of your attention is digital/wireless.
In general, music streamers offer a number of features (be it wireless streaming and stressed connectivity) that many other kits simply don’t offer. If you pay attention to music or radio on various online platforms, subscribe to multiple streaming services or have Like an entire virtual library of music records, a music streamer makes it easy to access all those other resources from one place. The most productive music streamers will also stream all your music in the most productive sound quality imaginable and assist in high-quality local playback. Resolution record formats.
A music server is a combination of disc storage and streaming capabilities, useful for organizing, assigning/editing metadata, and browsing your virtual music library. Products such as Melco’s N100 or N10/2-S38 are wonderful examples of powerful, high-quality music servers, while Roon’s Nucleus is another option. It can come with its own app, network connection, and even CD ripping capabilities, such as the Bluesound Vault 2i or the Naim Uniti Core. It’s expensive but it’s a high-quality way to build your virtual system.
Music streamers sometimes do not have built-in storage and you will need an external server, NAS or hard drive for music disc storage, which a streamer can access via external wire or wireless. Music streamers have more flexible streaming features and typically come with a built-in DAC (which music servers don’t have). A server is most useful if you have a large, committed collection of DSD or hi-res files downloaded, while a streamer is best if you pay attention to online streaming platforms more frequently.
To learn more, read our article on how to create your own virtual music library.
Kashfia is the audio and hi-fi editor of What Hi-Fi?and first joined the logo more than 10 years ago. During her career in the customer generation industry, she has reviewed a large number of products (including speakers, amplifiers, turntables, and headphones), participated in countless industry exhibitions around the world, and fell in love with hi-fi equipment much bigger than herself. In his spare time, Kash tends to have an ever-growing collection of houseplants and helps to maintain his cat. Jolene far from playing records.
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