Cocktail Audio N25 network player, called the “world’s most advanced” by the manufacturer, is based on an ESS ES9018K2M Sabre32 Reference DAC converter and a Dual Core ARM Cortex A9 processor. According to the company, the device was created in accordance with all relevant requirements, technologies and standards. The power circuitry is completely isolated from the analog and digital parts of the turntable.
The player is capable of playing music from almost any digital source: USB storage, NAS, streaming services (including Tidal, Deezer, Qobuz), Internet radio (DAB + / FM tuner available), Bluetooth aptX HD, Spotify Connect, AirPlay, etc.
Among the supported formats (quality up to 32 bit / 384 kHz), MQA, DXD, HD FLAC, HD WAV, CAF, ALAC, AIFF, DSD (64/128/256), etc. are declared. Additionally, CocktailAudio noted the presence of an HDMI ARC input connector and multi-room functionality of the device.
The front panel of the player has a display with a diagonal of 4.6 inches, a massive volume control, main buttons for controlling the device, a USB connector and a multifunctional playback control knob. At the back is a digital I / O block, a gold-plated analog RCA output, as well as USB, HDMI and Ethernet ports. There is also an antenna input, which is needed by the built-in tuner.
Remote control is possible via app or remote control. A server for storing music and a Bluetooth transmitter for broadcasting audio to speakers or headphones are optionally available.