{"id":169663,"date":"2023-10-15T11:07:07","date_gmt":"2023-10-15T10:07:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.techweekmag.com\/?p=169663"},"modified":"2023-10-16T12:40:20","modified_gmt":"2023-10-16T11:40:20","slug":"best-network-streamers-2023-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/hi-fi\/best-network-streamers-2023-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"Best network streamers 2023-2024"},"content":{"rendered":"

Digital-to-analog converters have long gone beyond their usual capabilities – now it is difficult to imagine such a device without means of streaming signal reception\u00a0.<\/p>\n

Our new rating contains eight of the most impressive and latest devices – network audio players.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"8.<\/p>\n

8. WiiM PRO<\/h3>\n

DAC \u2013 24\/192 |\u00a0Processor \u2013 Quadcore A53 |\u00a0Weight \u2013 0.33 kg |\u00a0Built-in clients \u2013 Spotify, iHeartRadio, Tidal, Amazon Prime Music, Napster, Deezer, Roon Ready<\/p>\n

Pros\u00a0<\/b>\u2013<\/b>\u00a0inexpensive universal \u201ccombine\u201d<\/p>\n

Cons \u2013<\/b>\u00a0detail is not ideal<\/p>\n

Verdict \u2013<\/b>\u00a0a good first step on the path to streaming<\/p>\n

The WiiM Pro streamer is quite inexpensive, but thanks to Chromecast support and the proprietary WiiM Home application (there is support for Spotify, iHeartRadio, Tidal, Amazon Prime Music, Napster, Deezer, and even Airplay 2 and Roon), even an audio novice can handle setting up the device.\u00a0The built-in digital-to-analog converter, of course, is not of a reference level, but the same signal-to-noise indicator here reaches 100 dB, and the sound of the device seems quite lively and dynamic.\u00a0Of course, working on a home network with DLNA servers has not been forgotten.\u00a0The icing on the cake is support for voice assistants Siri, Alexa and Google.<\/p>\n

\"7.<\/p>\n

7. Bluesound PowerNode N230<\/h3>\n

DAC \u2013 24\/192 |\u00a0Processor \u2013 ARM Cortex-A53 |\u00a0Weight \u2013 2.62 kg |\u00a0Built-in clients \u2013 Tidal, Spotify, Qobuz, Roon Ready<\/p>\n

Pros\u00a0<\/b>–<\/b>\u00a0you only need speakers – and the system is ready!<\/p>\n

Cons \u2013<\/b>\u00a0the bass texture is not enough<\/p>\n

Verdict \u2013<\/b>\u00a0the advanced streaming algorithm makes the model outstanding in its price category<\/p>\n

The Bluesound Powernode N230 not only sports one of the most powerful BluOS streaming platforms available today, which is hard to fault.\u00a0But it is also a complete device – you just need to add speakers to the component, and everything will work, because \u201con board\u201d there is also a HybridDigital NAD amplifier (2×40 W).\u00a0The sound, whether fully on or in source mode, pleases with its liveliness.\u00a0The proprietary BluOS Controller application is a star from the sky in terms of ergonomics, there are enough built-in clients, Apple AirPlay 2 and Roon Ready are in place, voice control via Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri works – what more could you dream of?<\/p>\n

\"6.<\/p>\n

6. Denon DNP-2000NE<\/h3>\n

DAC \u2013 32\/384 |\u00a0Processor \u2013 ULTRA AL32 |\u00a0Weight \u2013 9.7 kg |\u00a0Built-in clients \u2013 HEOS<\/p>\n

Pros\u00a0<\/b>\u2013<\/b>\u00a0great design, good sound<\/p>\n

Cons \u2013<\/b>\u00a0nothing significant<\/p>\n

Verdict \u2013<\/b>\u00a0true Hi-Fi!<\/p>\n

We already have heavy Hi-Fi artillery in front of us – the Denon DNP-2000NE weighs almost 10 kg and is an example of modern engineering design.\u00a0High-quality components and solid power supply make themselves felt – the sound images are dense and large-scale.\u00a0Among the talents of the network player, it is worth noting the proprietary HEOS streamer, which opens up a lot of connectivity options, and the proprietary Ultra AL32 audio processing algorithm, and a four-channel DAC, and work with signals up to 11.2 MHz DSD and 32 bit \/ 384 kHz PCM.<\/p>\n

\"5.<\/p>\n

5. Shanling EM7<\/h3>\n

DAC \u2013 32\/768 |\u00a0Processor – N\/A |\u00a0Weight \u2013 3.2 kg |\u00a0Built-in clients \u2013 TIDAL, Qobuz, Deezer, Apple Music, Amazon HD<\/p>\n

Pros\u00a0<\/b>–<\/b>\u00a0extraordinary performance characteristics<\/p>\n

Cons \u2013<\/b>\u00a0slightly refined presentation<\/p>\n

Verdict \u2013<\/b>\u00a0a very impressive player<\/p>\n

Shanling EM7 delivers a staggering 125dB signal-to-noise ratio – ESS Technology’s flagship SABER ES9038PRO chip packs a punch.\u00a0Among other things, there is also a powerful (7 W at 32 Ohm) headphone amplifier, but the most important advantage of the model is the open OS based on Android 10, which allows you to customize the device as you wish.\u00a0It is very convenient to operate the network player thanks to the rotating 5.8\u201d Full HD display, and the sound it produces is rich and sparkling with detail.\u00a0The element base is of high quality – two KDS quartz oscillators, TI OPA2211 chips for the proprietary constant-phase CPAF algorithm, thin-film resistors, Panasonic tantalum polymer capacitors and Omron relays – admittedly, we even checked the price tag of the device, but everything turned out to be correct.<\/p>\n

\"4.<\/p>\n

4. Rose RS520<\/h3>\n

DAC \u2013 32\/768 |\u00a0Processor \u2013 Cortex-A72, Cortex-A53 |\u00a0Weight \u2013 8.1 kg |\u00a0Built-in clients \u2013 Tidal, Oobuz, Spotify, Apple Music, Roon Ready<\/p>\n

Pros\u00a0<\/b>\u2013<\/b>\u00a0a lot of possibilities, decent sound<\/p>\n

Cons \u2013<\/b>\u00a0imperfect localization<\/p>\n

Verdict \u2013<\/b>\u00a0great performance from the South Korean company<\/p>\n

The Rose RS520 network audio player also uses the ESS Technology SABER ES9038PRO chip, but now the RS150B streamer system is complemented by a proprietary RA180 amplifier with a power of 2 x 250 W.\u00a0The system turns out to be surprisingly effective, even when turned on \u201cfull\u201d – the sound has that same gloss that fans of high-fidelity sound appreciate.\u00a0The proprietary ROSE Connect Premium app is, again, quite user-friendly, and the Android OS and large display provide excellent ergonomics.<\/p>\n

\"3.<\/p>\n

3. Matrix Audio Element X2<\/h3>\n

DAC \u2013 32\/768 |\u00a0Processor \u2013 NXP i.MX 6Quad \u200b\u200bCortex-A9 |\u00a0Weight \u2013 3.9 kg |\u00a0Built-in clients \u2013 Tidal, Qobuz<\/p>\n

Pros\u00a0<\/b>\u2013<\/b>\u00a0voluminous and large-scale sound picture<\/p>\n

Cons \u2013<\/b>\u00a0none<\/p>\n

Verdict \u2013<\/b>\u00a0an excellent representative of its price category<\/p>\n

Matrix Audio Element X2 Pure is an audiophile streamer released for the company’s tenth anniversary.\u00a0The efforts were beneficial – it\u2019s difficult to make any complaints about the truly three-dimensional sound picture; the circuit with parallel (dual mono) connection of eight-channel ES9039PRO chips from ESS Technologies and a linear power supply with a toroidal transformer works excellently.\u00a0There is no headphone amplifier here, but there is room for a very serious pre-amplifier – so the device can be connected directly to a power amplifier or active speakers.\u00a0Streaming options are standard for the group – Tidal and Qobuz, DLNA and Airplay.<\/p>\n

\"2.<\/p>\n

2. Simaudio Moon 390<\/h3>\n

DAC \u2013 32\/384 |\u00a0Processor – N\/A |\u00a0Weight \u2013 10 kg |\u00a0Built-in clients \u2013 Tidal, Deezer, Qobuz, Roon Read<\/p>\n

Pros\u00a0<\/b>\u2013<\/b>\u00a0luxurious sound<\/p>\n

Cons \u2013<\/b>\u00a0quite expensive<\/p>\n

The verdict is<\/b>\u00a0a clear step forward for Simaudio<\/p>\n

Simaudio Moon 390 is a network player with a DAC (32 bit \/ 384 kHz, DSD256 and MQA), a 350P preamplifier, a headphone amplifier, and an MM\/MC phono stage.\u00a0Let\u2019s add the sound so beloved by the company\u2019s fans with \u201cthat same\u201d gloss that audiophiles value so much \u2013 and we\u2019ll get a real dream in audio.\u00a0Support for Tidal Masters, Qobuz Sublime+ and Deezer Hi-Fi is also not forgotten, as is Roon Ready certification.\u00a0Under the hood, everything is fine – for example, a pair of 10 VA toroidal transformers and a 26,400 uF capacitor block.<\/p>\n

\"1.<\/p>\n

1. Naim NSC 222 New Classic<\/h3>\n

DAC \u2013 24\/192 |\u00a0Processor – N\/A |\u00a0Weight \u2013 11 kg |\u00a0Built-in clients \u2013 Spotify, Apple Music, Qobuz, Tidal<\/p>\n

Pros\u00a0<\/b>\u2013<\/b>\u00a0dense and natural sound with excellent rhythmicity<\/p>\n

Cons \u2013<\/b>\u00a0nothing significant, except the price<\/p>\n

Verdict –<\/b>\u00a0you have to pay for High End…<\/p>\n

The new New Classic series, which includes the Naim NSC 222, is not only an extravagant design.\u00a0As usual for a British company, the player produces such a rhythm that the legs themselves start dancing – at the same time, it forms eerily believable and textured sound images.\u00a0The latest version of the Naim streaming platform works perfectly (there is support for Spotify Connect, Apple Music, Tidal, Qobuz, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, UPnP, Roon Ready), the proprietary application for mobile gadgets Naim App, again, does not cause criticism.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Digital-to-analog converters have long gone beyond their usual capabilities – now it is difficult to imagine such a device without means of streaming signal reception\u00a0. Our new rating contains eight of the most impressive and latest devices – network audio players. 8. WiiM PRO DAC \u2013 24\/192 |\u00a0Processor \u2013 Quadcore A53 |\u00a0Weight \u2013 0.33 kg […] More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10404,"featured_media":169673,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[642],"tags":[784],"class_list":{"0":"post-169663","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-hi-fi","8":"tag-guide"},"acf":[],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/169663","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10404"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=169663"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/169663\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/169673"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=169663"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=169663"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=169663"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}