Almost all the other streamers on this list will connect to a Wi-Fi network using a few simple taps of an app, but the CXN (V2) requires that you plug in a separate USB dongle into the back. That isn't necessarily a problem, but it does have at least one puzzling aspect. The design is a little bit more spartan than others on this list. Cambridge have also added Tidal Connect, so you can now stream directly from that service. Be warned that it may take a little work to connect it to a service like Roon - Cambridge calls the player Roon Capable, rather than Roon Ready. We especially appreciated just how easy and intuitive the operating system was, and the vast range of services we were able to connect the CXN to - including Google ChromeCast. For under $1,000, you get an awful lot for your money. If you can't stretch your budget for the amazing Naim Uniti Atom, we'd strongly recommend looking at the Cambridge Audio CXN (V2). What We Don't: Requires a separate USB dongle to connect to Wi-Fi. What We Like: Versatile operating system, huge range of input options for the price. Read our in-depth reviewĪ More Affordable Streaming Option 2. It's also worth noting that Naim makes several different variations, including ones with larger amps and CD rippers, so you'll have plenty to choose from. We'd be crazy to pick anything else for the top spot here – the Naim Uniti Atom is one of the best products we've ever tested. It definitely costs a pretty penny and is only suitable for those looking for the absolute best. It also helps that the design is spectacular, with a nifty volume wheel and vibrant screen - even if the remote is a fingerprint magnet. Thanks to an included integrated amp, it manages to produce excellent sound quality in its own right, with audio that is crisp and detailed. It's fully Roon Ready, and can handle hi-res audio up to 32 bit / 384kHz, as well as DSD. It even has an HDMI ARC connection for use with your TV. The operating system is virtually flawless, and the Uniti Atom is capable of playing music from just about any source. It works so well, so effortlessly, that we found ourselves using it almost every moment we were in the office. But we really didn't want to let the Naim Uniti Atom go. What We Don't: Very expensive, remote picks up fingerprints.Īt The Master Switch, it's our policy to return review models that are sent to us. What We Like: Outstanding sound and design, terrific operating system. Best Music Streamer Without a DAC: Auralic Aries G2.1īest Overall Music Streamer 1.Plug-and-Play Simplicity: Xiaomi Mi Box S.A Great Music Streamer for MQA: Bluesound Node 2i.Best High-End Music Streamer: NAD Masters M33.Best Budget Music Streamer: Audioengine B-Fi.A More Affordable Streaming Option: Cambridge Audio CXN (V2).Best Overall Music Streamer: Naim Uniti Atom.And to complete your system, check out our list of the Best DACs and Best Bookshelf Speakers. This location can be over the Internet, in the form of a streaming service like Spotify or Tidal, or an external hard drive. By music streamer, we mean a device that has the ability to play audio stored in another location. At The Master Switch, we adore music streamers, so we decided to put together a list of the best. It can become the center of your hi-fi universe, making every listening session that much more enjoyable. They took me into the digital audiophile world permanently.If you love great audio, a dedicated music streamer is essential. My purchases were revelatory and left me happy that I did not invest less. I think it is safe to buy the most expensive you can afford. I haven’t used anything off of local storage in six months. but streaming sounds exactly the same in mine, so local storage of files is for internet outages and feeling like you haven’t thrown away money on all those disks and downloads. It is good to have a little local storage. The age of massive stored files locally is over. Even in my situation the AES sounds the same or ever so slightly better They probably made other improvements in the n20 to make the sound better than the N10. Unless your DAC is massively better than the streamer I doubt this is important. If you buy at this level it is likely the AES or other digital out will sound better than the USB output with your current DAC. It sounds like it has expanded USB capability and more storage. The new N10 has a redesigned power supply for lower noise, definitely an improvement. the N100 -> N10 -> W20SE are all significant jumps in performance, each completely worth it. With Aurender you get exactly what you pay for. go with Aurender, more natural sound and quieter (much of the improvement with cost is quieting it down). I think the Aurender is in a different class than the Aries. And currently own a Aurender N100 and W20SE.
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