The biggest downside of the Audioengine B-Fi is that it can be just a touch too simple. This system replaces the old Yamaha WXAD-10 on our list, which was getting a little hard to find. The sound quality is crisp and clean, and although the B-Fi’s design is distinctly old school, we don’t think you’ll find a better or simpler streamer currently available. With the B-Fi, they’ve managed to create a simple, affordable way to make any system wireless- simply connect the streamer to your amp, via analog out, or your DAC, via Toslink optical, and you’re good to go. This surprisingly capable little streamer comes from Audioengine, a company best known for its wireless speakers. What We Don't: Lack of advanced features and low file resolution may turn some listeners off. What We Like: One of the most affordable, effective ways to add wireless streaming to a system. Read our in-depth reviewīest Budget Music Streamer 3. If you're looking to step up into slightly better hi-fi sound, but don't want to remortgage your house, this may be an ideal starting point. However, it's something you only need to do once, and it doesn't stop the CXN (V2) from being a genuinely fantastic piece of equipment. We genuinely can't think of why this is the case. 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.
Audirvana plus 3 tidal 3 months 32 bit#
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. If you love great audio, a dedicated music streamer is essential.