The Sound Of Progress. Half a decade after the CX range redefined performance at its price point, it’s time to reimagine, reengineer and reinvigorate. Now finished in Lunar Grey to match the rest of the CX Series 2 range, the award-winning CXN (V2) allows playback of multiple audio file-types from multiple sources. You sure it's 2-2 and not 1-2 players. 1-2 players means that offline you can play by yourself or with someone else. Network 2-10 means that you can play with a minimum of 1 additional player and a maximum of 9 additional players.
Are you ready to throw away your CDs and join the music revolution? These days, more and more people are tuning into the versatility of streaming services like Tidal, Spotify, and Qobuz. However, to get the most out of these services, it is important to track down a music streamer.
The best music streamers should support a large selection of hi-res music formats as well as having Wi-Fi and USB connections. Of course, users will also want to have internet radio and other cool options to play with. Checking out the following best music streamer reviews will guide you to the perfect product.
So, let’s find the perfect music streamer for you…
Contents
- Top 5 Best Music Streamers For The Money 2020 Reviews
- Best Music Streamers Buying Guide
Top 5 Best Music Streamers For The Money 2020 Reviews
1
Bluesound Node 2i Wireless Multi-Room Hi-Res Music Streaming Player
If you are new to the world of music streaming, you will want a music streamer that is easy to use. The Bluesound Node 2i Wireless Multi-Room Hi-Res Music Streaming Player boasts a sleek and compact design. This is a complete, wireless, multi-room streaming solution that effortlessly performs a wide range of tasks.
One of the things that really makes this model stand out from the crowd is its huge number of features. It comes complete with Apple AirPlay 2, two-way Bluetooth, 32-bit/192kHz DAC, and dual-band Wi-Fi to name but a few.
In terms of sound quality, the Bluesound Node 2i Wireless Multi-Room Hi-Res Music Streaming Player really delivers. The timing is extremely slick, while the detail is sure to impress. It will most definitely breathe new life into virtually any audio and really make it shine.
Not only is the supplied sound rock solid, but the dynamic range is also excellent. The setup process of this system is an absolute breeze and can be completed in a mere matter of minutes. While people who have been using music streamers for a while may fail to get excited, this is the perfect model for beginners.
- Impressive timing and dynamics.
- Comes with a huge range of features.
- Excellent sense of scale.
- Delivers 32-bit/192kHz support.
- Offers impressive sound quality.
- Does not come with an amp or storage.
- The BluOS software is rather buggy.
2
Cambridge Audio CXN v2 Network Player
Boasting a wide range of connectivity options and smooth operation, this music streamer really stands out. It features a sleek design and high-quality build that is sure to compliment any room. This mean machine delivers impressive and enjoyable sound quality as well as a whole host of features, including file support.
The sound quality that the Cambridge Audio CXN v2 provides is simply fantastic. Users are treated to subtle levels of detail combined with snappy timing and driven delivery. This model is also packed with features such as Tidal, AirPlay, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect.
All of these features are controlled through Cambridge’s Connect App for Android and iOS. This makes it very easy for users to find exactly what they need. Even novices should have no trouble getting to grips with the Cambridge Audio CXN v2.
People who are looking for a stylish way to stream their music wireless should consider this music streamer. The Cambridge Audio Network Player is one of the most intuitive models around.
The only downside is that users need to plug a separate USB drive into the back to connect to the Wi-Fi. However, this is a fairly easy task, and it only needs to be done once. In terms of all-round performance and usability, the Cambridge Audio CXN v2 Network Player is sure to satisfy.
- Boasts a very versatile operating system.
- Comes with a huge range of input options.
- Delivers excellent, sound quality.
- Features a stylish and sophisticated design.
- Offers a wide range of wireless connectivity.
3
Sony HAPZ1ES 1TB Hi-Res Music Player System
It is no secret that Sony has long been one of the leading lights in terms of music players. However, the Sony HAPZ1ES 1TB Hi-Res Music Player System marks the company’s first venture into the world of music streamers.
One of the first things that users are likely to notice is that they are treated to a beautifully balanced sound. The mids and highs are smooth and refined, while the lows are especially weighty. As you would expect from Sony, this model also boasts a very sleek and stylish design.
This music streamer is able to copy just about every sample rate and audio format ever created. However, the way that it streams music is distinctly different from the competition.
Most music streamers simply play music from a Network Attached Storage device, which is also known as a NAS. Instead, users are supplied with a one terabyte hard drive. This means that users will be able to connect their existing music library and listen to their favorite tunes.
Boasting a seamless blend of the traditional and modern, the Sony HAPZ1ES 1TB Hi-Res Music Player System really delivers. This innovative system is so intuitive that even novices should need little initiation. This is the perfect audio solution for anyone who stores their music on their home computer.
- Comes with a one terabyte hard drive.
- Excellent build quality.
- Boasts a large and bright display.
- The control App is especially slick.
- Produces a beautifully balanced sound.
4
Naim Uniti Atom Compact High End All-In-One Streaming Device
One of the issues for many people is that modern technology looks rather intimidating. Music streamers come in a sleek box and seem like they would be quite difficult to operate. Fortunately, the Naim Uniti Atom Compact High End All-In-One Streaming Device is here to change all that.
One of the great things about this model is the fact that it virtually runs itself. Users simply need to complete and very short and easy setup process. The Naim Uniti Atom Streaming Device will then work in the background to take care of music streaming.
Not only is the operating system virtually flawless, but this music streamer can also play music from nearly any source. The Naim Uniti Atom comes with an HDMI ARC connection for use with a TV. And is able to handle hi-res audio up to 32 bit/384kHz in addition to DSD.
1 2 Player Game
People who like plenty of bass on their tracks might feel a little disappointed by this model. While the Naim Uniti Atom delivers excellent sound overall, the bass is a little of the light side. However, some music lovers are likely to find that this is not really a problem.
- Outstanding design and sound.
- Very easy to set up and operate.
- Comes with an integrated amp.
- The bass lacks weight.
- The remote tends to pick up fingerprints.
5
ONKYO Network stereo receiver TX-8250(S)
One of the great things about technology is that it is constantly evolving. This is especially true when it comes to music players. The latest thing is music streamers, and they are able to transform the way that people listen to and experience music.
While the ONKYO Network TX-8250(S) is a modern music streamer, it looks more like a VCR. In many ways, this is both a good thing and a bad thing.
On one side, this model is likely to appeal to people who are making the transition from their regular music player. There are not too many features to get to grips with, and this model is very easy to use. Some people are also likely to feel soothed and reassured by the retro design, even though it is quite bulky.
However, the lack of features is likely to be disappointing to more advanced users. In terms of what it actually does, the ONKYO Network TX-8250(S) does it well. However, the actual sound quality is also far from amazing.
While the TX-8250(S) is not a bad machine, there is certainly room for improvement. However, people who are looking for a machine that will introduce them to the world of music streaming may want to check it out.
- The design is rather dated.
- The sound falls a little flat.
- Doesn’t come with many features.
Best Music Streamers Buying Guide
When checking out the best music streamers, most people are likely to focus on the sound quality. However, it is also important to think about a range of other factors. Here are some of the things to bear in mind when searching for a music streamer that really delivers.
The Setup
The best music streamers are usually very easy to set up. This is especially important for people who have never used a music streamer before. Make sure that the instruction manual that is supplied is very clear and easy to follow.
Sound Quality
The quality of the sound that is produced is going to be one of the most important factors. If you enjoy plenty of bass, then you will need a music streamer that really delivers. Of course, the sound that is provided should be crisp and clear as well as well defined.
Style Counts
Of course, you will want to choose a music streamer that looks cool as it is likely to be a focal point. This is mainly down to personal preference. Take a look at the available options and choose a model that suits your personal style.
The Features
Some music streamers come with a whole host of features, while others are much more basic. In this case, more features is not always better. Take the time to check out all of the different features and work out if you will actually use them.
Bluetooth Connectivity
Having a music streamer with Bluetooth connectivity is a real bonus. This will allow you to roam while listening to your tunes. Also ensure that the Bluetooth connection is very stable and strong.
Compatibility Versatility
2 Player 1 Pc
Some music streamers are compatible with a wide range of Apps and programs, while others are specifically created for certain Apps. If you only have one place you stream music from, versatility won’t be too much of an issue. However, those who like to listen to music from different sources should make sure it is compatible with all of them.
So, What Are The Best Music Streamers?
For many people, the best music streamers need to be very easy to use. While they should deliver excellent sound quality, they should be almost effortless to set up and run. Of course, it will be a real bonus if the music streamer also looks sleek and stylish.
With its beautifully balanced sound, the best Music Streamer is the…
People who already have a large music library will be able to use this model to play all of their tracks. This helps to make the transition to music streaming and using streaming Apps very easy.
The Lumin brand was launched in 2012 by Hong Kong-based Pixel Magic Systems Ltd., a manufacturer of commercial grade receivers and set top box systems for broadcasters. Prior to receiving the Lumin X1 for review, I had heard a couple of other Lumin network players at various regional audio shows and requested a review sample of one of their players. What I received for evaluation was not just any model, though, but rather the company's latest flagship: the Lumin X1 ($13,990). Lumin says they looked at the merits of their S1 and U1 players and then attempted to improve on every aspect of those designs.
By coincidence, the office of Lumin's United States Distributor, Mark Gurvey, happens to be located just a few miles from my home, so I made plans to meet him there to pick up the X1 player rather than having it shipped. While speaking with Mark, I learned that the Lumin X1 was purpose-built to serve as a standalone network player, unlike some of the other models in Lumin's lineup of network players. While the Lumin X1 certainly can be added to an existing system, all that is really needed is to add an amplifier (and speakers, of course). To that end, Mark shared that the company had also just introduced the Lumin Amp (also $13,990), and asked if I would also take the Lumin Amp to partner with the Lumin X1 and let him know what I thought of the combination. I agreed and made my way home with both. Not wanting to introduce more than one piece of new kit at a time, I left the Lumin Amp in the box until the last two weeks of the review period. By then I had become very familiar with the sound of the Lumin X1 connected to my reference system.
Just looking at the specifications of the Lumin X1, you quickly get the idea that this network streamer is making a case to not only compete with (and maybe beat?) the most elite streamers available today, but also those likely to come over the next several years. First, Lumin keeps power outside the streamer's chassis with a dual toroidal external AC-to-DC power supply. The external power supply is also available as an upgrade for Lumin S1, A1, U1, and T1 owners with its connection cable included.
Inside the X1 streamer's chassis, there's a dual-core processor that delivers native DSD512 and PCM768 playback at 32-bit resolution. Such capability should set up the device to be relevant for many years to come. The X1 also features dual ES9038Pro Sabre DACs with 140 dB dynamic range and a dual mono Lundahl transformer output stage. In addition, the X1 features dual-mono operation throughout and 32-bit precision volume control, PCM and DSD upsampling from the app, a FEMTO clock system with FPGA (field-programmable gate array) chipset distribution, and dual network capability. Networking options include built-in optical network support in addition to traditional hardwired Ethernet network connectivity. For PCM files, the X1 can play back FLAC, Apple Lossless (ALAC), WAV, AIFF, MQA, MP3, and AAC formats. There are no user-selectable digital filters available.
The X1 is intentionally a streamer/renderer/DAC, plain and simple, meaning there is no built-in music storage or CD ripping capability. This design decision by Lumin is to prevent the additional RF noise and vibration that is generated by these devices. The centrally located LCD display shows basic information, such as track name and length, artist name, file format, sample rate, and bit depth. The custom-designed Lumin app used to control the X1 includes features such as volume control, high resolution album artwork, album track lists, artwork caching, multiple tag handling, saving and restoring playlists, and automatic internet links to artists/album/songs. The visually rich app is compatible with iPad and iPhone (Generation 2 or above recommended), and Android tablets (4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and up). Support for Android phones is in development.
The Hookup
Unboxing the Lumin X1 player, I took a moment to admire its beautiful design. The Lumin X1 isn't your typical rectangular box, instead sporting a curved front face with recessed LCD display. The X1 measures 13.8 inches wide by 13.6 inches deep by 2.4 inches high and weighs 17.6 pounds. Also included in the box is the accompanying external dual toroidal power supply (4.2 inches wide by 13.2 inches deep by 2.4 inches high and weighing 8.8 pounds), a proprietary 8-pin DC umbilical cable to connect the power supply to the X1, a 110-120 volt power cable to connect the power supply to the wall outlet, and a generic RJ45 ethernet cable. Both the network player and matching external power supply casework is CNC machined from solid billets of aluminum, providing a seamless, high-end look.
Unboxing the Lumin X1 player, I took a moment to admire its beautiful design. The Lumin X1 isn't your typical rectangular box, instead sporting a curved front face with recessed LCD display. The X1 measures 13.8 inches wide by 13.6 inches deep by 2.4 inches high and weighs 17.6 pounds. Also included in the box is the accompanying external dual toroidal power supply (4.2 inches wide by 13.2 inches deep by 2.4 inches high and weighing 8.8 pounds), a proprietary 8-pin DC umbilical cable to connect the power supply to the X1, a 110-120 volt power cable to connect the power supply to the wall outlet, and a generic RJ45 ethernet cable. Both the network player and matching external power supply casework is CNC machined from solid billets of aluminum, providing a seamless, high-end look.
The X1 is available in either a black anodized brushed aluminum or a raw brushed aluminum. The review sample I received was the raw brushed aluminum option. It is truly a gorgeous piece of kit. The finish catches available room lighting, causing the front faceplate and top to gleam, creating a truly opulent look.
Because the X1 was new in the box, Lumin recommended that I break the unit in for 400 hours. Lumin's opinion is that the unit performs at about 40 percent of its full potential straight out of the box. I know there are differing opinions on the topic of burn-in, but as a reviewer I bow to the manufacturer's recommendation on the subject (if they have one) to remove any questions of missed performance potential.
One design aspect of the streamer I should mention is that the back panel is recessed a couple of inches into the casework to hide the connection end of all cables. This design makes cable connections difficult, though, due to the lack of visibility. To work through that issue, I placed the X1 on its front edge on top of a piece of foam to provide greater visibility to the rear panel connectors. Following Lumin's advice, I flipped the power switch on the back of the power supply and left the X1 powered up for about 22 hours a day for the next three weeks.
With burn-in complete, it was time to connect everything up. As mentioned above, the Lumin X1 offers two wired options for network connectivity: a regular Gigabit RJ45 LAN port and a special optical network port. Each can be pre-wired independently but not used simultaneously. If the user elects to use the optical network connection, with its industry standard SFP Gigabit port, this provides complete isolation from network digital noise. However, it does require some additional accessories, such as an optical switch, that weren't provided. Fantastical 2 calendar and reminders 2 2 4.
One of Lumin's primary design goals with the X1 was to prevent or at least minimize the introduction of network digital noise wherever possible. This approach means there is no wireless connection option included. (You can still use your WiFi-connected mobile device as a remote, of course, but those commands are sent to the X1 via its wired network connections). Lumin opted to forego convenience in order to achieve the best possible playback sound quality. So, I opted to connect the Lumin to my network from the RJ45 LAN port to my router using an Audioquest Vodka Ethernet cable. I have a Synology NAS with my music library hard-wired to the router that served as another source. I also connected a 128 GB flash drive loaded with high-resolution music files as an additional source. Alternatively, a USB hard drive could be connected to the USB input.
Network Player 2 1 Player
Using WireWorld Silver Eclipse balanced interconnects, I then connected the X1 to my reference Classé Delta series amplifier. The Lumin X1 also provides RCA (unbalanced) output connecters. And if you prefer to use an external DAC, there is an available BNC Digital output on the back panel, but not an AES/EBU Digital output option. But given the terrific results obtained using the DACs built into this streamer, I really doubt very many people would opt for an external DAC in the first place.
After downloading the custom Lumin app to my iPad Pro, I set up the Lumin X1 to connect to my LAN as well as my subscriptions to Tidal and Qobuz. The X1 is also Roon Ready, so I accessed my Roon core from the app to browse my digital music library for playback. The Lumin X1 also supports Spotify Connect and the free TuneIn Internet Radio app. TuneIn offers over 100,000 radio stations and four million podcasts from around the world. You simply save stations to your Tune-In library and they appear in the Lumin app.
In addition, the Lumin X1 can automatically perform both Core Decoding and Hardware Rendering of MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) encoded music files (up to 384 kHz/24-bit). I found the Lumin app user interface to be well laid out and intuitive for basic operations, a bit reminiscent of the Roon interface. However, there is a lot of capability included, so to get new users up to speed more quickly with its numerous features and layered menus, Lumin also provides an online user guide for their app.
Omniplan pro 3 10 3 – professional grade project management. Click over to Page Two for Performance, The Downside, Comparison & Competition, and Conclusion..