Digital music streamers are quickly becoming a must-have for true audiophiles. The convenience and exceptional sound quality these devices bring are reinvigorating home audio.
The ability to stream music from online sources has opened up the world of music in ways no one saw coming. So you can listen to music from around the world without ever leaving your house. Music streamers can transform your existing sound system into something you never thought possible.
The hardest part is deciding which one is right for you?
So we’re going to make it very easy. That’s because we have put together the best music streamers on the market today.
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Top 5 Best Music Streamers For The Money 2023 Reviews
1 Bluesound Node 2i Wireless Multi-Room Hi-Res Music Streaming Player
Simply the best way to connect the ever-growing library of streaming music and internet radio to your home HiFi systems. The NODE 2i can rejuvenate your classic analog sound systems.
This digital streamer can be easily connected to your home stereo equipment. The NODE 2i has been designed to work with your traditional HiFi systems. Whether it is powered speakers, an old amplifier or a vintage receiver, this streamer will bring your audio systems into the modern age. Plus your favorite audio components will sound even better than the first day you brought them home.
This digital streamer features digital and analog inputs and outputs. There is a headphone stereo mini jack and RCA subwoofer mono input. With all these, even the most ardent audiophile will find this streamer has plenty of ways to breathe new life into HiFi systems.
Use a simple CD player or turntable to stream your music through the NODE 2i to other Bluesound players in your home. Get your music streamed to any room in your house completely hassle-free.
This digital streamer provides you with limitless options for music playback. It allows you to easily access and stream cloud music services, internet radio, and your own personal music library. Therefore, all the music you have stored on your computer can be directly streamed through the NODE 2i with unbelievable high-fidelity sound.
An enhanced dual-band Wi-Fi delivers the best-in-class performance, even when there is a lot of traffic on the wireless signal. State-of-the-art Bluetooth means you can stream in 24-bit directly from your smartphone, tablet, or mobile device. With AirPlay 2, you can stream audio files and podcasts from your Apple iOS device.
Furthermore, the Bluetooth technology allows you to stream your favorite tunes to Bluetooth compatible headphones and speakers. And even more impressive, the built-in high-end DAC technology allows you to decode and stream the pure lossless beauty of MQA files.
This digital streamer is amazingly flexible with the ability to connect to a variety of premium Hi-Res musical services. You can stream from TIDAL, Spotify, and Qobuz with phenomenal clarity and no latency. Go ahead and ask Alexa or Siri to play the latest chart-toppers from Amazon Music and iTunes. The NODE 2i will respond to any audio request you can think of.
The NODE 2i can be set up directly from your mobile device with the BluOS Controller App. This app gives you the freedom to craft your own playlists, adjust the sound levels and EQ, as well as import your entire music library. As a result, access to all of your library is right there on your smartphone. So you won’t need to turn on your computer.
This best music streamer can handle any kind of audio setup. Turn free mp3 downloads into high-quality files. It gives you the largest musical selection possible streamed all over your home, with nothing more than a smartphone.
(4.3 / 5)- Digital and analog inputs and outputs.
- Connects to all kinds of HiFi components.
- Stream music wirelessly.
- Advanced Bluetooth technology.
- BluOS App controls all functions.
- Easy to use and setup.
- Decodes and streams lossless MQA files.
- Compatible with multiple streaming services.
- No Lightning connectivity.
2 Cambridge Audio CXN v2 Network Player Black CU
Take your music library and online streaming services to new heights of audio excellence. The Cambridge Audio CXN v2 builds upon a history of award-winning sound quality, value, and performance.
This music streamer boasts increased processing power. The result is that you get a richer internet radio and streaming experience, as well as more refined levels of playback control. And it gives you access to a variety of internet streaming services. These include Spotify, iPlay Radio, Tidal, and free internet radio.
In addition to all the streaming services, the CXN features Chromecast built into the streamer. This is incredibly useful for Android users. Simple touch the cast button and start streaming from your favorite music sources directly from your smartphone or tablet.
Furthermore, the sound quality is incredible. It streams your music at up to 24-bit.96kHz of splendid high definition sound. Plus every audio file is passed through Cambridge’s own unique Adaptive Timing Filtering upsampling technology. And then through premium digital to analog converters.
After which, all your music is up-scaled to a high-resolution 24-bit/384kHz format. Your music will never have sounded so warm, full, and detailed.
This streamer can connect to basically any audio component, both digital and analog. There are two XLR outputs and a standard RCA line output. As a result, you can hook up your old analog speakers, amplifier, or receiver.
There are all kinds of digital connections. Ethernet, Wi-Fi antenna, Bluetooth, UPnP media, three different USB ports, and Toslink and Coax digital inputs. You can connect your smartphone or tablet, laptop, or external HD with ease.
This streamer supports a huge amount of audio file formats. Everything from MP3 to WMA to FLAC and OGG Vorbis. With such a wide array of connectivity options and format compatibility, the audio source possibilities are immense.
The CXN v2 features a detailed digital display that allows you to monitor control commands. It also displays album artwork and track information.
And in order to make thing even easier, there is the Cambridge Audio CA Connect App. With this app, you have total control over the streamer right in the palm of your hand. Use the app to adjust the sound levels and equalization, import files, create playlists, and so much more.
The Connect App allows you the freedom you control the streamer from anywhere in your home. The app is streamlined and intuitive to use. Therefore you won’t have to fumble around looking for the song or audio profile you want. Everything is organized and simple to use. You can access files on your laptop right from the app.
A whole new world of sonic submersion is now open to everyone. This digital streamer delivers music with unmatched quality from a multitude of audio sources.
(4.3 / 5)- Analog and digital inputs and outputs, including XLR outputs.
- Compatible with HiFi audio components.
- Compatible with a wide variety of file formats.
- Built-in Chromecast.
- Works with most music streaming services.
- Amazing sound quality.
- Connect App offers complete wireless control.
- High-quality construction and design.
- Only one RCA output.
- No Lightning connection.
- No access to Pandora.
3 Sony HAPZ1ES 1TB Hi-Res Music Player System
When it comes to home audio components, Sony has stood atop the hill for quite some time. Now, Sony has entered the digital streamer market and has shown its sonic mettle once again.
This digital streamer features a remarkable DSD Re-Mastering Engine. This system converts all audio signals into 128 FS DSD signals. You can convert from digital to analog with pristine sound quality and clarity.
In addition, this streamer includes four Analog Finite Impulse Response (FIR) Filters. These work to minimize high-frequency of DSD signals. These filters do an incredible job of digital-to-analog conversion of DSD signals.
Furthermore, the onboard technology restores compressed files to their original glory. It supports every kind of audio file format. This means you can stream music from cloud services, and the sound will be natural, spacious, and warm.
With a 1TB hard drive, this streamer can hold all of your favorite tracks and still have room to spare. You can easily connect via Wi-Fi and transfer your entire collection from your PC to the streamer. The built-in Wi-Fi media server software is compatible with Window and Mac computers.
With a dedicated mobile app that works with both Android and iOS devices, you have complete control over your audio. Create your own playlists, adjust audio levels, and organize your library to your liking.
(4.1 / 5)- 1TB hard drive.
- Supports all file formats.
- Analog and digital inputs and outputs.
- Restores compressed files.
- Unbelievable sound quality.
- Compatible with Windows and Mac.
- Analog FIR filters.
- Expensive.
4 Naim Uniti Atom Compact High-End All-In-One Streaming Device
A compact and powerful digital streamer that provides you with super-high-definition audio playback. It features an integrated 40-watt amplifier. With this much power, your home will be filled with stunningly accurate and clear high-fidelity sound.
The Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) allows this streamer to read music from PCs, Macs, smartphones, and tablets. The playback from any connected device is delivered at up to 32-bit/384kHz resolution. So any music file you choose will play with unreal clarity, depth, and precision.
In addition to high-fidelity playback of your music, this streamer offers lossless streaming. The Uniti beams music from online streaming services with pristine accuracy and high-quality sound.
There is a built-in Spotify connect feature, along with built-in support for Chromecast. Therefore, you can easily connect to both streaming services and start discovering the millions of songs available.
The Uniti has analog outputs for your older audio components like powered speakers and subwoofers. However, it is not limited to simply music. This streamer includes an HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) output. This allows you to connect your TV to the streamer.
You can enjoy your favorite films in full High-Definition surround sound. Watch free download movies with theatre-quality sound. You can also experience full sonic immersion when gaming thanks to the HDMI connection.
The Naim Control App gives you total control over your sound right on your smartphone. Select your music source, create playlists and presets, and build your music library quickly and conveniently.
(5 / 5)- Integrated 40W amplifier.
- Playback at up to 32-bit/384kHz.
- Built-in Spotify and Chromecast connection.
- Lossless streaming.
- Compatible with PCs, Macs, iOS, and Android.
- HDMI input.
- Amazing sound.
- No Lightning connection.
- Very Expensive.
5 ONKYO Network stereo receiver TX-8250(S) Japan New
A digital streamer loaded with analog inputs and outputs. It has everything you need, simply add speakers. It features built-in stereo amplification, works with most streaming service and common connection jacks.
This digital streamer can be connected through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. It works with all the major streaming service effortlessly and seamlessly. AirPlay, Chromecast, Spotify, Tidal, Fire Connect, and a slew of other services are beamed into your home with exceptional sound quality. Free music never sounded so good.
With DTS Play-Fi Control App, all of your services can be handled directly on your mobile device with just a single app. Build your music catalog from every conceivable source. Access to internet radio, best free music streaming apps, and cloud services are conveniently all under one roof.
This streamer features a 100W built-in amplifier that gives you powerful and defined sound. The amplifier uses non-phase-shift circuitry. It provides a wide frequency response that is ideal for Hi-Res audio and vinyl records.
The high-quality DAC unit is compatible with all HD formats and produces lifelike and transparent sound. It can deliver at up to 24-bit/192kHz of high definition sound fidelity. The DSD pumps in music at 5.6MHz for exceptional sound quality as well.
The real benefit of this streamer is the many analog and digital connections. There are six analog ins, four stereo RCA speaker outputs, plus a MM phono input for your turntables. Additionally, there are twin optical and coaxial inputs, USB ports, and even a headphone jack.
With all of these possible connections, you can build a sound system that caters to all your gear and audio sources. Get all the music you want, using your favorite audiophile components.
(4.2 / 5)- Powerful 100W amplifier.
- Multiple analog and digital connections.
- Turntable connection.
- Works with most streaming services.
- Hi-definition sound quality.
- Supports HD file formats.
- Compatible with PCs and Apple.
- Affordable.
- The streaming sampling rate is not the most refined.
Best Music Streamers Buyers Guide
Digital streamers offer various ways to bring multiple sound sources into your home. They also provide a great way to connect your HiFi components to online digital applications and audio selections.
The big thing to keep in mind when purchasing a digital streamer is how many and what kinds of components you’re going to use. Some streamers have only one set of speaker outputs. Some rely on Bluetooth speaker connections, while others have lots of analog ins and outs.
If you are going to be using a turntable or the best powered speakers, look for one that has enough outputs to satisfy your needs. Likewise, if you are more interested in compiling a large music library, choose one that offers the most source flexibility.
So, What’s The Best Music Streamers?
All of the streamers reviewed here are great for enhancing your home audio experience. Yet, we know that one delivers on more than the others.
The Best Music Streamer is the…
Most importantly, it offers the highest sound fidelity. And can handle every kind of file format, including MQD files. It works with Apple, Android, and every kind of streaming service. Apart from the sound quality, which is unbelievably polished and refined, it can also easily connect to analog components of all types.
On top of all that, the control App is easy and intuitive to use. And it can connect to Bluetooth speakers as well. Not to mention that for all the versatility and high-quality sound, it is still reasonably priced.
We certainly hope you found this information useful. Whichever one suits your needs best, we imagine that you will be lost in high-definition audio bliss in no time.
Have fun crafting your ideal home sound system with the help of your new streamer.