The main function of the network player is to play digital music with high sound quality. It should be connected to the stereo amplifier as a source and is recommended for those who make a lot of use of streaming services, web radio, and for playing digital libraries from a local server.
Typically, a Hi-Fi audio streamer includes a built-in DAC which is much better than the other devices at our disposal (such as the smartphone), for sending a high-resolution audio signal to the amplifier. With a network player, therefore, the music track reproduced by the hi-fi speakers is well defined.
The media player it is also very convenient to handle a lot of functions. It connects to the home router via WiFi or LAN cable and can access different streaming services such as Spotify or Tidal, without having to keep our smartphone busy.
In some cases, our network player becomes a real control unit for all the digital music we consume. For example, we at AvTrend use it to stream from Tidal, to read audio files from your local computer, to listen to the web radio and occasionally play music from our tablet/smartphone using the Bluetooth connection.
In short, having a media player is handy when you want to organize your Hi-Fi system and control all your music playback needs from a single device while maintaining high fidelity sound quality.
Below, here are the best network players to buy today, from premium to entry-level models.
1. Cambridge Audio Azur 851N
Ultra-high fidelity media player for audiophiles and hi-fi lovers
The best network player this year is Cambridge Audio’s Azur 851N, a Hi Fi network player for high fidelity listening, suitable for those looking for a top-notch audio component to manage digital music and convert to analog with less possible loss of sound quality.
Inside the device, two 24-bit DACs have been inserted (one per stereo channel), in this way the conversion from digital to analog reaches exceptional levels.
The sound quality is actually on another level, the digital tracks passed through this media player have a true analog character and exceptional dynamism. If we use the network player in a hi-fi system with high-quality amplifiers and speakers, listening to music is close to perfection.
It is also very good in terms of connectivity. In this version, a second coaxial and optical input has been added, and a third USB input, in addition to the AES / EBU input.
To send the sound to the amplifier, there is the classic pair of RCAs, or we can choose the balanced XLR outputs. If, on the other hand, you want to send out a digital signal rather than an analog, there are coaxial and optical outputs.
The internet connection is via LAN cable, or we can connect the WiFi adapter to one of the USB sockets on the back, to access the web without having to use cables.
The ability to connect to the media player via Bluetooth from a mobile device is missing, the only deficiency we found in reviewing this model. However, an external dongle is available, to be purchased separately, to activate the Bluetooth function.
- Audiophile quality
- Many possibilities of physical connections
- Design and color screen
- No Bluetooth, you need to buy an external dongle
2. TEAC NT-505
High-end music streamer
The TEAC NT-505 is a network streamer with DAC complete with a headphone output, suitable for audiophiles and Hi-Fi lovers who want to stream high-resolution digital music.
The network player includes the VERITA AK4497 DAC with a Dual-mono design, to manage the digital-to-analog conversion separately between the two stereo channels. This increases the sound quality as it decreases the amount of noise and crosstalk between the two channels.
We can use the USB port to connect a computer or external hard drive and play high-resolution music files using the device’s DAC. 768kHz / 32-bit PCM and DSD files up to 22.5MHz are supported.
If you choose to use the TEAC NT-505 for streaming from an online service, there is support for TIDAL and Qobuz. We can connect it to the home network via LAN cable, but not in WiFi.
If instead, we choose to stream music from our smartphone, we can use the Bluetooth connection to play any track from our mobile device, and aptX-HD Bluetooth technology is included for high-quality audio even via wireless connectivity.
For those with a Roon account, this is a compatible network player, to have access to your music library directly from the TEAC network player.
- PCM 768kHz / 32-bit
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Headphone output
- No WiFi
3. Cambridge Audio CXN (V2)
Hi-end network streamer with integrated Chromecast
If you are looking for the best hi-end network player for your home hi-fi system, one of the top-of-the-range models is version 2 of the Cambridge Audio CXN. The main difference with the previous version is the integration of Google Chromecast within the device, therefore excellent for those who want to stream music services from their smartphone.
For Apple smartphone users, the Airplay feature facilitates the connection between the phone and the network receiver, allowing you to play music tracks from your iDevice mobile device.
We really like the industrial design, typical of the brand, and it is very convenient to have a color LCD screen that shows the artwork of the music track, as well as basic information.
Spotify Connect, TIDAL and Qobuz are integrated directly into the player, so that you can access your account directly from the CXN (V2). There is also access to the web radio, with plenty of stations available.
The remote control is possible via the StreamMagic smartphone application, available for both Android and iOS platforms.
If you want to use the player to send an audio signal from a digital source, you can use the optical and coaxial input connections. There is an asynchronous USB port in case you want to play music from an external hard drive.
The audio quality of the Cambridge Audio CXN v2 is one of the best we have experienced. Just use this network receiver to play any high definition digital track to understand its potential. The sound is warm, punctual, the dynamics are satisfying, and the musical track comes to life.
Once installed and connected to the amp, it sounds really good and is a pleasure to use as a media player for all our digital music.
- Superb sound quality
- Design and color screen
- Input options
- Optional Bluetooth connectivity with an adapter to be purchased separately
4. Marantz NA6006
Hi-Fi network player for connoisseurs
The best audio streamer from Marantz is the NA6006 model. This network player is one of the most recommended, and you can entrust it with all your digital file reading needs, both online and from the home network.
Compared to the cheaper models, with the Marantz player, you will have more possibilities to control the sound parameters. An example is the presence of two RCA out pairs, one to send a fixed signal, the other to send a variable signal, the latter option is useful for those who want to perfectly calibrate the output level between the hi-fi components.
The Marantz Na6006 player belongs to the HEOS family (owned by Marantz / Denon) and is therefore compatible with all the services that the HEOS app promotes. It means being able to access your Spotify, Pandora, SiriusXM, Amazon Music, TIDAL, Deezer, etc. account directly.
In terms of wireless connectivity, we will be able to connect a mobile device to the network player to play the audio of our smartphone on the home hi-fi system, via Bluetooth connection.
Apple lovers will find the AirPlay function useful, and it is also possible to have access to Alexa and Google voice assistants to control music playback by voice.
Aside from all these features that we find extremely practical for the modern smart home, the real reason to buy the Marantz NA6006 over the rival Denon DNP-800NE is the fine-tuning capability of the audio signal.
The Marantz Musical Digital Filtering (MMDF) technology allows you to interact on the digital filters and perfectly adjust the sound that is sent to the stereo system amplifier.
- Marantz Musical Digital Filtering
- HEOS compatibility
- Build quality and design
- We would have liked a color screen
5. Denon DNP-800NE
The best network player for HEOS systems
The best liquid music player in the price range is Denon’s DNP-800NE, which offers many interesting aspects and is compatible with Hi Fi systems based on HEOS technology. We recommend it to those who use music streaming a lot, because with this device you will have direct access to many online services.
Specifically, this being a network player that we can control with our HEOS app, we will be able to connect to Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer, iHeart Radio, Pandora, Mood Mix, Napster, Sirius / XM, SoundCloud, TIDAL, Tune-In.
Furthermore, it will be possible to use the network player to access local files within our computer connected to the network, and to play music in MP3, AAC, Apple Lossless, DSD, Flac, Wav, WMA formats. The integrated DAC allows high-resolution 192kHz / 24bit digital to analog conversions.
Still, the HEOS system opens the door to multi-room Hi Fi, if you buy HEOS speakers you can place them in different rooms of the house and use the DNP-800NE player to play music wherever you want. For us, the multi-zone solution is particularly convenient to avoid connecting very long cables and to place the speakers where we want.
This network tuner also offers the possibility to listen to the radio via the internet, and there is also a Bluetooth connection to connect a device wirelessly and play music from our smartphone to the hi-fi system.
Ultimately, if you are looking for the best network streamer for versatility and audio quality, while staying in the price range of 500 dollars, the Denon DNP-800NE is a solution that we recommend with your eyes closed.
- HEOS system
- Bluetooth and WiFi
- Access to many music streaming services
- A color display on the front panel would have been handy
6. Yamaha R-N303BL
Excellent value for money solution for listening to liquid music
The best budget streaming player is the Yamaha R-N303BL, this network player has good capabilities, and lovers of high fidelity music will find themselves taking advantage of it in a number of ways.
Specifically, the Yamaha R-N303BL allows you to connect directly to various music streaming services, not only Spotify but also Tidal, Qobuz and Deezer HiFi. It also gives access to Airable Radio web radio.
It can be connected to the home router via WiFi or network cable, and it is also possible to connect to the device via Bluetooth to play audio directly from the smartphone.
The built-in DAC has 24-bit / 192kHz conversion capability and it is also possible to play DSD128 type files.
As this is a device from Yamaha’s MusicCast family, we can integrate it into a multi-room system and connect it to speakers in different areas of the house, all controlled by a dedicated app on our favorite mobile device.
The backplate offers RCA out connections for the analog connection between the network player and the Hi-Fi amplifier, or you can send a digital signal out via the coaxial and optical ports.
The front is simple and minimalist, there is a small central screen that displays the playback information and the input source, and we have a USB port to play files from digital sources such as a flash drive or external hard drive.
- Very versatile
- Multi-zone capability
- Value for money
- No headphones output
7. AUNA iTuner CD
Versatile CD player and network streamer
A good budget streamer is the AUNA iTuner CD, a very versatile hi-fi component, useful for those looking for a single device to play music from CD, Spotify, Internet Radio, FM radio, DAB radio and USB stick.
The sound quality is quite good. Although we will not have the same performance as high-end network players, we can still say that this model is suitable for Hi Fi use.
Once the Auna media player has been installed inside the hi-fi system, just connect it to the amplifier via RCA cables, or via the optical or coaxial digital outputs, if your amp allows it (also useful if you want to benefit from an external DAC ).
The network player connects to the home WiFi without problems, and to check the various settings we can download the Undok app which allows us to sit quietly on the sofa while playing music and switching between the different modes.
In practical terms, this tuner gives you access to endless radio stations on the net, plus you can listen to local FM and DAB radio. Then it is possible to exhume our CD collection, and if we connect a USB stick to the front socket we will be able to listen to MP3 files from our personal library.
If you use Spotify, you can use the network player to connect directly to your account and have access to your playlists.
The device is also compatible with other multi-room components to set speakers in the different rooms of the house and control everything via the UNDOK app.
- Multi-use network player
- Digital outputs
- USB input and CD player
- Entry-level digital conversion quality
8. AUNA iTuner 320 BT
Economical audio streamer for Spotify and for web radio, FM radio and Dab +
Auna products, such as this network tuner, are good for anyone who is putting together an entry level Hi Fi system. As per the trademark of the Berlin-based company, the AUNA iTuner 320 BT is an economical and versatile solution to transform your Hi Fi system into a wireless station.
We like the design of this Hi Fi component, the dimensions are the standard ones of an amplifier and we can fit it inside our rack for an orderly view of the stereo system.
It is especially recommended for lovers of radio programs and streaming music because it allows you to play FM radio, DAB + radio, web radio and Spotify. As for the tuning services, it is, therefore, able to offer several options. If you have a Spotify account, you will be able to log in directly through the network player.
The iTuner 320 BT connects to the internet via a WiFi antenna, or via the LAN cable. We can then connect it to the amplifier in analog through the RCA cables, or in digital through the optical or coaxial outputs (useful if we want to use an external DAC, and for less loss of audio quality). There is also a headphone output with a 3.5mm mini-jack.
To control the device from the sofa, we can use the remote control, or the dedicated app available for iOS and Android. Bluetooth connectivity is available to stream directly from your smartphone.
On the front, we find a convenient digital input for USB sticks, so that we can read music files from our personal library.
- DAB + and FM radio
- Digital audio outputs
- Spotify Connect
- Not compatible with all streaming services, good for Spotify
9. Yamaha WXAD-10
The best compact budget network player
Among the best budget network players to convert your current Hi-Fi system into a wireless music streaming system is the Yamaha WXAD-10.
This component is part of the MusicCast family of devices, and is therefore compatible with Yamaha wireless speakers of the same series, should you wish to upgrade to a multi-room system in the future.
What can you do with this network player? Very simple, it must be connected to the Hi Fi amplifier via RCA cables, and it will work as a media player to play music from your mobile device once you have downloaded the MusicCast Controller app.
The WXAD-10 connects to your home WiFi wirelessly, or with a LAN cable if you prefer. It allows you to log into your Spotify, Tidal, Deezer, Napster, Qobuz, and TuneIn account, or you can play the audio file inside a local NAS. For Apple device users, there is AirPlay functionality.
The integrated DAC is the Burr-Brown PCM5121, which offers 24-bit Hi-Res digital-to-analog conversions. For the price paid, we have absolutely nothing to complain about in the area of audio quality. There is support for WAV, FLAC and AIFF 192 kHz / 24-bit and ALAC 96 kHz / 24-bit files.
For those who want to complete their Hi-Fi with a wireless component, instead of buying a very cheap Bluetooth receiver and settle for entry-level audio quality, we recommend investing in this Yamaha network player and enjoying sound quality up to the potential of your current system.
- Exceptional value for money
- Multi-room wireless capability
- No digital outputs
10. Pioneer N-30AE
Hi-fi network player for home stereo system
The Pioneer N-30AE is a mid-range Hi-Fi streamer recommended for those who are putting together a medium to high-quality stereo system and want a good-capable network player.
Once installed, we can connect the device to the home network to have access to internet radio with TuneIn, to our Spotify, Deezer, or Tidal account, or to the music we store on the network computer or NAS.
The Pioneer N-30AE supports WAV, DSD, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC files with built-in DAC that converts up to 24-bit / 192kHz and up to 11.2MHz DSD.
Through the WiFi antenna, we can connect it to the home internet without the need to connect a LAN cable between the router and the network tuner, but in this case, be aware that the sampling of the tracks will not be Hi-Res. For best performance, we, therefore, recommend connecting it to your home network using the LAN cable.
If you do not have a home NAS for streaming local tracks, we can still connect an external hard drive via the front USB port, in order to use the hard disk as a NAS.
For wireless connection with Apple devices, there is support for Airplay, and there is also the integrated Chromecast to be able to stream from a mobile device of any type.
The sound quality of this Pioneer streamer is acceptable. For refined palates, we recommend a higher-end model, but for those with no Hi Fidelity pretensions, the network receiver does its job excellently and is full of convenient features to use.
It must be connected to the Hi Fi amplifier via the RCA audio outputs on the back, so this model is good for those who choose to send an analog-only audio signal .
- Easy to install for both NAS and online streaming
- The display helps in navigation
- Good options
- Sound quality is not great
- We would have preferred a larger display
- No digital outputs