You know what a streamer is now, right? Well, on the off-chance you don’t – here’s the briefest of overviews: a streamer is a device which acts as a source for your digital music collection. Usually a multi-channel device, which allows for the files on your computer or NAS drive to be played – quite seamlessly – through your existing system from one place. A streamer also acts as an effective way of streaming wirelessly directly from your smartphone, tablet or MP3 player via Bluetooth. Many of them also have internet radio and compatibility with HD streaming websites such as Spotify built in too – the possibilities are quite literally endless.
In essence, a streamer brings both your own music, and the music of theworld – together in one place, to be played through your system as though it were a CD in a CD player that never needs changing. Most streamers can be operated by – at the very least – a screen and remote control, and many have adjoining applications for smartphones. They are very epitome of convenient, and while we never expect them to replace CDs and vinyl (etc.) entirely, we expect their popularity to continue to soar, especially considering the latest advances in technology allowing for the audio to be of a very high quality indeed. Even wireless is improving in leaps and bounds, thanks to Bluetooth AptX.
There are several different types of streamer and the best fit is dependent on your existing set up. This list is for hi-fi streamers; streamers designed for those who have a fully set up hi-fi system, and simply want the streamer to work as a source. This is ideal if you already have the suitable amplification and speakers and works out as a much cheaper solution than purchasing a streamer with built-in amplification – which, of course, we can also provide.
To be clear, most hi-fi streamers have the controls for music on the unit itself – usually with a screen – so you’ll need an existing integrated amplifier or pre amplifier and power amplifier with speakers. The hi-fi streamer comes in as a source, and nothing else. There is also the option of using your hi-fi streamer with a pair Active/Powered Speakers. Once upon a time this would have been treated as heresy in the hi-fi community as it was widely believed that active speakers couldn’t possibly offer the audio quality of a separates system. But the times they are a’changin’! There are now some very high quality active speakers, such the KEF X300A and Dali Kubik System which have proven to the harshest of critics that it is possible to have a great sounding system with active speakers. Not quite as good as a separates hi-fi system, of course, but close!
So, now we know what you need to have to own a hi-fi streamer, let’s get to it. If your set up is missing this essential upgrade, we have a collated the five best options for under £1000, for your consideration.
Remember, all prices stated were correct at the time of publishing and may be subject to change.
1. Sansui WLD 201 Network Player – £165 (EXCLUSIVE PRICE)
With a massive 50% of the RRP, we had to start with the Sansui WLD 201. This is an excellent little streamer that serves as a pretty good all-rounder. It will play every audio file on your PC, NAS or USB drive, all the while effortlessly tuning into over 16,000 (and counting) internet radio stations. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, with DAB and DAB+ built-in too. The WLD 201 boasts excellent usability, with a LCD screen and a remote control included as standard. And yes, it can be controlled with your mobile device too.
Why do we like it?
It’s an extremely popular unit – even without the discount – and is consistently praised for its ease of use and sound quality. A real crowd pleaser. We suggest getting in there quick, the discount is only there while stock lasts!
Why do they like it?
‘…great value with oodles of ability at a great price’ (Hi-Fi World Magazine, January 2013)
2. HRT LineStreamer + ADC – £279
In complete contrast to the WLD 201 is the tiny little HRT streamer. This is about the simplest streamer you could find. It has two separate functions – ADC (the opposite of a DAC) – a way of converting your old LPs, old cassettes and anything else in the analogue domain to digital to be stored and archived on your computer. And of course, it also functions as a very simple streamer. And that’s it. No features, no frills – not even a screen! Very much a piece of kit for those who prefer their analogue audio, but wouldn’t mind a small step towards streaming.
Why do we like it?
It’s incredibly simple to use – in both of its functions – and sounds fantastic It’s very small too – so won’t take up an entire shelf if you haven’t got one to spare.
Why do they like it?
‘A good ADC should have no intrinsic character of its own. It should be a chimera, letting the source dictate the performance rather than influencing the sound. And that is precisely what the HRT Linestreamer + does’ (Hi-Fi +)
3. Yamaha CD-N301 CD Player & Network Streamer – £299
Yes, it’s a wildcard. And yes, it’s Yamaha. We like throwing both of these things into the mix whenever we can! This neat little box is included because it covers pretty much all of your ‘source’ bases – except vinyl. Designed with simplicity in mind, this CD player come steamer will act as a pretty effective audio hub. It’s even compatible with AirPlay – which means streaming from an IOS device is a breeze. It’s packed with features – and as it’s Yamaha, you know what you’re getting in terms of sound too.
Why do we like it?
It’s brilliant design means that it’s an all-in-one box (minus amplification – we don’t want to confuse anyone!) that still provides much of the quality of a series of ‘separates’. It is excellent value – and a great space saver.
4. Pro-Ject Stream Box DS+ – £949
And after a slight deviation, we’re back to the pure hi-fi streamers. Yes, it’s a bit of a jump in price, but it’s worth every penny. This is a hi-end streamer in every sense of the phrase. It sounds fantastic and has support for all of the latest files, including: FLAC (Up To 24bit/192kHz), WMA9-Lossless, AIFF, AAC, ALAC, LPCM (Up To 24bit/192kHz, Ogg Vorbis 1.0, ASX. Basically, if you happen to have a lot of high quality audio files on your PC, laptop or NAS – this is the kind of thing you want to be looking into getting.
Why do we like it?
It embodies just how far the world of digital audio has come in terms of quality. A true audiophile’s streamer. Plus, very compact. There will be plenty of room for a hi-grade CD player and turntable for when you fancy revisiting analogue. Although, when digital sounds this good, there’s a chance you never will!
5. Linn Sneaky Music DS Network Streamer – £1015
Sneaky sneaky sneaky. It’s fun to say, it’s fun to be, and it’s certainly fun to have one. Yes, it’s a bit more than £1000, but it’s so meagre that we still count it as an affordable hi-fi streamer. The Sneaky DS operates under Linn’s ‘source first’ system hierarchy, the – quite correct – notion that if you get the source right – the rest will follow. And their efforts in making the source ‘right’ are very apparent in this affordable yet hi-end hi-fi streamer. If you want something of the same high quality as the Sneaky but lack the necessary amplification – that exists in the form of the Sneaky DSM.
Why do we like it?
Linn are new to us, and they’re already one of our favourite brands. And nothing quite embodies that like the Sneaky DS. It’s a beautiful looking and sounding little box – and it won’t fail to impress.
Why do they like it?
‘If you ever wanted proof that the digital music revolution is well under way, here it is: Linn, one of the most highly respected names in traditional hi-fi, has come up with its very own digital media player, the Sneaky Music DS.’ (What Hi-Fi Magazine)
So there you have it, the hi-fi aficionado’s first step into the digital realm. We can understand the scepticism, but we assure you – things are changing, but the quality is continuing to improve. There has never been a better time to invest in a streamer. And if you have an existing set up, this is a very good place to start. Forget the past – this is the future. And the future is streamer.