Convenience. The key to a modern streamlined life: pre-peeled carrots, pre-packed sandwiches –  these and many other little touches make our lives that little bit simpler allowing us to concentrate on the more important things in life. Such as Hi-Fi.

So, what happens when you want to simplify your music collection and thoroughly drag it into this century – vinyl, I love you, but lets face it this blog would never be finished if I kept having to lift the needle from the record!

Let’s leave our love of vinyl at the door for a second. I think we can all agree, having all your music stored in one place is advantageous – for one you can eliminate your need for CD racks: a NAS drive – ‘Network Attached Storage’ – will allow for this, then all that’s left is for you to choose your streamer. We at AA have decided to compile this How To guide to mirror our website’s categories helping you find the perfect solution to complete audio convenience!

Your options are thus: a streamer with a built-in amplifier, a “source streamer” which can been seen as the same as a turntable or CD player, which will require separate amplification or a receiver which can be hooked up to an existing system. Another option – and probably the easiest – is acquiring a wireless speaker which allow you to stream directly from your existing device such as an iPad from iTunes.

But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Lets break it down:

Wireless Speakers with AptX

This is the easiest way to stream from your device. it will allow you to send over music from a portable source such as a phone and you can take advantage of music stored on it or stream via Spotify. And that’s only the beginning…

The brand new Yamaha YSP2500 is the successor to the much loved and well received 2200. With this incarnation you get a wireless sub and Bluetooth included as standard and the numerous HDMI ins and outs. It has also been tailored to the UK market in terms of sound quality, so our discernible ears shall be pleased. As a stereo reproduction it is by far the best we have heard to date from a soundbar, and it’s very easy to operate with mobile devices.

Although in relative terms a new comer to the speaker market, Q Acoustics have cornered the market in well-priced, sound-focused speakers – and the BT3 is no exception! Simple, high definition bluetooth streaming from anything you are listening to or watching on your device make these a real dream to use.

Those of you looking for something a little more hi-fi (i.e. a proper investment in sound) should look no further than the Focal EasyA, Offering true hi-fi sound and Focal’s infamous tight and defined top end, these speakers really rock. One standout feature of the EasyA: is you can also connect to them via USB to your computer, if the AptX streaming doesn’t quite cut it. Nice and versatile.

While we’re talking convenience, what is more simple than a one box solution? With a built-in amplifier, frequently included DAB and FM and almost certainly internet radio if – these are pretty nifty all-in-one solutions. If you have an existing pair of speakers – or even if you don’t (… we can help you there…) then choosing a steaming system may be the way forward. When distinguishing between these and the products above it important to remember: these steamers will include UPNP or DLNA, this means that it will communicate with anything shared over you network, such as a NAS drive or a computer with Asset installed.

Enter the Cocktail Audio X30. It is usually a difficult balance between cutting edge technology and price, new technology, by its very nature, tends to be expensive – but if you’re looking to dip your toe into this field without investing too heavily, the Cocktail Audio X30 may be the choice for you.

Offering a built in CD player, an optional hardrive as well as an integrated amp, the X30 covers all bases. No, it wont go superload. But if you have a smaller space and want something that performs better than those out of that magazine you get with the Sunday paper (yes we all them!) then check out the X30.

Stepping up, we have Linn. When you consider Linn, the Sondek LP12 bought to mind – a turntable that has outlasted pretty much every other. I’m pleased to say that Linn are moving with the times as much as sticking to their roots.

The Sneaky DSM is complex in its working but the well-written software allows access to a virtual streaming world that is so simple and streamlined you would never know. You can stream music from your NAS and video via HDMI, It even features internet radio, what more can you ask for? Well whatever that is I am pretty sure the Sneaky would have it covered! There is a an IOS app, with Android following shortly and includes software for both PC and MAC.

Last but not least, we have Naim’s Uniti 2. No other all-in-one streamer has had quite the impact of the Uniti 2. The app is fabulous, the onboard amp is beautifully designed and it has a preamp out put allowing you to add another power amp. It simply works – no questions asked, oh and its from Naim, one of UK’s biggest and best.

Hi-Fi Streamers

Hi-fi streamers are designed to be used with an existing hi-fi, They are a unit dedicated to streaming only – this negates problems from on board interference from amplifiers etc.They are the purist option  when it comes to streaming and a real must for those who already have an amplifier or simply wish to keep things separate. For Audiophile reasons.

You have probably already heard of Pro-Ject . Synonymous for their turntables, they offer an entry into high-end sound with a sensible price with the Stream Box DSnet. As with the streaming systems above, you get 24bit/192, UPnP, all that’s missing is the amplification. if you already have a decent system then this may just be the option for you as it works out cheaper than going for an amplified unit.

I have included the Sansui WLD-201 because it is somewhat different as it also includes a preamp. You of course get all your usual streaming features buy you will also be able to control a power amplifier. Modern meets separates in perfect harmony! Match with the NAP 200 power amp for a perfect partnership. At £165, the WLD-201 is the absolute budget option, an excellent way of taking advantage of internet radio and streaming from NAS but without breaking the bank, give it a go!

Wireless Streamers

Do you have an existing hi-fi system and just need the streaming as a source? This is the option for you. By far the cheapest and simplest method for adding streaming to your repertoire, without making too much fuss in the process. With one of these little additions, you can stream from your computer, iPad or android device. An excellent way of breathing new life into an ‘old’ analogue system.

One of the best ways to do this? Get yourself a miniBlink. I actually own one of these – how’s that for a testimony! When I work I like to have my hi-fi on – as previously mentioned – however I do not want to keep taking the needle of the record. Getting up and down may be great exercise, but it’s not good for productivity. I also listen predominantly to spotify over vinyl, so I needed a simple way to play from my iPad to my amp, Cue the miniBlink: I cannot fault it.

Another option for your consideration is the very item we use in store for background (and working) music. To keep things convenient, we send music from our PC’s to the amps via an Audio Pro WFD200 Wireless Transmitter. Basically you plug it to a USB – and off you go, it’s that easy! These will give you the convenience of wireless technology – but with a serious hi-fi sound. The best of both worlds – and a very nifty bit of kit,

So there you have it, a quick guide to all the streaming options – and some of our favourite products – available to you from AA. While it’s pretty simple to set up and use, it can still pose some questions, so please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions. Our team are here to help get the perfect solution for you!

As always, happy listening – be it CDs, vinyl or streaming!