The top 8 best networked music players of 2024. Part 1

A hi-fi enthusiast’s space is often cluttered with retro furniture, a set of speakers, vinyl records and key components such as integrated amplifiers and receivers. And that’s just for analog music lovers. Digital music lovers, on the other hand, rely on sophisticated audio components to bring the best-sounding digital tracks to their ears, and that’s where a network music streamer comes in.

The Network Music Streamer, which has joined the ranks of today’s AV receivers and amplifiers, lets you stream high-resolution audio tracks (and other formats) from a number of built-in music platforms. The services in question are: Tidal, Qobuz and Apple Music, where higher bitrate tracks are prioritized. Online music streamers use premium audio technology, including precision DACs (digital-to-analog converters), to ensure your favorite online tracks sound their best.

We’ve made it easy for you to play Hi-Fi music by selecting the best network music streamers you can buy.

Cambridge Audio CXN100

Cambridge Audio — is no newcomer to the world of premium audio devices, and the incredible CXN100 network audio player — is proof that the brand has no intention of stopping there. This sleek Lunar Grey colored unit is sized to fit next to most AV components, and features an updated ESS DAC to improve sound quality and minimize distortion. It sounds good in words, but it turns out to be even better in practice: crisp and clean sound with a massive soundstage. And when it comes to high-resolution streaming, it supports playback up to 32-bit/768kHz.

If you plan to stream tunes via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB, or a compatible NAS device, the CXN100 accepts all of the above connections and has 64GB of storage. The interactive LCD display makes it easy to keep track of the tracks, albums or playlists you’re listening to. The player has access to music streaming services such as Spotify, Tidal, Deezer and Qobuz, and is also compatible with MQA, Chromecast, AirPlay and Roon.

This is one of the most expensive network music players on our list, but it’s hard to deny the performance and versatility that the Cambridge Audio CXN100 offers. 

Costing around 120,000 rubles.

HiFi Rose RS250A

You may not be familiar with South Korean brand HiFi Rose, but the company brings something unique to the music player realm with the HiFi Rose RS250A, which does double duty — a network music player and a 4K video hub. At a glance, you might think the 8.8-inch touchscreen — is just a music user interface, but with a simple swipe of your hand, you’re into video mode, with 60fps playback. But the real excitement is the HDMI output, which allows you to connect the device to your TV.

At the end of the day, you’ll be able to connect the device to a TV.

TheRS250A integrates YouTube content into the RoseTube app — the first player with a user interface and the ability to link your own YouTube account. You’ll even be able to access music videos via Tidal or locally saved media files via the VIDEO app. Of course, you’ll also have access to some incredible music streaming options, including Apple Music, Tidal, and Qobuz and Bugs.

And you’ll also have access to some incredible music streaming options, including Apple Music, Tidal, and Qobuz and Bugs.

As with any good network music player, sound quality is a top priority for the HiFi Rose. The RS250A features rigid aluminum panels to minimize vibration and improve ventilation, a flagship ESS DAC for top-notch audio processing, and support for playback up to 32-bit/768kHz.

The Rose also features full support for MQA tracks, as well as WAV, FLAC and other leading audio formats. While the high price may put you off, the HiFi Rose RS250A delivers reliable streaming playback that’s hard to beat.

Costing around R250,000.

Yamaha WXC-50

In terms of overall performance, features and cost, the Yamaha WXC-50 — is a great mid-priced option for users who want a network streamer with a built-in preamplifier, making it ideal for those who want to dedicate all of their AV inputs, outputs and EQ to a single device. It’s also small and can be mounted vertically to save even more space.

Equipped with an ESS Sabre DAC and a built-in music enhancer to improve the sound of MP3 files, it offers accurate and rich sound at a price that’s not intimidating. You can connect to the WXC-50 via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or wired internet, and the device supports several popular streaming platforms, including Spotify Connect, Pandora, and SiriusXM. Unfortunately, there’s no built-in support for Apple Music, Qobuz, or Amazon Music.

So there’s no built-in support for Apple Music, Qobuz, or Amazon Music.

You’ll also be able to download the MusicCast app (for iOS and Android) to control playback from your smartphone or tablet, and connect the WXC-50 to other Yamaha wireless equipment for multi-room audio.

The cost is about 60,000 rubles.