Network audio players: what is it, an overview of models, selection criteria

Modern audio equipment is capable of reading information from various types of media. But due to the multi-stage information processing, the sound quality is inevitably reduced. Network audio players can minimize these costs. This is achieved due to the fact that the player is directly connected to a source that supplies an initially high-quality signal.

Network players, unlike other audio systems, directly receive the signal located on various resources. Management of modern models is carried out both using hardware buttons located on the panel, and through special applications installed on the user's smartphone. The main function of the network player is to play audio files.

Depending on the modification, the device may have additional functionality:

• file exchange and storage;
• organization of a home media library;
• act as a separate component of DLNA and UPnP networks.

In addition, the device user has the ability to access Internet applications and additional services. Taken together, the network audio player is a new generation multifunctional tool for listening to audio files of various formats. If necessary, the user can to expand or reduce the capabilities of the player itself, if the appropriate functionality is available.

There are a wide variety of models of network audio players on the market today. They differ from each other in external design, functionality and cost.

The most popular models are as follows.

• DNP-720AE from Denon. We can say that this is one of the most attractive models that combines a turntable and a tuner. The positive sides of the model are: high-quality processing and reproduction of on-air Internet broadcasting, instant reading of folders and a convenient control panel.

• Pioneer N-50A - a model that has proven itself quite well as a music player. The player has a good display, an aluminum casing and an interesting design. The disadvantage is the lack of wireless adapters in the package (but they can be purchased separately). The cost is 63 thousand rubles.

• Cambridge CXN - this is an expensive receiver, but its quality is at the appropriate level. Among other models, it is distinguished by: improved sound, wide functionality, support for almost all audio file formats, external superiority. The only drawback (for those with a limited budget) is the high cost - 70 thousand rubles.

• Cyrus stream xa - streaming audio player worth 140 thousand rubles. The advantages of this model: excellent sound, rhythm, detail. The disadvantage is the small display.

These are only the most popular models. In stores and on online sites, you can find players for every taste and wallet.

It is recommended that you determine the requirements before purchasing a turntable.In most cases, sound quality comes first, but with such a requirement, the price difference between the models can be huge. The optimal choice is popular models from the middle price segment or initial devices from firms producing expensive equipment. Such a choice will help not only to obtain equipment with all the declared characteristics, but also to significantly save on the budget.

Do not forget about possible additional features that are not available in every player:

• storage interfaces;
• USB port;
• the ability to rewind and much more.

It is important not to ignore the material from which the product is made. Several years ago, networked audio players were firmly entrenched in the music equipment segment. Despite the high prices, this technique remains popular to this day. The main thing is not to be mistaken with the choice of such a player.

The following is a video review of the Pioneer N-50A network audio player.