WTF Is A Network Streamer?

A network streamer, also known as a network audio player or network music player, is a device that enables audio streaming over a network. It typically connects to your home network via Ethernet or Wi-Fi, or a computer or a network-attached storage (NAS) drive and allows you to stream audio from a variety of sources, including online streaming services, local network storage, and mobile devices.

Network streamers are designed to deliver high-quality audio playback, often supporting high-resolution audio formats and providing advanced audio processing features. They typically have a built-in digital-to-analog converter (DAC) to convert digital audio signals to analog audio signals for playback through a stereo or home theater system.

Network streamers typically connect to a receiver, amplifier or pair of powered speakers via an analog output (RCA, 1/8-inch or balanced XLR) or a digital connection (RCA coax or fiberoptic digital). Some streamers, like the WiiM Ultra and BlueSound Node, include HDMI ports so you can connect them to your TV and even bring TV sound back to your stereo system using HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) or HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel).

Some network streamers may also have additional features, such as support for multi-room audio playback, voice control integration, and internet radio. They can be controlled using a smartphone or tablet app, a remote control, or a web-based interface.

Overall, a network streamer is a versatile and convenient device for streaming high-quality audio content from a variety of sources over a network, offering a flexible and modern alternative to traditional audio playback methods.

Network streamers can be standalone devices or integrated into other products such as TVs, soundbars, or home theater receivers.

Why Do You Need One?

Digital music streaming accounts for 85% of the market in 2023 and that level of adoption is not getting any smaller. Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music HD, TIDAL, Qobuz, and Deezer are the preferred gateway drugs for hundreds of millions of consumers around the globe and there is pretty much something for everyone at this point. 

Classical music fans received a huge boost with the launch of Apple Classical Music. We have already started using the app and will be discussing our experience as part of a upcoming podcast covering the current state of music streaming.

The vast majority of consumers use their smartphones to stream and that’s a perfectly valid way to go. But streaming does drain your battery; it gets even worse if you utilize a Dongle DAC to drive a pair of headphones or a pair of active loudspeakers on the desktop. These typically draw power from the host device (the phone) meaning your battery drains even faster.

Another big advantage to using a dedicated streamer is that it frees your phone to do things like take calls and send and receive text messages without interrupting the music flow. Most streamers can work standalone and don’t require a phone be used at all. And in the cases where you are driving the music playback with your phone (like TIDAL Connect or using the streamer’s mobile app), you don’t have to worry about calls or notification sounds interfering with your musical enjoyment. You can’t see the same about Bluetooth.

Another drawback is that the DAC in your smartphone probably does not compare favorably to the DAC inside of a dedicated music streamer. Even budget streamers are beginning to offer advanced high quality DACs. The sound of these can be so good that they can reveal shortcomings in your system downstream (amps and speakers) so a good streamer might end up giving you a reason to upgrade the rest of your system (we’re not sure if that’s an advantage or a disadvantage – maybe both?).

One can spend anywhere from $99 to $20,000 on a network streamer with very little effort — but does it make sense to do so? 

We have listed some of our favorite picks here and considering them to be excellent options for those who want to elevate the sound quality of their digital audio playback at home.

What Are The Advantages Of A Network Streamer?

There are several advantages of using a network streamer:

1. Access to a wide range of content: A network streamer allows you to access a vast array of digital media content, including music, podcasts, internet radio, and online video services, without the need for physical media.
2. High-quality audio and video playback: Network streamers can support high-resolution audio and video playback, providing an excellent listening and viewing experience.
3. Flexible and convenient setup: Setting up a network streamer is often straightforward, and it can be done using a Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection, which eliminates the need for physical media or complex wiring.
4. Multi-room streaming: Some network streamers support multi-room streaming, allowing you to stream content to multiple rooms or devices simultaneously, making it easy to enjoy your media content throughout your home.
5. Compatibility with different devices: Network streamers can be compatible with a variety of devices, such as speakers, headphones, TVs, and mobile devices, making it easy to enjoy your media content on your preferred device.
6. Cost-effective: Network streamers are often a cost-effective solution to enjoy digital media content, as they eliminate the need for physical media and can provide access to a wide range of content for a relatively low cost.
7. Adds Bluetooth to any system: Most network streamers include Bluetooth so you can play music back from your phone through any audio system – even an old school vintage HiFi rig, from any app on your phone.
8. Frees your phone to be a phone: having a dedicated streamer frees your phone up to do phone things (like taking calls or text messages) without interrupting music playback. The same cannot be said for Bluetooth.

What Are The Disadvantages Of A Network Streamer?

While network streamers offer many advantages, there are also a few disadvantages to consider:

1. Dependence on a stable network connection: Network streamers require a stable network connection to stream content, and any issues with your network, such as slow speeds or interruptions, can affect the quality of playback.
2. Limited offline playback: Unlike physical media, network streamers require an internet connection to access most content, and offline playback may be limited or unavailable unless the streamer has internal HDDs to save music files or you’re using an external USB hard drive or NAS drive inside your home network to store your music.
3. Potential compatibility issues: Some network streamers may not be compatible with certain devices or streaming services, which can limit the available content and features.
4. Complexity: Setting up and using a network streamer can be complex, especially if you have limited technical knowledge.
5. Audio quality limitations: While network streamers can support high-quality audio playback, the quality may still be limited by the quality of the source material or the equipment used for playback.
6. Price: While some streamers are as inexpensive as $99, some sell for far more. And there are those who balk at spending a dime if they already have a phone-based solution that’s “good enough.”

The Bottom Line

Network streamers have become one of the fastest growing categories in home audio for a reason. Many reasons, in fact. A dedicated music streamer allows you to bring the convenience, quality and usability of music streaming and digital music playback to any system, even vintage gear, without tying up your phone for the job. And with prices spanning from under $100 to $20,000, there are streamers for every taste and budget.

Related Posts:

• Best DACs

• Best Digital Music Streamers

• Recent Network Streamer News & Reviews