The popularity of digital streaming services is on the rise. But what is a music streamer and what are the best options on the market? Read on to discover our recommendations…
The rise in popularity of digital streaming
The original iPod, launched in 2001, had enough capacity for just 1000 songs. Today, Spotify has more than 100 million songs available and, according to a report from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), streaming now accounts for 87.7 per cent of music consumption in the UK.
There’s no escaping the rise in popularity of digital streaming services, but thankfully, no matter how traditional your home hi-fi, the latest digital music streamer models easily play better-than-CD quality without the need to splash out on a new stereo.
What is a music streamer?
A music streamer is a relatively small box that connects to your existing hi-fi via cables and your home Wi-Fi (and your smartphone’s Bluetooth). It enables you to listen to music using services like Spotify, Apple Music, TIDAL, Qobuz and Deezer.
By connecting over Wi-Fi using a quality streaming system, you can enjoy music in much better quality than via Bluetooth. Firstly, most now support a wide range of digital formats including CD quality (16-bit/44.1kHz) and the more detailed 24-bit/192kHz. Plus they also use much better quality DACs (digital-to-analog converter) compared to your smartphone, which convert the data into analogue signals so we can hear them.
- Hi-res audio: what is it, and what are the best streaming platforms and players for classical music?
Which music streamer should I choose?
Which music streamer you choose will depend greatly on the platforms you are hoping to use. Most now cater for the leading platforms such as Apple’s AirPlay 2 and Google Cast, but if you’re a TIDAL or Spotify user, check it works with Spotify and TIDAL Connect. Bluetooth is a handy extra too, as it doesn’t require Wi-Fi.
Unless you’re happy getting up from the sofa to change tracks, using your smartphone or tablet to control your streamer wirelessly offers the best experience. You can easily play tracks from your preferred streaming service, but if you have music in a variety of locations it’s easier to use the streamer’s own app, which brings all the options together. Roon is an alternative platform that brings everything neatly together into one place.
But where to start? The puck-sized WiiM Mini Streamer (£89; wiimhome.com) boasts AirPlay 2 and a good app for impossible-to-beat value, while the Link 2 from Audio Pro (£220; audiopro.com) is a brilliant upgrade, with AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect and Bluetooth. For a little more, the Bluesound Node offers superb performance and a great control app (£399; bluesound.com), while the Cambridge Audio MXN10 (£449; cambridgeaudio.com) is a favourite of mine.
We recommend… 3 great music streamer options
Cambridge Audio CXN100 Network Player £899
Capable of producing beautiful audio from virtually any digital source – including hi-resolution internet radio – this streamer is Roon Ready, so it can access your digital music wherever it’s stored. It also boasts smooth volume control and a large screen for displaying album artwork. Cambridge Audio
Technics SL-G700M2 £2,899
A high-quality CD player and streamer in one, this hi-fi separate is perfect for anyone looking to the future but not ready to trade in their CDs. It handles highest resolution 32-bit/384kHz files and works seamlessly with AirPlay, Chromecast, Spotify, TIDAL and Internet radio, feeding through two DACs. technics.com
WiiM Pro Plus £219
This Wi-Fi- and Bluetooth-toting black box has a voice control remote, and the WiiM Home App works with AirPlay 2, Alexa Casting, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, Amazon Music, TIDAL, Deezer, TuneIn and iHeartRadio. You can even stream from YouTube using Chromecast Audio. If you want a colour touch display, the WiiM Ultra costs just £339. wiimhome.com