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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?<\/strong> Read on to discover our recommendations…<\/strong><\/p> The original iPod, launched in 2001, had enough capacity for just 1000 songs. Today, Spotify<\/a><\/strong> 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.<\/p> There\u2019s no escaping the rise in popularity of digital streaming services, but thankfully, no matter how traditional your home hi-fi<\/a><\/strong>, the latest digital music streamer models easily play better-than-CD quality without the need to splash out on a new stereo.\u00a0<\/p> 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\u2019s Bluetooth). It enables you to listen to music using services like Spotify, Apple Music<\/a><\/strong>, TIDAL<\/a><\/strong>, Qobuz<\/a><\/strong> and Deezer<\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p> 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.<\/p> 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\u2019s AirPlay<\/a><\/strong> 2 and Google Cast<\/a><\/strong>, but if you\u2019re a TIDAL or Spotify user, check it works with Spotify and TIDAL Connect. Bluetooth is a handy extra too, as it doesn\u2019t require Wi-Fi.<\/p> Unless you\u2019re 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\u2019s easier to use the streamer\u2019s own app, which brings all the options together. Roon<\/a><\/strong> is an alternative platform that brings everything neatly together into one place.<\/p>The rise in popularity of digital streaming<\/h2>
What is a music streamer?<\/h2>
Which music streamer should I choose?<\/h2>