Best Digital Music Streamers: 2023 Buying Guide [Updated] (2024)

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 and 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 smartphone to stream and that’s a perfectly valid way to go.

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.

Another drawback is that the DAC in your smartphone does not compare favorably to the DAC inside of a dedicated music streamer.

You also require a better quality system downstream to truly appreciate the improvement that a music streamer can make.

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

High-end manufacturers have awakened to the reality that consumers might be willing to add a dedicated music streamer to their home system (something that became very popular with CI folks during the pandemic who were very busy with multi-room audio systems), but there are limits to what they might spend.

But understand that there isn’t a single affordable digital music streamer that can do it all and offer support for every platform, casting technology, MQA, DSD, or 32-bit/384.

Tip: MQA Files For Chapter 11 Protection

That dilemma also applies to high-end digital streamers as well. A high price does not guarantee support for every streaming service like Qobuz or TIDAL, or support for AirPlay 2, Chromecast, TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, Dolby Atmos Music, Bluetooth aptX or aptX HD.

For example, if you want to stream Dolby Atmos Music (aka spatial audio) via Apple Music, then your only option is currently the latest Apple TV 4K.

Tip: How (and Why) To Listen to Dolby Atmos Music on Your Receiver, Speakers or Soundbar

Another feature to pay close attention to is the quality of the control app. They are not created equal and some of them are quite rudimentary in their functionality and often wonky from an operational perspective. Firmware updates often fix one problem and create another.

Our guide covers products between $219 and $2,500 USD which we’ve used, purchased, and even reviewed recently.

WiiM Pro Plus – $219

Following this success of the $99 WiiM Mini and $149 WiiM Pro, the WiiM Pro Plus offers a number of significant improvements that are worth the higher asking price.

The WiiM Pro Plus offers better DAC and ADC technology. It features an AKM 4493SEQ premium DAC with support up to 768kHz PCM, and DSD512, with PCM/DSD automatic switching. Meanwhile, its TI Burr-Brown Audio PCM1861 ADCsupports up to192kHz/32-bit digital output.

Compatible with AirPlay2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, Amazon Music, Deezer, TunIn, iHeartRadio; the Pro Plus also sports a 10-band digital EQ, a graphic EQ and more.

You can stream YouTube Music, TV audio, radio stations, podcasts along with local content directly from your favorite Chromecast-enabled app.

In addition, Roon ReadyandParametric EQfeatures are expected to be added to the Pro Plus via firmware update.

The new Andover Songbird HR and WiiM Pro Plus are aimed at the same customer and there’s no question that the WiiM Pro Plus offers greater flexibility and more connectivity options.

Which one is better? Our reviews of both are forthcoming this month but one thing is certain — both offer an upgrade when it comes to connectivity options, sound quality, and platform support.

Having spent time listening to both, the new WiiM Pro Plus impresses me more from a connectivity perspective, and there is an uptick in midrange resolution, clarity, and timbral accuracy that is very appealing at this price point.

Where to buy: $219 at Amazon

Andover Audio Songbird HR Music Streamer – $299

The original Andover Audio Songbird offered high-resolution digital audio playback for the paltry sum of $149; making it one of the least expensive digital streamers available. The digital output of the Songbird was limited to 16-bit/44.1kHz and would not pass 24-bit or higher to an external DAC. The analog output, however, sounded better in our honest opinion and that is how we used it for the better part of two years.

The new Songbird HR music streamer looks oddly similar to the Andover SpinStage Phono Preamplifier that we just reviewed — that is because both products are part of new series built to be stacked, and use the same chassis design.

The internal DAC and ADC are 32-bit SABRE designs sourced from ESS and the HR Music Streamer now works withAlexa(via separate Alexa device) andSiri(via Apple AirPlay 2).

Gapless playback is supported and the digital input supports 24-bit/192kHz PCM; the single-ended AUX analog output still only supports 16-bit/48kHz output.

The S/PDIF coaxial digital output, however, does support 24-bit/192kHz PCM and that might be the best solution for those looking to use the Songbird HR with an AVR (with S/PDIF inputs), external DAC, or integrated amplifier with digital inputs.

Spotify, Qobuz, iHeartRadio, TIDAL, Amazon Prime, Napster, Deezer, and Apple Music (AirPlay 2) are all supported.

Two-way Bluetooth support (Bluetooth 5.0, SBC/AAC) is also part of the new package.

The $299 USD price doesn’t feel like a huge bargain anymore with the new WiiM Pro Plus running only $219 but this is still a very capable streamer below $300 that would make a great addition to a lot of legacy systems with older receivers or AVRs.

Where to buy: $299 at AndoverAudio.com

NAD CS1 – $350

Before you get your knickers in a twist and start complaining that the new NAD CS1 Endpoint Network Streamer is nothing but aBluesound NODEwithout the touch panel and fancy control app — take a quick look at the price. Smile and be very grateful.

Not only does the$349(USD) NAD CS1 offer everything you might need to add hi-res streaming to any integrated amplifier, receiver, or pair of powered loudspeakers, but it is very easy to setup and offers support for all of the major streaming platforms that matter to audiophiles.

If you own theNAD C316BEE V2(that would be me) Integrated Amplifier and were looking for a high-end network streamer for under $350 that could turn the award-winning amplifier into a killer system — the CS1 is what you have been waiting for.

Employing audiophile-grade components, the NAD CS1 can play high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/192kHz. It features Bluetooth, Ethernet, dual-band Wi-Fi and supports the most popular streaming and casting protocols, including Apple AirPlay 2, GoogleCast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect and Roon.

Certification for network sharing via DNLA/UPnP protocols expected to be complete with retail available of CS1 in March 2023. That means listeners don’t have to install a dedicated app to use the CS1; they can control playback with the music apps they use every day.

Listeners can use AirPlay 2 to stream CD-resolution audio from any app on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, or from an iTunes library on a Windows PC.With GoogleCast, users can cue up music in any Cast-enabled app on a mobile device or personal computer, then transfer playback to the CS1.

Spotify Connect and TIDAL Connect users can cue up music in the apps for those services, then easily transfer playback to the CS1. Roon subscribers can play music from their digital libraries and from streaming services with resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz.

Does it make sense to spend the additional $250 USD on the NODE?

They do share some sonic similarities but we would still give the edge to the NODE when it comes to features and multi-room capabilities.

Running the S/PDIF coaxial digital output into a good DAC made a believer out of us with the CS1 — this is one affordable music streamer that offers more than enough flexibility for years to come.

Where to buy: $349 at Amazon

iFi Zen Stream – $399

iFi Audio does a great job with its entry-level hardware and the Zen Stream might be the best value in the entire collection. Not only is it one of the least expensive Roon endpoints on the marker, but it works with with everything from your AVR to the DAC/Headphone Amplifier on your desktop.

The iFi ZEN Stream connects to a router via Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable, and outputs to an external DAC (or an amp with digital inputs) via USB or S/PDIF. It utilizes an open-source architecture making it flexible and future-proof…mostly.

The Zen Stream supports up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM, DSD256, and MQA, and features a 64-bit quad-core ARM Cortex microprocessor, synchronous 1.6MHz power-supply controller, and audiophile-grade capacitors and inductors.

Digital inputs include a USB-A input, giving the option of playing music from HDD and solid-state storage devices, and a USB-C programming port to upload software/firmware updates (an alternative to OTA updates via Wi-Fi).

Two digital outputs – asynchronous USB and coaxial S/PDIF – provide connection to an external DAC or amp with digital inputs. Both these outputs are regulated by iFi’s femto-precision GMT (Global Master Timing) clock circuitry to eradicate jitter from the digital signal.

It also supports Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Apple AirPlay and Chromecast.

Where to buy: $399 at Amazon

________________________________________________________________________________

Cambridge Audio MXN10 – $499

Cambridge Audio launched theAXN10andMXN10 music streamers in February 2023 and the only difference between the two is the case size.

The full-size AXN10 joins Cambridge Audio’s introductory level AX Series of hi-fi separates, adding a dedicated music streaming option alongside the AX series’ popular integrated amplifier, CD player and tuner models.

The MXN10 offers the same features and functionality in a more compact form factor, making it a discreet and easy way to add streaming to any music system.

Both players offer strong performance for the money, benefiting from Cambridge Audio’s significant ongoing investment in streaming technology R&D, which has generated multiple award-winning products including theCXN V2 network playerandEvo all-in-one systems.

From internet radio to music streaming services to your own digital music collection, the new dedicated players serve them up in style, with simple control via the StreamMagic app.

The internal DAC is based around the ESS Sabre ES9033Q chip and offers hi-res support up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512.

The MXN10 offers so much resolution and refinement for $499 that it might become a genuine headache for the NODE. Also, since Cambridge Audio’s AXN10 offers exactly the same functionality as MXN10, except in a larger chassis, why not save $100 and go with smaller MXN10?

Where to buy: $499 at Audio Advice

Bluesound NODE – $599

The NODE is one of the most comprehensive streamers with support for MQA, all of the major streaming services, AirPlay 2, voice control through Amazon Alexa, and now comes equipped with an internal 32-bit/192kHz DAC which means that you can run it directly into your amplifier as a source.

The new NODE carries over the TOSLINK and Coaxial digital outputs from the previous Node 2i streamer, but we’re more curious aboutthe addition of a USB digital output for the first time. Bluesound and NAD have included USB on other components but they’ve only been used previously for firmware updates.

There have been promises before about USB on the NODE so we’re not commenting on its performance until Bluesound enable it with a firmware update.

The NODE now features an HDMI eARC input on the back panel, to keep your setup flexible and future-friendly. Designed to be as comfortable in a two-channel TV system or gaming console as it is in an audiophile’s dedicated listening room, the NODE provides a hi-res experience no matter where it’s used.

Wi-Fi connectivity, a Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 input, and support for two-way Bluetooth 5.0 aptX HD makes the NODE a very comprehensive solution for most users. This Roon-ready device also plays well in the sandbox with other ecosystems aside from BluOS and sounds decidedly analog for a digital component. New compatibility with TIDAL Connect is just additional icing on your Vachon cake.

The NODE may not deliver the same degree of resolution as some of the more costly digital streamers in our survey but we’re big fans of this unit for its functionality, access to almost every single music streaming service available, and how easy it is to make this work with all types of systems. The more expensive POWERNODE ($949 at Crutchfield) network amplifier from Bluesound sounds better, but the NODE is a very well-designed product.

Where to buy: $599 at Amazon | Crutchfield

Cambridge Audio CXN V2 – $999

The Cambridge Audio CXN V2 is one of the best music streamers below $2,000 right now for a number of reasons. Being a Roon-ready endpoint is a great feature but that’s only relevant for those who want to be locked into that specific ecosystem. Cambridge offers the StreamMagic app for iOS and Android which works just fine with streaming services like Tidal, Spotify, or Qobuz. The CXN V2 has a very readable display which is sufficient for viewing album art, and the app is quite responsive.

From a connectivity perspective, the CXN V2 offers USB, TOSLINK optical, and S/PDIF coaxial digital inputs which means that you can run a CD player or other legacy digital device through the network player and utilize its 24-bit Wolfson DAC. With support for Chromecast and Apple AirPlay 2, the CXN V2 (aptX Bluetooth requires an adapter) offers a comprehensive way to connect to the world of digital streaming. The unit is easy to operate, reliable (it doesn’t freeze very often – something I can’t say for every network streamer), and it feels like you’re getting a solid piece of audio engineering.

The CXN V2 sounds very impressive on its own which will make it a practical option for a lot of listeners, but when you connect it to an external DAC that can put some additional meat on the bones while carving out a very defined soundstage – this network streamer will quickly make you question the need to spend anything more.

Where to buy: $999 at Amazon| Crutchfield

Roon Nucleus/Nucleus +

Roon Labs have introduced two generations of music servers based around its playback and library management platform and there is no question that it’s the best choice if you utilize multiple streaming platforms like Tidal, and Qobuz and want to use Roon exclusively. The Linux-based server is set-up and managed through your smartphone, tablet, or computer and the learning curve is not too severe. Technical support offered by Roon is excellent and there is a growing community of users online to help you based on their own experience with the product. The Nucleus and Nucleus+ come pre-loaded with Roon’s software, but you still have to pay to activate your subscription. Roon is now offering a 1-year subscription included in the price.

The library can hold more than 10,000 albums, and the server can handle up to 6 simultaneous zones of playback.

The Nucleus+ also includes PCM and DSD upsampling and multi-channel support.

We do wish that the Nucleus included an internal CD ripper; listeners with a large CD collection that has already been ripped to an external HDD can connect it via the USB port. If you own a large CD collection that is not already ripped to an HDD, you may want to consider the next model in our list which offers that level of functionality.

For more details check out our full review of Roon Nucleus.

Where to buy:

• Nucleus: $1,459 at Roon

• Nucleus+: $2,559 at Roon

Innuos ZENMini S – $2,049 (1TB) – LPSU adds $949

Designed and manufactured in Portugal, the ZENMini S (which is an upgrade of the existing ZENMini MKIII) is both a music server, Roon-endpoint, and Roon Core platform if you require a hub for a multi-room system. This two-box system will rip your CD collection, organize your metadata, and give you enormous long-term flexibility running Roon along with streaming services such as Tidal, and Qobuz. The ZENMini S can be run as a music server into an external DAC, via its analog outputs directly into your amplifier, or from its Ethernet output into your router for distribution to Roon endpoints scattered throughout your home.

The ZENmini S brings all the benefits of an SSD, including quieter operation and no moving parts to the venerable ZENmini mk3, whilst also increasing system RAM from 4GB to 8GB, achieving even greater performance from an already established, award-winning music server and streamer.

Connected to something like the Schiit Audio Yggdrasil or Holo Audio Spring KTE DACs, the ZENMini S is capable of delivering outstanding digital sound quality for under $4,500; which is not inexpensive but you would have to spend a lot more in the high-end space to achieve a lot more. If you prefer a more analog sounding presentation – this is the combination to consider.

Where to buy: $2,049 at Alma Audio & Music

HiFi Rose RS201E Network Streamer – $2,195

The HiFi Rose RS201E has to offer a lot of performance, features, and connectivity options to be competitive in this space – and for the most part it succeeds quite well at all 3 tasks.

Its ability to stream and play back video will be of obvious value for people who want an easy way to connect a media player to a HDTV. It’s very easy to run a HDMI cable and one set of loudspeaker cables from the RS201E to a television and pair of loudspeakers and you’re done. Yes — it can power loudspeakers as well.

The unit demonstrated superb Wi-Fi stability in a home filled with wireless devices that are always competing for bandwidth. That might sound trivial, but I’ve reviewed far more expensive media streaming devices that struggled with such a task.

The decision to include both USB and S/PDIF digital outputs was the smart choice with the RS201E because many users are going to consider connecting the media player to an external DAC, A/V receiver, or active loudspeakers with digital inputs.

The HiFi Rose supports MQA, 32-bit/384kHz PCM (with native support for DSD 256), and is Roon-Ready.

The HiFi Rose RS201E’s touch screen interface is one of its strongest features and it was not far behind the Naim Uniti Atom in that regard. Album art when streaming from Tidal or Qobuz looked quite impressive on the wider screen.

A very compelling digital music streamer that only continues to improve with each firmware update.

Where to buy: $2,195 at Crutchfield

Related reading:

• Best CD Players

• Best Streaming Amplifiers

• Best Budget Integrated Amplifiers