How to choose a network music player: market overview and reviews of manufacturers

A network music player is a device that belongs to the list of home electronic equipment. It is the connecting element between a regular TV and the Internet. In order to control it, you just need to pick up the remote control.

The player allows you to view any video, image or listen to music without using a laptop. The purchase of such a device will satisfy those who do not want to constantly configure programs on a laptop, but want to watch their favorite movie on the big screen without any problems. The network player has one main disadvantage - you won’t be able to play a game or watch news in text mode over the Internet.

It is important to remember that the reputation of the manufacturer significantly affects the price of the device. Below we will review models of different brands, consider their pros and cons.

Player functions

The device connects to absolutely any TV (CRT is no exception). In order to enjoy all the delights of this technology, it is recommended to use Full HD screens. The player reproduces any formats that are HD. In fact, if we take this particular nuance into account, we can say that the network player is an analogue of Blu-Ray. The significant difference between them is that viewing is done not through disks, but through the Internet.

You can find models on the market that support the option of storing and sharing files. There is also a function for creating a personal media library.

Reviews of the Cambridge CXN model

The manufacturer Cambridge Audio is one of the leaders in the audio market, producing expensive products with appropriate quality. The CXN model has received a lot of rave reviews, not only due to its improved sound quality. Fans of the brand also note the extensive list of supported formats, modern appearance and ease of use. Therefore, if you need a win-win option in terms of a combination of positive performance properties, then the network player from Cambridge can be considered first. But, again, not forgetting the high cost of products of this brand.

Inexpensive WD TV Live

Even though the platform for the player costs about $70-80, the network player itself has a price of 3 thousand rubles. It has a nice design, advanced functionality, and miniature size. But what made the manufacturer reduce the cost? Firstly, although the player looks attractive, the design itself is modest: the dominant color is gray, and the main material is plastic.

The external panel is equipped with several connectors and indicators, and the company logo is also located there. There are no mechanical or touch buttons here, so control must be carried out only using the remote control.

NETGEAR NeoTV 550

Compared to the previous one, this network player costs a little more - from 5 to 6 thousand rubles. However, it is included in the list of the best players, according to buyers, so it fully justifies its price.

The design is minimalistic and quite inconspicuous - the body is black, there are no bright elements. It will not distract the viewer’s attention from a movie or family video, since thanks to its color it will “hide” behind larger interior items.

The front side is equipped with a power button and several connectors, including microSD. The main ports are located on the side of the case.

Average cost iconBIT XDS7GL

The “Best Network Players” list will always include the ideal combination of price and functionality of the iconBIT XDS7GL device.

This model works quite quickly and has many options that not every technique can boast of. It improves the image and allows you to watch heavy videos from the Internet and from disk.

The appearance is aesthetic and will immediately attract attention. The body is made of aluminum, the shape is oval. The outer side of the player has a mechanical button to turn the device on and off; it is also equipped with a dim backlight, there are indicators and connectors. The equipment should be controlled using the remote control.

Appearance of eGreat EG-M31B

When choosing a suitable player, buyers are unlikely to be interested in the eGreat EG-M31B network audio player at first glance. It is inconspicuous, from a distance it looks like a black glossy box. It has several connectors for plugs, indicators and a cooler. On the one hand, the design of the device is too simple, but on the other hand, thanks to this, it will fit into absolutely any room. The player weighs 1.5 kg, the dimensions are also small - 160x160x58 mm. Based on these parameters, it becomes clear that the device is several times more compact in length than a DVD player, so it will take up much less space.

The downside of the device is the noisy cooler. The excessive sound from it is explained by its small size and high speed.

eGreat EG-M31B device

Network multimedia players from this company are equipped on the front of the case with two ports and indicators for correct operation. One of the connectors is needed for the cord from a laptop computer, the second is for the HDD. Here you can find a button to turn it on and off, as well as a place for a USB cable.

The total number of connectors is suitable for connecting any AV equipment. There is not enough space between them, but we are talking about a regular stationary device that is needed for a one-time connection, so this problem is not a serious drawback. The device connects to the TV quite easily.

Working with eGreat EG-M31B

Network multimedia players require standard settings when connected for the first time, and the eGreat EG-M31B is no exception. You need to select the interface language, subtitles, picture format, disc format and other parameters. It won’t take even 10 minutes to “arrange” the menu, since the functions are banal and there is no need to devote too much time to them.

The most important point when connecting is adding content to the player. It supports files from various external drives (flash memory) and network drives, as well as from the Internet. When connecting any drives, there is no need to wait, but if there are too many files on the disk, you will have to mind your own business for a while - it may freeze. In practice, the player’s first “acquaintance” with other devices did not last more than 30 minutes.

We are building a home network. Network media player

Of course, a personal computer or laptop is the most universal tool for working with media content. The ability to install any codecs and use any players attracts many users. However, from the point of view of convenience, in addition to single viewing, there are certain complaints about this solution. First, you need to ensure that the device is connected to a widescreen TV and/or receiver, which can be difficult if they are located remotely. Secondly, you need a remote control and setting up a program or multimedia shell for it. Thirdly, you need to pay attention to the system configuration and software selection. Of course, many users successfully cope with these tasks, but all this takes time and experience.

An alternative to this approach are ready-made network media players. After minimal configuration, the user has the opportunity to comfortably work with video, music, photos, online services and broadcasts on a large screen over the network - using the media library on a PC or network storage device. Moreover, the cost of the solution can be significantly lower than the simplest computer.

A couple more options that are worth mentioning are watching videos through modern game consoles and players built into TVs, but today we won’t talk about them in detail.

Let us list in the table the comparative advantages of modern media players and computers for solving the problem.

Network media playerComputer or laptop
  • compact size;
  • the possibility of a passive cooling system;
  • low cost;
  • easy connection and setup;
  • compatibility with the vast majority of media formats;
  • ease of control from the remote control.
  • the ability to view any content;
  • full access to games and Internet services;
  • the ability to run any programs and services.

Currently, there are many models of media players on the market, differing both in capabilities and cost. In general, the minimum list of functions looks like this: work over a network and from USB drives, an HDMI output for connecting to a TV or receiver, support for video up to Full HD inclusive, built-in tools for working with online resources. Additionally, the following may be available: built-in storage devices, an optical drive for BD and DVD discs, a built-in wireless controller, network storage services, as well as downloading files from p2p networks, and the ability to install additional software. Detailed reviews of interesting models can be read in the “Multimedia” section of our website.

Today, as an example, we have chosen the C-200 player from the famous Popcorn Hour brand. A year and a half ago, this model was already tested on our website, but since then some changes have been implemented in it, so we’ll tell you a little about the device.

Media player Popcorn Hour C-200

This model belongs to the top class of modern media players. It is designed in a standard rack-mount format and supports all current media content sources. The basis of the device is the Sigma Designs SMP8643 chip, which is capable of playing video in all formats, with the exception of stereo Blu-ray. To connect to audio/video equipment, the player has a wide range of appropriate outputs - from composite video and stereo audio to HDMI 1.3a. An interesting feature of the device is the remote control, which operates via a radio channel. This allows you to freely choose where to install the device. The manufacturer has also provided the ability to control the player via Wi-Fi from mobile devices through special programs for Android and iOS.

In some cases, a fairly large monochrome matrix screen may be useful. With its help, you can, for example, play audio compositions without turning to the TV.

The storage media can be drives connected via USB ports, SMB/NFS/DLNA network resources, as well as hard drives and optical drives installed inside the device. The mount for the latter in the modification under consideration allows you to simultaneously use a standard 3.5″ hard drive with quick replacement through a special compartment and a “thin” BD or DVD optical drive. They are connected to two SATA ports of the main processor.

Popcorn Hour C-200 supports a wide range of online services, has the ability to change the appearance of the interface and implement advanced network functions.

There is a built-in FastEthernet port for working with a local network. Additionally, you can purchase a proprietary 802.11n wireless controller, which is also installed inside the player. The WMP-ND02 model we used is based on the Ralink RT2880+RT2850 chipset and allows operation at speeds of up to 450 MHz in the 2.4 or 5 GHz bands. Its three antennas are installed through the provided holes in the device body. Support for the not yet very busy 5 GHz band allows this controller to wirelessly view even high-definition video, including BD images. But, of course, the user will also need an appropriate router. Alternatively, compatible USB dongles or Wi-Fi-Ethernet bridges can be used.

Assembling and connecting the player

First, you need to understand the hardware options of the device, in particular the configuration of the drives installed inside the player. The most versatile option would be a BD optical drive and a hard drive. To install the first one you will have to be smart and attentive. A hard drive can be added at any time through the quick-swap bay on the front panel. The disc may already contain files and they will be immediately available through the player menu.

In addition, you need to pay attention to the possibility of installing a USB storage device inside the device. It can be useful for implementing full-fledged operation of the BD menu, as well as operation of additional NMT applications. You can use any 2-4 GB model. The advantage of this option is that the drive will not occupy external ports and will be constantly available to the player. It is also possible to connect a hard drive to this connector if you want to increase the volume of your media library and/or have a permanently connected high-capacity drive.

If you purchased an original wireless module, then it also needs to be installed inside the device.

The last point to pay attention to is ensuring a comfortable temperature regime in the Popcorn Hour C-200 case. The manufacturer talks about installing the fan in the place provided for it in the case only if problems arise with the operation of the player or disk. We would recommend doing this if you constantly use the internal 3.5″ hard drive. In testing, when watching HD videos for a long time or downloading torrents, the temperature of the used 1 TB Seagate drive reached 48 degrees.

After these operations, the player body can be closed and installed on the workplace. Many other player models also allow installation of a hard drive inside the device for storing files and implementing additional functions. Very compact devices usually work only with external drives with USB or eSATA interfaces.

In addition to the power cable, at a minimum you need to connect a TV or projector. The most convenient and high-quality option is through the HDMI port. If you need to have multi-channel sound through the receiver, it is connected between the player and the TV, and if the receiver does not have an HDMI port, you can use the digital audio outputs of the player.

Basic player settings

In most cases, after turning on the player and TV, you will see the Popcorn Hour C-200 interface on the latter. If this does not happen, you need to check the settings of the display device and/or change the type of video output of the player using special combinations of buttons on the remote control.

The main settings of the player include choosing the interface language, audio/video output parameters and setting network connection parameters. For video, the best option is to use the digital output and enable the option to automatically select the frame rate depending on the parameters of the file being played, if this is supported by the TV. Setting up audio includes specifying the option for processing audio track formats - output to the receiver in its original form or decoding inside the player and mixing in stereo (“downmix”). The second of them can be useful when installing a player only with a TV without a receiver.

For media players, we recommend using a wired network connection. Only it can guarantee the playback of all high-resolution video options from network resources. This is due to performance - the maximum video bitrate today is about 40 Mbit/s. The cable connection is capable of operating at this speed in any case. But the quality of wireless communication significantly depends on the state of the airwaves - obstacles, interference and neighboring networks. And not all of these parameters can be controlled by the user. The 802.11g standard, with its actual speed under ideal conditions of about 25 Mbps, can only be used on video files up to 15 GB per movie (a very rough estimate). With 802.11n the situation is much better. With good hardware, it provides speeds of 100 Mbps and above, and the ability to operate in the 5 GHz band further increases the chances of lag-free video playback.

In this regard, the player model in question looks very good - its built-in controller is capable of operating at high speeds and has support for the 5 GHz band.

A joint test of the Popcorn Hour C-200 and the WMP-ND02 card with one of the fastest routers - ASUS RT-N66U - showed that at 2.4 GHz, in the presence of a large number of other wireless networks on the air, the player is capable of displaying files up to BD , however, while viewing them, friezes and scattering of the picture are possible. If you switch the adapter to the 5 GHz band, then there will be no problems - you can view files specially prepared for the test with a bitrate of 50 Mbit/s and higher.

Note that for the convenience of entering wireless network passwords and other text fields, you can connect a regular USB keyboard to the player.

As for setting up IP addresses, in most cases you can use automatic receipt of them via DHCP from the router. However, if you plan to work with the device’s own network services, then it is better to configure the router with a fixed assignment of addresses based on the player’s MAC address.

After setting up the network on the player, it is recommended to check for firmware updates. To do this, go to the “Maintenance” item in the settings. If there is a new version, you can download and install it directly from the player.

Working with network resources

To view files from USB drives, you just need to select the desired document in the player’s browser. But working with network resources will require creating and configuring the latter. However, this is not difficult to do.

Most player models support SMB/CIFS, NFS and DLNA protocols. The first is the standard option for Windows-based networks. The description of the network resource in this case consists of the name (or IP address) of the server, the name of the shared folder on it and the name/password of the user who has access to it.

We have already configured such resources on the network storage device. For convenience, you can program a special user in the drive for access from the player, giving him read (or full) rights to the desired network folders. A similar setup is carried out on a computer - select a folder and provide shared access to it, not forgetting about the list of users.

Next, you need to specify these parameters in the player in the “Network Resources” section. Here you will also be able to enter your own resource name for the player. After programming all the links, they will be available from the main menu of the device in the “network” section.

Using the NFS protocol can be useful for those users who have Linux installed on their computers. In addition, it is usually supported in modern network storage devices. For the player model under consideration, NFS does not have significant advantages, however, for less powerful devices it can potentially provide higher speeds (smoothly playable video bitrate).

Let's look at the setup using the Synology network drive as an example. After enabling the NFS server, you must allow access to it from the required IP addresses in the properties of the share. As a result, the parameters for accessing data will consist of the name or IP address of the server and the path to the shared resource (it will be shown in the settings window on the network drive). Usernames and passwords are not used in this case. Please note that in some cases you need to use the “NFS TCP” protocol option, which is also supported by the player.

To simplify setup, you can use the built-in network browser - then all you have to do is enter the resource name and user data.

The third protocol by which the player can receive data from the local network is DLNA (previously known as UPnP AV). It was conceived as a simple way to connect numerous home network devices, including PCs, players, game consoles, cell phones, into a single whole for sharing videos, photos and music. Unfortunately, even today, even with certificates, you can encounter partial incompatibility of devices or lack of support for certain functions.

To implement a DLNA server on a PC, you must use special software (for example Home Media Server) or standard Windows Media Player, which can also perform this function. Server settings are usually minimal - you only need to select the folders in which the media content is located and allow access to a specific player. Unlike the standard network protocols described above, files are sorted and searched on a DLNA server not by directories (although this option is usually also provided), but by specially created indexes. For example, for music files this could be information from tags - artist name, album name, year of release. To compile them, the server must spend some time, which must be taken into account when using it. The indexing process, depending on the server and its settings, occurs at the user’s request, according to a schedule, or when new documents appear.

Setting up a server on a network storage device consists only of selecting folders to scan.

The advantage of DLNA, which may be of interest to some models of players with weak processors, is the use of the HTTP protocol to transfer content, which is “lighter” and allows you to slightly increase the maximum video bitrate available over the network.

DLNA resources are connected automatically in the player. They do not need to be programmed anywhere in advance.

Internet services

Popcorn Hour C-200, like most others, have built-in clients for viewing content from Internet resources such as YouTube, SHOUTcast, flickr and dozens of others. You don't need to make any special settings to work with them. You just need to ensure the player has access to the Internet.

Additional features

In our opinion, the most correct option for organizing media viewing on a home network is a network drive with a library and the required number of simple network players with access to it. This allows you to have a single place for storage and processing, simplifies the setup of players, and they themselves can be compact and quiet, with only a network connection.

But this scenario is not always possible. For example, if there is no network storage, you want to have local media in the player for watching high-bitrate videos or the ability to use it offline or at a party.

In this case, the ability to implement additional functions by the player itself will be useful.

Thus, a special set of applications can be installed on devices of the NMT family, which will allow it to be used in new scenarios. To store program code, you need to allocate a special partition on one of the local drives. You can use the internal USB port for this by connecting a flash drive with a capacity of 2 GB or higher. This will allow you to easily change the hard drive installed in the front bay without worrying about the performance of applications. On the other hand, installing on a hard drive will simplify the use of data on the hard drive for built-in services.

Direct installation of programs is carried out from the “Maintenance” → “NMT Setup Wizard” menu. If the player is connected to the Internet, then it can download all the data necessary for installation on its own.

During installation, new partitions are created on a blank drive - one allocated for applications and one for user files in the remaining space. Please note that the default file system of the data partition is EXT3, which is not accessible from Windows without special drivers, but files can be written to the disk over the network.

The standard set of applications for this family of NMT players consists of UPnP AV, myiHome, FTP, SMB, NFS servers and clients for downloading torrents and files from Usenet networks.

The first two servers can be useful if the player uses a capacious hard drive with a media library and there are other players on the local network. Using these protocols, other players will be able to access files on this device. You can also use SMB and NFS for this.

FTP and SMB will be useful for reading/writing data to the player's disk from a computer. Unfortunately, the system does not provide any access control to directories - there is a single user account (name - nmt, default password - "1234", but it can be changed), which has access to all read and write resources. Note that with NMT applications installed, you can change the device’s network name and workgroup name.

The built-in torrent client allows you to download files directly to the player without a PC. This model has two programs installed at once. It is perhaps more convenient to use the second - the well-known transmission utility. Its web interface is available at https://pch-c200:8077 and is password protected. If necessary, you can provide control via the Internet - just configure the router to broadcast port 8077 to the player’s IP address. If the capabilities of the web interface are not enough, the Transmission Remote GUI or transmission-remote-dotnet programs, which can be found on the included CD, will come to the rescue. For efficient downloading and distribution, you also need to open the port of the service itself (default 51413).

When working with additional services, do not forget that although the processor used in media players copes well with video decoding, if we talk about the functions of a network storage device, an offline file download system or other non-core functions, then by modern standards it is relatively weak. No need for high-speed characteristics: given that a 100 Mbit/s network controller is used, the writing speed over the network (SMB protocol) is about 6 MB/s, and the reading speed is more than 7 MB/s.

On the other hand, there are many tasks that this processor can do. As an example, look at the NMT Community Software directory.

As you can see, setting up a network player on your home network is very simple and accessible to everyone. Using this type of equipment will allow you not to waste time setting up your computer and software, but can be used to comfortably watch your favorite series on a widescreen TV in a large company.

The player was provided for testing by PopcornHourRUS

How the eGreat EG-M31B player works with online services

The player is able to work not only with “its” content sources, but also connect to online libraries. The main portal that the device offers to connect to is the MSP Community. In addition, you can download materials from video hosting sites, music sites, and access to radio sites and television. However, the list of allowed sites is limited. But you should also understand that most servers require registration and authorization, so in some cases it is easier to download a video using a computer. However, a huge advantage during operation is the high connection speed.

Briefly about the Yamaha NP-S2000

The Yamaha NP-S2000 network player is difficult to compare with anything, even if we take into account only the pricing policy. It differs in that it does not have a hard drive built into the case. However, when considering the more detailed elements of the device, we can confidently include it in the list of Hi-End equipment. The maximum capabilities of this model are very impressive, so if you have a small budget, you can afford to fork out for it.

There are no complaints about the device in terms of sound and image quality, operating speed and loading of Internet connections. The whole problem is ergonomics, so it is the only thing that the manufacturer should correct.

Reviews of the Cyrus Stream Xa model

Another development that has both good sound and functionality. The model also earned a lot of positive reviews for its preamplifier effects. It is this feature that makes the device similar to 32-bit DACs, although, of course, they have much more differences. The advantages of the model include the metal body, lively and exciting reproduction, rhythm and detail. If we talk about weak points, the network music player from Cyrus is inferior to its competitors in display performance. It turned out to be small and inconvenient to use.

Sound of Yamaha NP-S2000

In order for the network player to produce a very decent sound, you need to take care of setting the necessary parameters. With the right approach to this issue, you can achieve impressive results. In principle, this player can sound no worse than a high-quality recorded CD. Moreover, an ordinary music lover will not notice the substitution, and not every professional will understand what exactly is used during playback.

The manufacturing company is located in the land of the rising sun, so their products are characterized by a calm, anemic and simplified sound, which is so typical of the Japanese people. Here, such a traditional nature is not observed. To feel the sound with every part of yourself, to enjoy the vocals and melody, you need to buy an amplifier or speakers.

Yamaha WXC-50

Wireless connection: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay, DLNA

Connectors: line input, trigger, subwoofer output, coaxial, optical, USB Type A, Ethernet RJ-45

The Yamaha WXC-50 is a networked streaming preamp with multiple wired inputs (optical, RCA, USB, Ethernet), as well as wireless Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to access stored music on your phone/tablet, as well as playlists on Spotify, Pandora platforms , Juke, Qobuz and Internet radio stations with the ability to control playback in several rooms at once through the MusicCast application.

There is a separate output for the subwoofer with its own volume control, configurable via the application.

The WXC-50 has a durable metal body with an aluminum lid and a slim, compact design that allows you to place it almost anywhere.

Connect the WXC-50 to any other AV receiver, soundbar or wireless speaker, then download the free MusicCast app to connect the player to your home Wi-Fi network and create a powerful streaming audio system from multiple components across multiple rooms.

In the app, you can quickly select sources, browse your music library, and control playback and adjust the audio equalizer.

The WXC-50 comes with a small remote control with limited functionality. The Yamaha streamer supports high-resolution audio—including FLAC/WAV/AIFF up to 192 kHz/24-bit, Apple Lossless (ALAC) up to 96 kHz/24-bit, and DSD up to 5.6 MHz—for more accurate reproduction of audio details, resulting in natural and atmospheric sound of the entire audio system.

Player Pioneer N-50-K

The Pioneer company has a rich and interesting biography. She started her journey with a workshop for repairing conventional radios, and now she is the largest manufacturer of electronic equipment. For a long time, since the previous century, the corporation has gained popularity as a new “inventor”. She always presented devices as designers and developers saw them, which set new standards in manufacturing. Since the opening of the company, it has managed to produce more than a dozen electronics, including audio players with Internet connections.

Pioneer network players are in great demand. A popular model is the N-50-K. It is one of the best among other options from various manufacturers. Design, assembly, sound and compactness - what was appreciated. The device software supports playback from the Internet, from CDs, and flash drives. In addition, you can connect the player directly to the computer itself or to it, but via a network or Bluetooth. The player is capable of reproducing HD audio and video in excellent quality. There are several USB outputs, digital and optical connectors.

Sony HAP-Z1ES

Wireless connection: Wi-Fi, AirPlay

Connectors: USB 2.0 Type A, Ethernet 10/100/1000, stereo audio output, balanced stereo audio output

You probably won't be surprised by the fact that Sony has long been the leading music player company. However, with a system capable of delivering high-resolution audio, the Sony HAPZ1ES 1TB marks the company's first step into the streaming space.

The first thing you notice immediately after connecting the Sony stereo system is how well balanced the sound is. The mids and highs are smooth and clear, and the bass is incredibly heavy. The soundstage is solid, with instruments clearly positioned, and it's surprising how detailed the sound is from Sony's use of the DSD audio format. Sony HAPZ1ES conveys literally every element of the composition in its original form. Some might find the campiness and character lacking here, but we think the HAP Z1ES's sonic signature is anything but bland or unemotional.

As you would expect from Sony, the brand's network player stands out with its very sleek and stylish design.

The way you stream music here is noticeably different from its competitors. Most music streamers simply play music from a network server, also known as a NAS. Instead, the Sony HAPZ1ES provides users with a 1 terabyte hard drive, allowing you and me to load up your existing music library and listen to your favorite tracks.

The Sony HAPZ1ES high-definition music player combines the manufacturer's traditions and its innovative approach to any new product.

Player Denon DNP-720 AE

The technical characteristics of this device are somewhat similar to a similar device from Marantz. The obvious differences between them are price, equipment, functionality. Denon network players are having a hard time gaining popularity, but upon closer examination of the models, we can say that this particular manufacturer is developing more powerful products. It is unlikely that you can find a similar option on the world market with an attractive Hi-Fi design at a low price.

The best sound can be seen in Sonos players; Logitech offers ease of operation. There's a 43cm panel, an iPod jack and the ability to play video and music directly from an Apple device. Of course, it is worth clarifying the very authority of the company, which, although not the most popular, always pleases with its visions of certain devices.

One of the popular functions in network players is continuous playback of melodies, which is also not available in this model. In order to install “full” sound, you will have to use Airplay, connecting your device with any Apple or iTunes equipment.

iPod, iPad and other devices are easily connected to the player using a USB cable, which will not only allow you to synchronize all media files, but also charge the device. Unlike Marantz models, Denon does not have additional digital connectors, headphone output, or tuners. An important feature of this player is Wi-Fi support.

Main characteristics

Since the devices work primarily with streaming signals, the basic characteristic will be the ability to process high-quality files without compression. Thus, the most attractive from the point of view of high-quality playback are Hi-End network players capable of playing studio-quality files in a format of at least 24 bit/96 kHz. Again, this is the lower limit, but if you wish, you can also find equipment that accepts 24-bit/384 kHz signals without loss of quality.

As for the file formats themselves, the most common are FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, etc. WAV and MP3 formats are also supported by many players, but, as a rule, subject to reconversion. An important nuance in organizing the player’s operation is the method of connecting to the Network. There are two main options here – LAN or Wi-Fi. With all the technology of wireless communication, a traditional cable still provides more stable and clear sound. It is advisable to use the Wi-Fi module if you plan to work with MP3 files whose resolution does not exceed 24/96 kHz.

Results

It is not so easy to choose the right network multimedia players, so the choice must be taken seriously. Firstly, having a figurative idea of ​​what design it should be will not be enough. You need to fully understand what functionality is expected from the player. It is possible to purchase an inexpensive player model, but if there is insufficient power and a small number of options, you will have to reflash it, and this is a dangerous procedure.

When considering the best network players, it is worth focusing on the NetGear NeoTV 550 model. It supports an Internet connection and Blu-Ray, and is also capable of playing heavy videos.

Where to buy a digital media player for your audio system

Whatever type of universal digital audio equipment you are looking for, the Hi-Fi Design online store invites you to explore our catalog. It presents network audio players from the world's best manufacturers. Our specialists will help you choose the best player option for any equipment configuration, regardless of the level of the system and the available purchase budget.

Our wealth of experience is at the service of your pleasure! We are waiting for your requests and applications.

We also have a review on the website that you can read: Bowers & Wilkins PX and P5 Wireless headphones

Rating
( 1 rating, average 4 out of 5 )
Did you like the article? Share with friends:
For any suggestions regarding the site: [email protected]
Для любых предложений по сайту: [email protected]