HD media players, probably well known to all fans of high-quality audio and video content, are quite young devices. This technique appeared on the market only in 2005 as a response from developers to a number of current customer needs. In particular, the large number of audio formats that appeared and the inconvenient, damaged media required the presence of some kind of universal device for playing music files.
And a little later, a digital media player, combining the ease of operation of a DVD player with the “omnivorousness” of a personal computer, also gained the ability to play video in a wide variety of formats.
The third important stage in the formation of this type of device was the simultaneous development of network capabilities and the emergence of firmware upgradeability, which provided them with multi-format functionality. These properties significantly extended the life of specific equipment models and made it possible to reduce their internal memory capacity.
This is how the niche of digital media players (aka “streamers”) was formed in the form in which they are known today.
Olive O6HD
What is this?
Olive produces quality music servers that are hard to beat. The O6HD is equipped with a huge 10.1″ color touch screen, the best audio hardware and a CD drive designed to copy CDs to a 2 TB hard drive. We also added bonus points for the fact that the O6HD looks like an Imperial shuttle.
Good?
Olive literally screams about its audiophile nature. Album covers look great on the touch screen, and playback controls are also very convenient. The streamer operates almost silently even while copying a disc. Sound? Above all praise. Too good, it’s even a pity to listen to MP3 Our choice is only uncompressed formats.
Stuff opinion: Can you afford a media server for 195,000 rubles? We are jealous. And congratulations!
- Formats: MP3, AAC, WMA, FLAC, WAV
- Connectors: RCA, coaxial, optical, Ethernet, USB
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Olive O2M
Connect an amplifier and speakers to O2M - you get a multi-room system. Olive HD can stream music to up to 15 of these clients over Ethernet or Wi-Fi, so every room in your mansion will be filled with music.
Olive App
The Olive control app allows you to access O6HD content and Internet radio and play music in any room with a music system. Looks nice and works well. Compatible with iOS (iPhone, iPad) and Android.
LaCie Starck 2TB
You probably won't want to digitize your CD collection multiple times, so make a backup in case Donald Trump spills champagne on your O6HD. Any drive with the FAT32 file system will do, but this model looks especially good.
Cambridge Audio Sonata NP30 + Sonata DR30 + Minx S212
What is this?
Connect the NP30 to your home network via Ethernet or Wi-Fi, and the streamer will stream digital music, including 24-bit studio masters. It's an excellent UPnP streamer, but you'll need an amplifier and speakers to make it sing, so we've added a chunky Sonata DR30 and Minx 2.1.
Sonata NP30
Sonata DR30
Good?
The set will be unobtrusive (if you can find room for a subwoofer), while still offering simple and convenient access to music and Internet radio. In a small room, the sound will be clear and detailed, but if you have a large living room, it's worth getting larger speakers.
Minx S212
Stuff's Take: A nice, convenient option, and a great way to get impressive sound quality in a small room.
- Formats: MP3, AAC, WMA, OGG, FLAC, WAV, AIFF
- Connectors: RCA, coaxial, optical, Ethernet, USB, Wi-Fi
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Synology DS211j
Add another NP30 and you get a multi-room system. You can kill two birds with one stone - use this NAS as a music server and music source in the second room, just connect the speakers to the USB output.
Stream Magic Remote
Unfortunately, the application for iOS and Android does not allow you to control Synology (there is a DS audio program for that OS), but it is excellent for controlling the NP30, so it’s worth downloading. Moreover, the application is free.
How to choose a player
When purchasing a player, you should pay attention to the following points:
- Memory. In this case, everything depends on the personal needs of the user;
- display. If you only need a player to listen to music, then you can choose budget devices without a screen or with a small monitor that shows only the basic settings. If the device is also needed to watch video files, then it is best to choose a device with a wide, high-resolution display;
- supported formats. In this case, it all depends on which audio codecs the user prefers to listen to music in;
- additional options. If you need a player with a voice recorder, radio, etc., you need to choose a device that has these functions. In this case, keep in mind that additional options increase the cost of the model.
So which good player to choose from AliExpress? When purchasing, you should take into account not only the specified criteria, but also the size of your budget. So, if you need an inexpensive device, we recommend paying attention to the DZ3176-01 model. If you need a device in the mid-price category, the RUIZU X26 option is suitable. Among the premium models, we recommend the IQQ X02 product. Our rating includes other devices with optimal characteristics.
Video - How to choose a portable player
Sonos Play:3
What is this?
The cheapest representative of the Sonos clan. This model can be placed both horizontally and vertically - finding a suitable place will not be difficult. Equally adept at handling music, network streaming, Spotify, Napster and any other sources. You can even connect a second Play:3 and enjoy stereo sound.
Good?
Quite. The sound is detailed and punchy, but you'll have to play around with the Loudness function to achieve the right bass balance. The automatic equalizer ensures that you get perfect sound distribution regardless of the position of the device. Like any other Sonos product, the Play:3 is extremely easy to set up and use. Amazing!
Stuff's Take: Compact but with plenty of weight, the Play:3 offers a lot for the money.
- Formats: MP3, AAC, WMA, OGG, FLAC, ALAC, AIFF, WAV
- Connectors: 3.5 mm, Ethernet, Wi-Fi
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Sonos Zone Player 120
Sonos offers several options to expand your music system. The ZP120 comes with its own built-in amplifier - just add a couple of speakers to fill the room with music.
Sonos Bridge
Since the Sonos system operates over its own wireless mesh network, some device with a wired connection must serve as a router. Play:3 itself or the small and inexpensive Bridge are suitable for this.
Sonos apps
Without a remote control, Sonos is practically useless. The excellent CR200 controller costs $320, but the PC/Mac app does everything for free. Don’t forget about utilities for Android and iOS devices. Links to all types of software can be found here.
Types of players
There are several types of players. So, according to sound quality, regular models and Hi-Fi are distinguished. The latter are distinguished by high sound quality. However, they are more expensive than simple models.
Based on the type of design, standard models are also distinguished in the form of headphones with a built-in player. The former have a lower price and differ in the type of headphone connection - via cable or via Bluetooth. A player in the form of headphones eliminates the need to purchase an additional device, but such a device is more expensive.
The player is a popular device for listening to music.
Players are also distinguished by memory type - with built-in and external memory. The best option is a player with built-in memory and the ability to increase its capacity using an external memory card.
