Integrated Playback Solutions,
in order of best replay:
The best sound quality, using built-in dacs:
3000 euro
More neutral and sophisticated than UnitiQute.
USB+UPnP+i-device streamer/CD player/FM+DAB/stereo amplifier
note: external storage (NAS/USB drive) needed for streaming
1950 euro
USB+UPnP+i-device streamer/FM+DAB/stereo amplifier
Less refined, but more forgiving than Uniti.
note: external storage (NAS/USB drive) needed for streaming
2750 euro
Server with built in hard disk and DAC.
Benchmark-setting interface and a joy to operate.
Soundwise inoffensive, un-digital and natural, but lacking some drive and power.
2499 euro
UPnP streamer/hard disk based music server/CD-ripper/cd player
Quite lively but lags behind both Uniti and UnitiQute in refinement.
The best sound quality, using an external DAC:
1799 euro
Highly affordable but superb Music Server with very well thought-out iPad app that is reminiscent of the one that Aurender uses. Current HFA favorite. No internal DAC, but when combined with a good USB DAC this unit rivals the Meridian reference Sooloos system.
5990 euro
Music Server with iPad app that beats the Sooloos system for user control. No internal DAC, but when combined with a good USB DAC this unit comes close to what the Meridian reference Sooloos system achieves. The Aurender's sound I feel is less musical/emotional than that of the AAZ Ultra Flow, but technically impeccable. The main reason why the Aurender is still listed here is because its app is even better than that of the AAZ Ultra Flow and because its multi-use, informative front panel displays. This added comfort comes at a price though.
1950 euro
USB+UPnP+i-device streamer/FM+DAB tuner/30w stereo amplifier
More musical and fluid than the Olive
external storage (NAS/USB drive) needed for streaming