BEST INTEGRATED DIGITAL AUDIO SOLUTIONS
Here are the best integrated digital audio/streaming playback solutions I have come across. This listing as yet is far from complete but will continuously be updated while I keep searching for better solutions.
Introduction
I've used a computer for music replay since the nineties and in the meantime, a lot of equipment has traveled through my listening room, some of it very sophisticated and/or very expensive, but until recently, none of the integrated, user friendly solutions have managed to outperform my PC solution. This is why I started my quest at perfecting the separate component system. There is a separate article for separates streaming components and computer based audio. While investigating these matters, I also run across integrated systems every now and then. Below are the best solutions I've thus far come across. Please note that I haven't heard all popular systems yet, so this listing, as well as its ranking, are incomplete and preliminary.
The review system is always the same Current setup and to put this all into perspective, also see This Reviewer's Preferences.
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
Christiaan Punter
My experience shows that old reference DA converters can still sound better than very affordable modern DACs. But the differences don't lie in the field of detail retrieval, slam or dynamics. More often it is the soundstage depth and width, the extra airyness, silkyness and smoothness, in short: the "analog" feel, that reference DACs can achieve without sacrificing fine detailing.
Loading
Next Gen Audio Reviews:
Next Gen Audio Info articles:
Find out all about classic and current Jeff Rowland equipment
Streaming, USB, Firewire,
Computer Audio
Current and Classic CD players, Cables, Accessories and more
Galleries, timelines & interiors of fascinating classic equipment
Info, Tips, Tricks and Insights
How to optimise your system
 DEF.jpg)