In the hi-fi context, they were initially a popular way to improve the sound of a CD player with digital output or to separate sensitive analog circuits from the mechanical vibrations and stepper motors in a CD transport. Well-done, ifi.Įxternal DACs have been around for several decades. I can’t imagine what those multi-thousand dollar player/streamers sound like if a consumer can get this much technology in a product at this price point. My score: A-Plus, 10 out of 10, knocked out of the ballpark. I bought this as a solution to play my music from ssds, and it succeeds big time. JRiver has some services built into it’s interface that sound pretty good. I haven’t tried any of the streaming services, as I don’t have a subscription. The ifi is built specifically for music files versus a multipurpose laptop, outshining the laptop mainly in terms of clarity of instruments and voices. The sound is so good with zero dropouts that i’m not worrying about connecting with ethernet for now. Ifi has a free control interface for phones, tablets, laptops, but the JRiver software on my control laptop had no problem finding and connecting with the ifi streamer over wifi. The wifi antenna was attached, the ifi connected to the Exogal Comet dac via usb, and the ifi plugged into the Shenyata Hydra for power. It arrived five days later, and was installed in minutes. It’s also priced cheaper than any of the prospective laptops that I was considering. Lo, and behold – I found a bunch of reviews about this streamer on internet audio sites, also reading about it on the ifi site before purchasing it on Amazon. The laptop started acting flaky after four years, so it was time to buy another one. I was using a laptop as a music source for my stereo, with JRiver Media Center as the controlling interface. Some reviewers have made a big deal about the software, but these issues must have been resolved in the latest version because I’ve had no issues whatsoever. You do need to update the software via the included ethernet cable first before connecting wirelessly to your home internet, but it’s really not that difficult. I have heard that additional improvements can be had if you power the unit with an upgraded power supply, so that’s where I’m going next. Compared to the sound I was getting from my Bluesound Node 2i through its coaxial output, the Zen Stream is significantly improved: more detailed sound and the sound stage appears to be a bit deeper and more focused. Coming from a Bluesound Node 2i, I wanted a streamer that sounds great, doesn’t waste money with a built-in DAC that I will bypass to my own external DAC, outputs to USB, and let’s me connect seamlessly to Tidal through Tidal’s application and Tidal Connect. You can usually change the brightness manually, too.This product is exactly what I was looking for to upgrade the sound of my stereo. You can also find Amazon Alexa-enabled options too.ĭimming displays: You don’t want the clock shining too brightly at bedtime, so look for a radio with a nighttime display.This button will brighten the clock briefly before it fades out. Some internet-connected radios will also support streaming services like Spotify, Tidal and Deezer. Because it’s online, internet radio allows you to listen to thousands of shows from all over the world. Internet radio and wifi: Some will connect to your home wifi network and play internet radio stations. ![]() One on our list has a built-in wireless charging pad too.īattery power: Most DAB radios are mains-powered and need to stay plugged in, but some can fit batteries or have optional battery packs that make them portable. Phone charging: Some models have ports so you can connect a cable and charge your smartphone. Some have dedicated buttons for this.Īlarms: Most radios will have a built-in alarm, either offering a selection of tones or letting you wake up to your favourite station. ![]() Preset stations: You should be able to set a certain number of your favourite radio stations for quick and easy access. Not all brands provide this information because it can easily be confused with sound quality. If you’re not playing at high volume, you can get away with less. Want your radio to double up as a wireless speaker? Go for a higher wattage. Wattage: The higher the wattage, the louder the volume can be without suffering from distortion. ![]() Sometimes radios also offer ways to control the music through dials or an equaliser menu (so you can tweak the bass and treble). Sound quality: As we’ve said, DAB audio quality can far exceed that of FM. Most newer devices will have Bluetooth connectivity as well. Some models have built-in wifi to access your favourite internet stations and music from your smartphone and streaming services. These radios often allow you to listen to both DAB and FM.
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