Though vinyl has become increasingly popular again and a lot of people still have extensive CD collections, most people today get their music via streaming music services. Many of these, such as Tidal, Qobuz and Amazon Music, offer high-resolution streaming so you don’t have to compromise on sound quality. Manufacturers have begun to offer an increasingly wide array of components to help you enjoy digital music. Here are a few ideas for the streaming aficionado on your list…
Designed to connect traditional hi-fi systems or powered speakers to the expanding world of streaming audio and internet radio, the Bluesound NODE breathes new life into your old stereo equipment. It comes complete with Apple AirPlay 2, two-way Bluetooth, a 32-bit/192kHz DAC, and dual-band Wi-Fi, to name but a few. The high-performance DAC allows the NODE to decode and stream Hi-Res music files, including MQA files (used by Tidal), in all their lossless glory.
"When developing a soundbar, we treat music and home theater equally,” says Giles Martin, Grammy-winning music producer and Sonos Sound Experience Leader. Sonos Arc not only provides great audio for your video programming, but also gives you access to all your favorite streaming services — including support for the highest-resolution formats such as Dolby Atmos Music. Featuring 11 precisely engineered internal speakers, including two dedicated height channels, it fires sound in all directions, rendering every whisper, explosion and beat with dramatic clarity, detail, and depth. With only two cables and step-by-step guidance in the Sonos app, Arc is easy to set up. Whether you place it on furniture or mount it to the wall, the Arc’s elegant design fits seamlessly into your home. Along with the Arc, four other popular Sonos speakers are also 20% off this week. Check out the Sonos Beam, Sub, One and One SL.
Digital audio is available from many sources, and the Cambridge Audio CXN (V2) network streamer is able to deliver from those you love the most. Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, Qobuz and Tidal offer a worlds-worth of content, plus Chromecast is built-in to make things even easier and it’s Roon-ready to enrich the experience of finding new music. With digital optical and coaxial inputs, an asynchronous USB socket, aptX Bluetooth (via adapter) and internet radio, the CXN (V2) brings the planet’s music into your home. It offers dual Wolfson WM8740 digital-to-analog converters, which upscale any digital audio information to an information-packed 24-bit/384kHz using Cambridge Audio’s unique ATF2 technology. Music is delivered with the sort of warmth, depth, nuance and unity not often associated with digital audio.
Delivering precise, room-filling sound from a compact all-in-one system, the Cambridge Audio Evo features proprietary StreamMagic technology that makes all digital files and streams sound better. StreamMagic optimizes playback for every current format, from Roon to MQA-powered Tidal Masters, Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2 Chromecast and Qobuz, and is ready to adapt to whatever the future may bring, too. Combining streaming smarts and high-class amplification in one box means Evo only needs speakers connected to serve up thrilling sound quality. Streaming music from Evo will allow you to say goodbye to yards of cables and hello to intuitive, straightforward functionality in one sleek, good-looking box. There are two versions available: the Evo 75, which offers 75 watts per channel, and the Evo 150, which features 150 watts per channel plus a built-in moving magnet phono stage. Bundle the Evo 150 with an ALVA ST Turntable and save $750.
The original DragonFly created a new category of affordable, portable DACs, but its USB power draw made it compatible with computers only. AudioQuest then developed DragonFly Black and DragonFly Red for use with smartphones and tablets. Now DragonFly Cobalt, the new flagship of the series, takes what music lovers around the world have come to expect from the multi-award-winning DragonFly family — naturally beautiful, seductive sound — and improves things with an upgraded microprocessor and DAC chip. Named a 2022 Awards Winner by What Hi-Fi? magazine.
The HiFi Rose RS201E is a network media player/integrated amplifier that offers hi-res audio and 4K video in a single component. The high-performance DAC is capable of 32-bit/384kHz resolution, and the front-top plate features high-quality anodized aluminum, volume knob, power button and a wide-view touchscreen for a sleek look and feel. RS201E offers elegant control over your multimedia services with high-quality sound—plus Ultra HD 4K video—all from a generous 8.8-inch wide touchscreen that is easy to use. View your local video files, or ad-free YouTube videos, in 4K Ultra HD quality on your display device with an HDMI output connection.
You’ll experience exquisite musical reproduction with the HiFi Rose RS150B reference streamer, which is equipped with a superb 32-bit/768KHz DAC, MQA decoding, Apple AirPlay ability, one-touch streaming-service support and Roon endpoint functionality. HDMI ARC connectivity also lets you enjoy 4K video programming on a connected TV or via its own 14.9-inch touchscreen. The large toroidal transformer, isolated circuitry, and solid milled aluminum chassis speak to its audiophile-grade construction. Balanced XLR inputs and outputs, dual USB 3.0 inputs for hooking up an external drive, a micro SD card slot, and a host of digital inputs and outputs make the RS150B perfect for practically any setup. For the ultimate home streaming experience you'll need great speakers, and right now we’re offering 40% OFF Bowers & Wilkins 700 S2 models!
From Gifts for the Movie Buff to Gifts for the Needle Dropper, we have something for everyone on your list! Check out our full list of gift guides here. Looking for a deal? Our Black Friday Sale runs through Sunday, November 27th. Shop ListenUp’s biggest savings of the year here.
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