Top-7 Network Players – 2026 Ranking

Our new top-tier list features the most modern and advanced network players or streamers for streaming audio. These devices are advancing at breakneck speed – to help you navigate the sea of ​​choices, our editors have compiled this expert ranking.

Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition Gen 2

Pros – affordable price, excellent functionality, balanced sound

Despite its relatively affordable price, the second generation of the renowned Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition Gen 2 network player offers exceptionally sophisticated circuit design. The anti-resonance enclosure is CNC-machined from aerospace-grade aluminum, the large touchscreen provides excellent ergonomics, and the use of a new femtosecond clock and an OPA1612 op-amp array with a noise level of just 1.1 nV/√Hz guarantee a highly effective and precise sound. The power supply is, of course, linear, and signal conversion is handled by two ES9038Q2M chips.

Matrix Audio TS-1

Pros - state-of-the-art platform, dynamic presentation

The Matrix Audio TS-1 streamer is based on a proprietary network platform, first used in the more expensive M-series devices. Built-in Tidal and Qobuz clients, along with the very user-friendly MA Remote app, are included. But the most important feature, of course, is the asynchronous upsampling and DSD conversion system, which allows for highly flexible work with various digital signals and truly enhances sound quality. The analog and digital circuits are located on separate layers of printed circuit boards, with an efficient heat dissipation circuit. The streamer's design is fully balanced, with advanced AK4493SEQ chips connected in parallel. Power is supplied freely for both the left and right channels, and a pair of femtosecond clocks are also included. Unsurprisingly, the sound is exceptionally dynamic and truly three-dimensional.

Quad Platina Stream

Pros – flexible sound, superb dynamics

The Quad Platina Stream is based on a 1.8 GHz quad-core ARM processor and a DAC module based on the ES9038 Pro chip, capable of processing 32-bit/768 kHz PCM and native DSD512. A dual clock generator guarantees virtually no jitter. It's worth noting that the streamer's power supply is completely linear, built on a toroidal transformer and including a substantial set of filter capacitors. With its exceptional resolution, speed, and the full presence of the performers in the room, the Quad Platina Stream's musical talents are hard to overstate. 

Cyrus 40 ST

Pros – king of rhythm

The Cyrus 40 ST network audio player uses the renowned BluOS operating system and supports signals up to 24-bit/192 kHz, as well as MQA. BluOS's streaming capabilities are virtually limitless – this is a true standard platform solution. Digital-to-analog conversion in the Cyrus 40 ST s handled by an ESS ES9039Q2M chip. If you want to improve the sound, you can always upgrade with an external proprietary power supply. This model delivers the company's familiar sound signature – exceptionally composed and dynamic.

Cary Audio DMS-550

Pros - almost analog sound

The third-generation Cary Audio DMS-550 network player supports signals up to PCM 32/768 and DSD512 and is based on a quad 2x2 AK4493EQ chipset with Velvet Sound architecture. A solid power supply and precision components complete the pleasant picture. Although the model has been available for sale for several years, the company's accumulated experience has allowed them to create a true engineering masterpiece – the sound of which is difficult to fault. The exceptionally lively and emotional performance is almost completely devoid of digital elements and touches the soul;

Metronome DSC

Pros - refined, beautiful sound

Another streamer with a sound you'll fall in love with immediately and without looking back is the Metronome DSC. The French company delivers a flurry of detail, but at the same time, it doesn't "throw the baby out with the bathwater," always preserving the soul and emotion of the music. The Metronome DSC is housed in an aircraft-grade aluminum enclosure with 20mm front and 6mm side panels. A system of seven switchable digital filters allows you to flexibly customize the sound to your preferences, and built-in clients for vTuner Internet Radio, Deezer, Qobuz, Spotify Connect, and Tidal, as well as support for UPnP, Apple AirPlay, and Google Chromecast, will satisfy even the most seasoned music lovers. A 32-bit ARM Cortex M4 RISC processor from STMicroelectronics NV, an ESS ES9038Pro converter chip, and a built-in preamplifier based on Leedh Processing complete the package.

dCS ROSSINI APEX DAC

Pros - reference-quality in every aspect

The dCS ROSSINI APEX DAC network audio player offers true musical nirvana - you can listen for hours without a hint of fatigue. With an updated dCS Ring DAC digital-to-analog converter and new firmware, a new printed circuit board, a completely redesigned analog output, a new enclosure with acoustic damping panels to reduce vibration and magnetic fields, multi-stage input power regulation, and two independent power transformers, this truly is an Ultra High-End solution.