Top-8 Budget Audio Streamers with Excellent Sound

When it comes to a modern Hi-Fi audio system based on a digital sound source, you can’t do without a network player or audio streamer, usually with a built-in digital-to-analog converter. These devices offer amazing flexibility of connection (both streaming clients of well-known services and wireless signal transmission options are “on board”), and their sound quality has advanced greatly in recent years. So much so that even relatively budget devices paired with an integrated Hi-Fi amplifier and acoustics can provide excellent sound quality. Our new rating or hit parade contains just such modern audio streamers.

Cambridge Audio AXN10

Pros – wide possibilities for a small price

Cambridge Audio AXN10 network player is equipped with the latest proprietary StreamMagic 4th generation module and supports signals up to PCM 32/768 and DSD512. The model has built-in clients of such services as Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz and Deezer, Apple Airplay2 protocols are not forgotten, as well as Google Chromecast, plus there are also Internet radio stations. Of course, Cambridge AudioAXN10 is equipped with a USB port for connecting external data carriers, a Wi-Fi / Ethernet module (for wireless / wired integration into a home network) and supports high-resolution FLAC. The streamer is controlled through a fairly ergonomic StreamMagic interface. A serious platform and DAC based on the ESS ES9033Q chip make themselves known from the very first chords - the model sounds airy, precise and rhythmic, and the timbre pattern always remains natural.

Bluesound Node N130

Pros - maximum flexibility for multi-room configuration, excellent OS

In addition to the de facto standard in the ergonomics of streaming sound (the proprietary BluOS and app. BluOS Controller are hard to beat in this regard), Bluesound Node N130 audio streamer also offers ideal integration into a multi-room configuration of the audio system - so if it is important for you to "distribute" the sound to different rooms, the company's devices may be the best choice in their price category. Dual-band Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet and Bluetooth aptX HD Bluetooth support, the most powerful ARM Cortex A53 1.8 GHz control processor, DAC based on the PCM5242 DAC chip (32/384, but the sound output is limited by the parameters of 24/192) - everything is good here. And the little one produces a very "weighty" sound - with good bass rendering and sparkling high frequencies.

AudioLab 7000N

Pros – almost “analog” sound

The stylistically impeccable new AudioLab 7000 series immediately catches the eye, and the AudioLab 7000N audio streamer, which offers (in addition to standard streaming capabilities, such as Apple AirPlay 2) also the DTS Play-Fi streaming standard, may well become the “highlight of the program”. There are a lot of built-in clients (Spotify, Tidal, HD-Tracks, Deezer, Amazon Music, Napster, KKBox and Sirius XM), and the ESS Sabre32 Reference chip (ES9038Q2M), supported by a solid power supply, produces a very flexible, albeit traditionally for the company slightly dark sound. And it is this presentation that ensures that you can listen to music for hours without a hint of fatigue.

Eversolo DMP-A6

Pros – the highest resolution

Although Eversolo DMP-A6 is one of the entry-level streamer models in the company's track record, the capabilities of this device are enough for "three". Judge for yourself - a dual DAC based on two ESS Sabre32 Reference chips (ES9038Q2M), support for formats up to PCM 32/768 and DSD512, a 6-inch high-definition touchscreen LCD, a slot for installing M.2 NVME 2280 solid-state drives with a capacity of up to 2 TB, special circuitry of the switching power supply (the filter reduces high-frequency noise in the band from 100 kHz to 5 MHz) and a dual clock generator - the specifications are enough for an encyclopedia on the design of the streamers of the same name. The sound of the model is enchanting - three-dimensional, exceptionally rich in detail and perfectly balanced.

Arcam RADIA ST5

Pros – gorgeous rhythm, precise delivery

Arcam RADIA ST5 network player is a continuation of the sensational line of G-class amplifiers. The streamer is designed in a slim form factor and is equipped with a channel for controlling branded amplifiers. Support for Wi-Fi or Ethernet, Apple Airplay2 or Google Chromecast protocols, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect, as well as the ESS ES9018 DAC seem standard for this class. Signal output is limited to PCM 24/192 from both digital and analog outputs - but, most importantly, His Majesty Sound is here. And in this regard, the model easily puts more famous and expensive competitors on their shoulder blades, offering an amazing sense of rhythm and a magnificent black tone in pauses.

FiiO S15

Pros – impeccable sound, far beyond the price group of the device

The ultra-modern FiiO S15 streamer is a real Swiss knife for sound. The model uses an audiophile configuration of AKM AK4191 and AK4499EX chips with DWA ROUTING technology, which differentiates the digital and analog parts. The system is supplemented by shielded precision femtosecond clock generators ACCUSILICON AS318-B series with an ultra-low phase noise level (45.1584 MHz, 49.1520 MHz), and all this magnificence is controlled by Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 chips, Qualcomm QCC5125 Bluetooth chip and 16-core XMOS XU316. The 7.84-inch color display and the new FIIO OS, as well as the proprietary application, guarantee perfect control, and the sound of the model goes far beyond its price group - the detailing is phenomenal, the vocals are absolutely natural, the bass is perfectly developed. Bravo, how to choose a network player in 2025 in this price group question was answered.

Primare SC15 Prisma MK2

Pros – the room corrector allows you to perfectly fit the device into any room

Primare SC15 Prisma MK2 combines the functions of a preamplifier and a network player with WiSA wireless speaker connection technology. So, if you need a model with a focus on multiroom, it has a lot to offer. We will leave the installation options behind the scenes for now and focus on the audiophile view - the device supports PCM 32/768 and DSD256, from the protocols and built-in clients there are AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Bluetooth and Spotify Connect, and Roon Ready is not forgotten. But the main difference of the Primare SC15 Prisma MKII is the Room EQ room corrector, which can work both in automatic and manual modes. With its help, you can perfectly calibrate the sound for your specific room - and this is worth another thing. The Primare SC15 Prisma MK2 sounds very confident and crystal clear after setup.

Denon DNP-2000NE

Pros – transparent and almost “analog” sound

DENON DNP-2000NE network player offers the company’s traditional soft and enveloping sound, almost devoid of digital tint. The proprietary Ultra AL32 Processing (with restoration of lost information) really works, the multi-room capabilities of the HEOS technology will satisfy even seasoned music lovers, Voice control works via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or Apple Siri, signals are supported up to PCM 32/384 and DSD256… Let’s add a system for isolating analog and digital boards from each other and an independent power line from a transformer with a module for protecting analog circuits from interference – and we get a completely great, “armor-piercing” streamer.