Which Network Player to Choose in the Summer of 2025?

Our new buyer's guide and equipment rating is visited by full (with a digital-to-analog converter) streamers or network players. The number of these components is growing day by day, which is why the selection turned out to be interesting - from inexpensive models to High-End class mastodons.

FiiO S15

Pros – flexible high-resolution sound

The new FiiO S15 can play music over the network and locally, is equipped with a preamplifier function and uses an advanced digital-to-analog converter based on two AKM chips (AK4191 + AK4499EX) with DSD512 support. The system is controlled by a Snapdragon 660 processor, Qualcomm QCC5125 and XMOS XU316 are also used, the power supply is linear, based on a custom-made low-noise transformer and four ELNA capacitors with a capacity of 4700 Pf - in general, everything is good here. As well as the sound - it is difficult to find something more impressive in this price range.

Cambridge Audio EXN100

Pros – rhythmic and muscular delivery

The Cambridge Audio EXN 100 not only has streaming capabilities, but also offers full functionality of a preamplifier. Digital-to-analog conversion based on the ESS Reference CXN100 chip, built-in clients Spotify, Tidal, Deezer, Qobuz, Roon certification, Chromecast and AirPlay 2 – talents in the field of characteristics and capabilities are complemented by a charming signature sound with an excellent sense of rhythm.

Matrix Audio TS-1

Pros – phenomenally dense bass

In addition to streaming capabilities, Matrix Audio TS-1 offers the functionality of a high-end headphone amplifier. The streaming platform from the top series, together with the proprietary Player OS and the MA Remote App control application, looks exceptionally impressive. All the necessary streaming clients are at hand, the device is configured in a couple of taps. Matrix Audio TS-1 offers an asynchronous upsampling and DSD conversion algorithm, which really increases the resolution and density of the bass. Each channel of the streamer uses an AK4493SEQ chip with two DAC blocks operating in parallel - the result is impressive.

EverSolo DMP-A10

Pros – an incredible number of functions, confident sound

The abundance of options of the flagship network player Eversolo DMP-A10 can make your head spin – there are a pair of OCXO clock quartz generators with a fixed temperature, and an ES9039Pro chip, and playback of all known formats (up to DSD512). The system is controlled by the DSP processor AK7739VQ, which uses FIR filtering, and WIMA and NICHICON capacitors, Omron relays and IT Audio operational amplifiers seem like cherries on the cake. The sound of the model is stunning in the number of details.

AURALiC ALTAIR G2.2

Pros – transparent and ultra-dynamic sound

AURALiC Altair G2.2 is a multiple winner of many tests. The model uses the most powerful modern proprietary streaming platform Tesla G3, combining Fusion DAC, direct data recording technology and a galvanic isolation unit. Add a fully analog preamp section with ORFEO class A output modules and a discrete regulator, as well as a sound from the series “the veil was lifted in front of the system” - and we get a real leader in its price group.

Luxman NT-07

Pros – very agile and almost analog sound

The Luxman NT-07 Silver network player has seemingly standard functionality (UPnP, USB ^ OpenHome, built-in Qobuz, TIDAL, Spotify clients), but the main secrets are hidden under the hood of the device. There is a low-noise linear power supply with excess power, a pair of custom-made 10,000 μF capacitors and a new NT-07 digital transport system, which provides an incredibly flexible and lively performance, almost completely devoid of the digital nature of the recording.

Marantz LINK 10n

Pros - stunning scale with reference accuracy

The top-end Marantz LINK 10n streamer uses the company's favorite HDAM scheme and provides both the functionality of streaming and digital signal conversion, as well as the functions of a High End class preamplifier. The case of the model is perfectly shielded, it is three-layered, assembled from aluminum panels with a copper coating, the printed circuit boards are original multi-layer, the internal structure includes a number of sub-cases, the power supply is incredible for such a device. The result? One of the most accurate, balanced and timbre-reliable performances from equipment of this class.