INFO SONXPLUS: The Digital Network Player, THE MUST HAVE!

In the previous publication on current listening, we reported on the transition from analogue to digital recording. We saw that, given the right attention, digital recordings, as well as the codification of existing analogue recordings, could reach new heights in accurate 'as if' reproductions.

The contemporary audiophile will take note of this fact and will be well advised to modernise his ensemble, the digital audio player being the indispensable pillar for high fidelity.

If you like good, beautiful music with lots of life, I highly recommend switching to the current digital players. It's definitely worth it!

...Times are changing.

Traditional radio stations have gone global, so their content is now accessible via the WEB. For their part, people now "record" their music via CD transfer on files. Gone are the days when people listened carefully to the radio and eventually kept a copy on cassette or even on rewritable compact discs, they can now simply subscribe to a music on demand and streaming package through different providers on the web.

Another change in consumption habits is the purchase of complete music albums via download instead of CDs. Purely digital recordings take up less space as there is no longer a physical carrier. In addition, there is a greater appreciation of the new codecs used, which are more faithful to the source than CDs were.

These recordings are now offered on lossless files such as uncompressed FLAC as well as on the DSD format which is a direct derivative of the PCM master tapes.

There are many advantages to having music in stand-alone encrypted formats, the first being portability and universality.

Not only can these files be played on a computer, a tablet and a host of portable devices, but even better, they can be used on our high-fidelity system! No more disks and floppy disks and cassettes! To this end, a relatively new product is now available, the DAC player for Digital to Analog Converter which will allow the reproduction of encrypted sources. For listening to Internet radio, there are network players or "streamers".

Simple DAC decoders were offered first and only allowed decryption of material hosted locally on hard disk or flash memory. Later, WI-FI connectivity was added to allow access to webcasting.

DAC or network drive, how to choose?

Just as we used to do with our vinyl record collections, many people only listen to music chosen from their personal collection, in which case only a converter will suffice. A parallel can be drawn between the choice of a turntable, a diamond needle and long, high-performance games and today's choice of a player/converter with proven performance and high resolution files available on the market. Finally, it should be noted that for the same quality, they are less expensive than their network drive cousins.

No less specialised, the network player will offer the same features as the converter, but with the added versatility of being able to listen to continuous radio. In addition, the music lover will have access to music on demand by subscribing to a service such as Deezer or Tidal, to name but a few.

Network drives are traditional in format and can be stacked like any other component in your set. Converters are more compact.

What to look for in a network drive :

•  It must connect via WI-FI in order to access streaming content.
• USB socket for connecting a memory stick or hard disk on which your personal music is stored.
• Remote control
• A display for viewing vital information.
• Capable of playing multiple file formats such as FLAC, WMA, MP3, as well as DSD.
• Optical input for device connectivity such as CD or DVD.
• A user-friendly interface on tablet, computer or smartphone.

What makes them different...

Depending on the model and the price paid, one should be concerned about different aspects just as one would when purchasing other parts of the stereo system. Both distortion and noise levels should be kept to a minimum. It will be important to ensure that the bandwidth of the files is up to the standard of what is available in the music market. In particular, we are talking about a FLAC file reading capacity of 24 bits @ 192 kHz, but especially DSD 64, 128, 256. A DAC that can't read DSD doesn't meet its full specifications...

On the display side, a colour matrix display is preferred over a single scroll line. The colour display will tell you at a glance about the file quality, cover art, elapsed time, playlist, settings, etc.

 The decoder chip should be a well-known chip such as Ess Sabre, Wolfson and others. In general, an in-house chip (from the hardware manufacturer) is a cheap solution that will definitely disappoint. Opt for a specialist chip manufacturer.

Additional features such as integrated Chromecast and Airplay2 will be sought after, as they will allow you to link a broadcaster directly to your device. This avoids a loss of generation by bypassing a transmission step, as the processor in your converter will act directly on the data to interpret it to its capacity.

 Bluetooth connectivity, if available, will allow on-the-fly listening to material on your mobile devices and those of your friends. Practical for parties!

 It is also possible to connect a computer via USB in order to play files at very high speeds that are not accessible via other connections. To do this, I recommend the J.River Media Center software for computers, which is very complete and efficient.

New to the audiophile market is the ROON software that allows you to link together different music databases such as your computers and portable devices containing very high resolution files. ROON allows you to link a variety of media in one easy-to-use application. It can be found on most of the best quality players.

Finally, XLR connectivity (microphone type wire) will allow a player to be connected to a high output amplifier with minimum loss in transfer. XLR is particularly useful in areas of high radio interference where there are transformers and electric motors.

PRODUCT IN AVAILABILITY :

Here is a list of interesting models to get from the simplest to the most powerful.

CAMBRIDGE AUDIO/DAC MAGIC 100

299$

 Whether it's a CD player, computer, digital music player or set-top box, this is a fantastic way to improve the sound quality from any of these digital sources.

It is ideal for rejuvenating an amplifier without a digital stage at low cost!

It features a high-quality Wolfson WM8742 DAC for outstanding digital-to-analog conversion! A dedicated USB audio input for

direct connection to computer handling studio master files up to 24-bit/192kHz it offers the flexibility of three digital inputs (2 x coaxial and 1 x digital) to connect a CD player, Blu-ray player, TV, games console, etc.

The steel construction even at this price ensures that all components are insulated for exceptional performance levels.

 Magic 100 DAC vital data

• Distortion almost zero 0.0025%.
• Signal to noise ratio -113 Db.
• Flow indicator to know the quality of what you are listening to.
• No DSD capability.

CAMBRIDGE AUDIO/DAC MAGIC 200 

799$

The DacMagic 200 features 100% of the available components except for network playback. It's your complete low-cost solution, even incorporating built-in Bluetooth connectivity.

Two ESS sabre chips do the job for perfect stereo reproduction. All formats are supported, including the recent MQA. It can be used as an audiophile headphone amplifier. Its balanced outputs are suitable for connection to a high-end amplifier. Not bad for 799!

Magic 200 DAC vital data.

• Inaudible distortion at 0.0005%.
• Headphone amplifier with 0.001% distortion!
• Signal-to-noise ratio of - 115 Db.
• Balanced XLR output.
• Processes up to DSD 512.

YAMAHA NP-S303

649$

If you want to get started with network audio, but don't know where to start, this is our most affordable solution. Enjoy music stored on your PC, music from your mobile device or a variety of streaming services. Just connect the Yamaha NP-S303 to your stereo amplifier and you're ready to go. The device integrates all network streaming services such as Deezer, Qobuz, Tidal, Spotify and many more.

 NP-S303 vital data.

• 0.0003% distortion
• Signal to noise ratio - 110 Db
• Remote control.
• Bluetooth connectivity.
• Processes DSD 256.

For easy control of your network player, the Yamaha Musicast application will make your life easier, as you will see the full list of music available for listening.

DENON DNP 800 

799$

 Denon has experienced all modes of music distribution with its 111 years of existence! In an article on the history of electronics legends, I explained that Denon started as a manufacturer of music recording equipment to become a major player in consumer audio reproduction. Music holds no secrets for the famous Japanese company.

Enjoy uninterrupted playback of your high-resolution audio, including 192 kHz/24-bit FLAC/WAV DSD 2.8/5.6 MHz. Enjoy the DNP-800NE throughout your home or in private, as it is also a headphone amplifier. Easily control the DNP-800NE with Amazon Alexa voice compatibility. Alexa is a nice touch compared to its competitors.

It features two analogue RCA outputs and surprisingly one digital fibre optic output. Bluetooth wireless connectivity for streaming music from compatible smartphones, tablets and computers. Burr-Brown PCM1795 32-bit/192kHz processor for high-performance digital music playback.

DNP-800 vital data

• Runs on the HEOS platform allowing transfer to wirelessly connected speakers and equipment.
• Distortion 0.0012 %.
• Noise signal of -114.8 Db
• Multi-line display
• User-friendly Heos application

CAMBRIDGE AUDIO CXN V2.1

1699 $

Cambridge Audio offers award-winning network players. The secrets of the brand's products are user-friendliness and ease of use via a remote control, the device's control panel or the very fast StreamMagic interface on a tablet or smart phone. The second strong point is the smooth and realistic sound reproduction. Finally, the colour display informs you of everything you need to know to select the various functions.

The CXN debuted in 2014 and has since been replaced by the CXN V2 in 2020, it comes in a matte moon grey which is very classy.

Featuring a faster and more powerful processor (Black Marlin), double the RAM in Flash storage and two 24-bit Wolfson WM8740 processors. All this allows the material to be sampled at a silky smooth level from a 24-bit/384Khz resolution.

The CXN V2 is the present choice of the writer...

Listening to Hi-Rez music via Chromecast as well as playing my files of various formats is always amazingly realistic, a smoothness that you never get tired of listening to!

 CXN V2 Vital Data

• Versatile playback: ALAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD, WMA, MP3, AAC, HE AAC, AAC+, OGG Vorbis and more!
• Apple Airplay 2.
•  Chromecast integrated.
•  Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Qobuz integrated into the interface.
• Bluetooth compatible.
• Roon compatible.
• More powerful processor and instantaneous execution speed.
• 4.3" colour display for album viewing.
• Remote control.
• Full Stream Magic platform.
• Continuous updating free of charge.

CAMBRIDGE AUDIO AZUR 851N

2099 $

Even further!

The muscular, full-bodied presentation of the CXN V2 is enhanced with the 851 N, which delivers a breathtaking punch, all served up with extra portions of expression that markedly increase the realism.

The 851N is an exceptional network player. Features include: 24-bit/384kHz upsampling from all sources, native 24-bit/192kHz playback, with USB ports, digital audio and network inputs via Wi-Fi. Like other Cambridge Audio products, the software is upgradeable, with the brand offering continuous free updates.
The oversampled data (24/384) is passed through two twin DACs (very high end digital/analogue converters) which operate in differential mode. Each channel therefore has its own DAC to process the data, resulting in a realistic stereo image where each instrument can be heard in a specific part of your room with stunning accuracy.

I was listening to the latest Beatles recording"Abbey Road 50th anniversary remaster"and I had the impression that the musicians were there...

 AZUR 851N vital data

• 32-bit toslink capability!!!
• Astronomical amount of inputs and outputs.
• Internet radio up to 24 bits deep.
• Dual DAC Analog Devices AD1955 24-bit.
• Digital filter selectable in 3 levels.
• Inaudible distortion rate at 0.0006%.
• Flac, Alac and WAV 32/192 kHz.

 CAMBRIDGE AUDIO Edge NQ The reference 

$6999

The Cambridge Edge is an anniversary device to celebrate 50 years of innovation by the brand.

The design has been geared towards a recipe where nothing has been spared to achieve the best result. In other words, it is expensive, but nothing is better according to many experts.

The Edge was created with the help of nine engineers working as a team in consultation with artists who are known to be perfectionists in their recordings.

 Through the StreamMagic platform, Edge supports native Spotify Connect, TIDAL, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth aptX HD and internet radio. Thanks to the built-in Chromecast, 

 The Edge NQ lets you enjoy music from any source. In addition to digital coaxial, HDMI, USB and S/PDIF connections, you get built-in Chromecast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Qobuz, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth aptX HD, internet radio and UPnP playback. Roon compatibility certification enhances your browsing experience. The Edge NQ also lets you enjoy hundreds of other services, including Sirius XM, Qobuz and Soundcloud, at the current maximum 96 kHz/24-bit quality.

Edge NQ Vital Data

• Inaudible distortion of 0.0008% full band 20 Hz - 20 kHz.
• Chromecast 24/96 kHz
• HDMI with arc.
• DSD 128, DSD 256 compatible
• Also serves as an amplifier for audiophile headphones
• ROON compatible for integration of your music media.
• Dual modes of operation: Preamp or direct.
• Integrated DAC with digital inputs including TV ARC and Bluetooth aptX HD.

The last word

 Whether you are upgrading an existing system or starting a new stereo system, digital-to-analogue converters and network players are a must. Indeed, we have moved into the high-precision digital age and never again will we be limited to the inferior performance of lesser music formats (AM or FM tapes, cassettes, etc.). Everyone can expect to hear at home, and at an affordable price, the music as it was created by the musicians in the studio. No more expensive than CD players, a network player will be the best addition to your ensemble. Come and listen to it, I assure you, you will be amazed!

Next article: Stereo Amplifiers.

Stay tuned!

- Christian.