A network streamer is a hi-fi source that receives music over a home network rather than from a physical disc. It can play internet services, internet radio and music stored elsewhere on the network, depending on the features supported by the device.
How does a network streamer connect?
Most streamers connect to the network using Wi-Fi, Ethernet or both. On the audio side, they may provide analogue outputs, digital outputs or a combination of the two.
If you use the analogue outputs, the streamer’s internal DAC converts the music to an analogue signal. If you use an optical, coaxial or USB digital output, an external DAC performs that conversion instead.
Streamer, streaming DAC or streaming preamp?
A basic streamer can act mainly as a digital transport. A streaming DAC adds its own analogue outputs. A streaming preamplifier goes further by providing volume control and often additional inputs, allowing it to connect directly to a power amplifier or active speakers.
The Fred.Audio network streamer range follows this progression from compact sources to full streaming preamplifiers.
Do you need Ethernet?
Not necessarily. Modern Wi-Fi can provide more than enough bandwidth for high-resolution audio. Ethernet remains useful where the wireless signal is weak, where the equipment rack already has wired network access, or where you simply prefer a fixed connection.
Does high-resolution support matter?
Format support determines which files the streamer can accept, but a maximum sample rate is not a measure of sound quality. Software reliability, app design, network stability, DAC implementation and analogue output quality all affect the overall experience.
Can a streamer replace other components?
Potentially. A streaming preamplifier such as the N3 can handle source selection and volume control, allowing a system to consist of streamer, power amplifier and passive speakers. With active speakers, even the power amplifier can disappear as a separate box.
The right architecture depends on whether you value simplicity or prefer to keep each function in a separate component that can be upgraded independently.