For years, plenty of committed listeners kept streaming at arm’s length — and understandably so. Early streaming sounded thin and lifeless next to a good CD or record. That world is gone. Done properly, streaming today can sound superb, and it puts virtually every recording ever made at your fingertips. Here’s how it works, without the jargon.
What a streamer actually does
A network streamer is simply a box that pulls music from the internet (or your home network) and converts it into a signal your hi-fi can play. Think of it as a modern-day CD player, except the disc is replaced by millions of tracks and the whole thing is controlled from an app on your phone or tablet. The good ones sound wonderful and are a genuine pleasure to use.
Lossless, hi-res and why quality now matters
The reason streaming has come of age is that the major services now offer lossless and even hi-res audio — CD quality and beyond — rather than the compressed files of old. Paired with a capable streamer and a good digital-to-analogue converter, that means no meaningful compromise against physical formats. The convenience, frankly, is remarkable.
You don’t have to start again
This is the part people are most pleased to hear: you almost certainly don’t need to replace your system. If you’ve a much-loved amplifier and speakers, a streamer like a WiiM can slot straight in and bring the whole thing online for a very sensible outlay. It’s one of the most satisfying upgrades we do — decades-old systems suddenly given a new lease of life.
Going further
If you’re building a system around streaming from the outset, there are beautifully integrated options — Roksan‘s Attessa range, for instance, brings streaming, amplification and real musical soul together in a way that keeps the box count down and the enjoyment up. We’ll help you find the balance of convenience and performance that suits how you actually listen.
Let us set it up with you
Getting a streamer talking to your network and sounding its best is exactly the sort of thing we love to sort out — either in the showroom or, better still, in your own home as part of an installation. Come and hear how good modern streaming can sound; you may be surprised. Get in touch and let’s have a chat.
— Duncan Lewis, Chief Sound Enthusiast, SMC HiFi
