Best network music players

(Nov 19, 2009)

Matthew Moskovciak

Digital audio is everywhere--from gigabytes of MP3s stored on your computer's hard drive to Internet radio stations and subscription music services. But the challenge has always been to get the music from your computer to the stereo system.

That's where a digital audio streamers come in. While they're known by a variety of names--including digital audio receivers and digital media adapters--these products let you enjoy a wide range of digital music from your PC or the Internet over the big speakers of your home stereo, even if it's in a different room of the house. All of the options listed below use a home network (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) to transmit music. DRM and copy-protection issues aren't as much of a problem as they used to be, but it's still worth confirming that your prospective player can handle your preferred audio file or subscription service.

It's also worth pointing out that these systems will be overkill for a lot of users. Now that game consoles like the Xbox 360 and PS3 handle music (and video) streaming with ease, you may not need the extra functionality provided by dedicated network music players. If you're looking for a music streamer with a built-in speaker, check out our best Wi-Fi radios.

>> See all recent network audio player reviews