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Best network music players

(Oct 20, 2009)

John P. Falcone John P. Falcone
Senior Editor
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. Just remember that pesky DRM and copy-protection issues are still a problem, so make sure your prospective player can handle your preferred audio file or subscription service.

>> See all recent network audio player reviews

Logitech Squeezebox Duet

With its excellent iPod-like remote, the Logitech Squeezebox Duet is an ideal way to stream the full range of digital music--including files on your computer's hard drive, premium subscription music services, and free Internet radio--to your living room stereo system.

Price: $339.99 - $436.16 (check prices)

Review date: Mar 4, 2008

  • 4 stars

      Overall score: 8.7 (4.0 stars)

Excellent

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Sonos Bundle BU250

An excellent touch-screen remote and equally usable iPhone remote app breathe new life into Sonos' excellent multiroom digital-audio system.

Price: $999.00 (check prices)

Review date: Jul 27, 2009

  • 4 stars

      Overall score: 8.7 (4.0 stars)

Excellent

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Apple TV (40GB)

With its enhanced iTunes video offerings, PC-free operation, and a lower price tag, the updated Apple TV is a compelling Internet-enabled entertainment device for the living room.

Price: $175.00 (check prices)

Review date: Mar 22, 2007

  • 4 stars

      Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)

Excellent

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Philips Streamium NP2500

The Philips NP2500 offers many of the features available on more-expensive digital audio streamers for less money and has an attractive color display, but it's hard to see from a distance and playback has some occasional hiccups.

Price: $192.99 - $389.99 (check prices)

Review date: Jul 31, 2009

  • 3h stars

      Overall score: 7.0 (3.5 stars)

Very good

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