With the digitization of audio and video content, network players have become an indispensable part of modern hi-fi and home theater systems. These devices, also known as streamers, offer the possibility of playing not only locally stored audio and/or video files, but also those accessible via numerous streaming platforms. A true multimedia gateway, these players are now the nerve center of digital sources. If you’re not already equipped with one, you’re probably thinking of integrating a network player into your installation. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits they can bring you.
What is a network player?
A network player, also known as a streamer, allows you to centralize and stream audio or video content from various sources (Internet, NAS, computer, smartphone) directly to your hi-fi or home theater system. It connects to your home network via WiFi or Ethernet and can play files stored locally or on online services. There are several different types of streamer, some of which focus solely on music playback and access to streaming services such as Spotify, Tidal and Qobuz. The latter can also take advantage of AirPlay 2, Chromecast or Bluetooth streaming. These are known as network audio players. Others can also play video files and access VOD services like Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+. These are called media players.
For better audio and video quality
The audio network player is an essential asset for modernizing a vintage hi-fi system and enjoying higher sound quality. These streamers are equipped with DACs (digital-to-analog converters) that are more powerful than those found in smartphones or tablets, enabling them to read high-resolution files (FLAC, DSD, etc.). The most powerful models are compatible with streams up to 32-bit/768kHz, whereas CD players are limited to 16-bit/44.1kHz. As a result, you benefit from a more accurate reproduction, faithful to the original recording. Brands such as WiiM, Cambridge Audio and Bluesound are renowned for their Hi-Res audio streamers.
When it comes to home theater, network media players let you exploit the full potential of your installation. Models like the Zidoo Z9X 8K are compatible with DVD, Blu-ray and UHD 4K Blu-ray ISO files, enabling an experience identical to the original discs. They generally use powerful upscaling and image processing systems to optimize the display and enjoy an optimal result, even with older programs. For example, the Rvolution Player One 8K streamer is capable of upscaling all your files to UHD 4K and 8K. It also supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X home theater audio formats, as well as high-resolution lossless audio files like DSD.
Automatic indexing and cover display
Automatic indexing is a key feature of network players for automatically scanning your library, whether it contains music, movies or TV series. This allows you to organize all your files in a clear, structured way, whether they’re stored on a NAS server, a computer or hosted locally on several hard drives connected to the streamer. Rather than spending hours organizing your files manually, automatic indexing does it for you in a matter of minutes. It identifies each file’s metadata (title, artist, album, etc.) and automatically sorts them into the right categories. The most powerful indexing systems, such as those used by Zidoo players, can add cover art, a synopsis, trailers, subtitles and other information to each piece of content.
This indexing feature makes finding a specific film or album child’s play. You can easily browse your library by various criteria such as actors’ names, directors’ names, genres, year of production or simply by displaying the cover art. This way, you can enjoy an experience worthy of the best streaming platforms, with your own local files. Whenever new titles are added, the network player automatically updates the library, integrating these new titles without you having to do it manually.
Access to streaming and VOD services
One of the most popular features of network players is their ability to access streaming services directly. They open up an infinite world of content, making multimedia consumption easier, more diverse and more enjoyable than ever. With a network audio player, you can access millions of streaming tracks, including albums, playlists, personalized radios and much more. Some services, such as Tidal and Qobuz, even offer high-resolution streams, so you can enjoy superior sound quality with your hi-fi system. For movie and series fans, video network players can stream content in 4K HDR, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, offering optimal picture and sound quality. Integrating streaming services into your network player gives you access to a wide range of films, series, documentaries and exclusive original content.
Ease of use
Network players offer unrivalled convenience and ease of use. Rather than juggling multiple devices or applications, everything is centralized in a single device, often controllable via a user-friendly interface or dedicated mobile app. Android players such as the EverSolo DMP-A6 and EverSolo DMP-A8 are generally the most comprehensive, as their open operating system enables the installation of numerous third-party apps. In addition to mobile app control, many network players are now compatible with voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri, allowing you to control playback by voice. Full-featured models like the WiiM Ultra even incorporate a touchscreen for fingertip access to your content.
In most cases, these network players feature a pre-amplification function. This means they can centralize all your sources, such as a turntable, a CD player and even a TV for models equipped with an HDMI eARC input. They can then be linked directly to a power amp or a pair of active speakers for even greater simplicity.
Multi-room music
Network audio players are generally compatible with multi-room streaming, so you can enjoy music in several rooms simultaneously while maintaining intuitive, centralized control. It’s possible to play the same song everywhere, or customize the music selection in each room. Some streamers can even broadcast the sound of physical sources such as a turntable or TV throughout the house. This is particularly true of the Bluesound Node 2025, which features an HDMI eARC input.
To set up a multi-room system, it’s essential to choose components that are compatible with each other. Some manufacturers, such as Naim and Sonos, use proprietary multi-room technologies, meaning that their streamers can only work with other components of the same brand. To create a multi-brand multi-room system, it’s essential to opt for a network player compatible with open technologies such as DTS Play-Fi, Chromecast, AirPlay 2 and LinkPlay.
The DAP: an alternative to streamers
A high-definition version of the MP3 player, the digital audio player or DAP combines a host of technologies, offering high-definition playback from a compact device that’s equally suited to use on the move or at home. The most complete models benefit from a WiFi connection and an integrated network player for access to audio streaming services. For example, the FiiO M23 DAP uses the Android operating system and integrates the Google Play Store to install your favorite services: Qobuz, Tidal, Amazon Music, Deezer, Spotify, etc. The sound, decoded by a high-end DAC, can then be listened to directly through headphones or the living room hi-fi system, thanks to the integrated line output.
An essential element
Investing in a network player, whether dedicated to audio, video or both, is a future-proof way to give your hi-fi or home theater system the very best. With a network player, you have access to a vast library of digital content, whether stored locally or streamed from online services. Sound and visual quality are optimized, allowing you to enjoy music and movies in the best possible conditions. The integration of features such as automatic indexing, cover art or thumbnail display, as well as multi-room compatibility, further enriches the experience, making it more intuitive and immersive than ever.
