Posted Mon Jan 9, 2012 at 07:00 AM PST by Dick Ward
The N-30 and N-50 are compatible with lossless audio and offer plenty of streaming options.
Streaming music to your system is all well and good but so many devices that have the ability aren't compatible with the best sounding audio formats. Thanks to DLNA 1.5, Pioneer's new N-30 and N-50 networked audio players handle FLAC, WAV and Apple Lossless audio. Of course, you'll still be able to stream the old favorites like MP3, WMA and AAC.
Both players are capable of streaming music from internet radio and sources like Pandora and iHeartMusic and even feature AirPlay capability. You'll find a 2.5" LCD screen that displays the music currently playing and those that prefer can control the device through an iPhone, iPod touch, iPad or "certain Android devices".
The N-50 separates itself from the N-30 by utilizing twin EL transformers, gold RCA plugs and what Pioneer refers to as an armored chassis. It uses AIR to kick up the audio quality on compressed files and packs a DAC only mode for those without solid DACs already in their home theater setup.
The N-30 will run you $499 while the N-50 comes in at $699. As tends to be the case with Pioneer products, you'll have to shell out cash for separate Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters.
Source: Engadget
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