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Best network music players

(Nov 26, 2008)

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: $339.95 - $479.61 (check prices)

Review date: Mar 4, 2008

  • 4 stars

      Overall score: 8.7 (4.0 stars)

Excellent

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Logitech Squeezebox Boom

The Logitech Squeezebox Boom is the best all-in-one tabletop Wi-Fi radio we've seen to date.

Price: $279.95 - $305.99 (check prices)

Review date: Sep 10, 2008

  • 4 stars

      Overall score: 8.7 (4.0 stars)

Excellent

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Sonos BU150 Digital Music System

With the Bundle 150, Sonos continues to refine its excellent multiroom digital audio system--but the price remains high compared to alternative streaming audio products from Logitech and Apple.

Price: $999.98 (check prices)

Review date: Aug 5, 2008

  • 4 stars

      Overall score: 8.3 (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: $214.95 - $235.27 (check prices)

Review date: Mar 22, 2007

  • 4 stars

      Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)

Excellent

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Grace ITC-IR1000B Wireless Internet Radio (black)

A few minor flaws notwithstanding, the Grace Wireless Internet Radio is a great Wi-Fi radio at a relatively affordable price.

Price: $149.58 - $179.99 (check prices)

Review date: Mar 17, 2008

  • 3h stars

      Overall score: 7.7 (3.5 stars)

Very good

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Sony VAIO VGF-WA1 Wireless Music Streamer

The Sony VAIO VGF-WA1 is a stylish tabletop radio that can stream digital music from your PC, but a few key feature upgrades would have made us like it even more.

Price: $149.99 - $199.99 (check prices)

Review date: Jun 18, 2007

  • 3h stars

      Overall score: 7.3 (3.5 stars)

Very good

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