Gear & technology
Streamer
Also called network player, network streamer, streaming transport
A streamer is a network audio player that pulls music from streaming services or a home server and sends it to a DAC, over a wire or through a DAC built in. It replaces a laptop or phone as the source in a hi-fi system.
Streamers run software such as Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, AirPlay or UPnP, which is why those protocols can start a signal chain on audiophila. A transport-only streamer outputs USB, coaxial or optical digital to a separate DAC; an all-in-one includes the DAC and sometimes an Amplifier.
Because the output is digital, the argument about whether streamers sound different is about Jitter and electrical noise reaching the DAC. Measurements usually show little; some listeners report otherwise. Everyone agrees that stable software and a good app matter.
Where you’ll see this on tonistry.
- Browse every product in the Streamers category.