Music Streaming

What if you want to stream digital music from your smartphone and your hi-fi amplifier lacks a receiver? Provided you have spare analog or digital input ports, you can add one into the mix – such as the Zen Blue from the UK's iFi Audio.

Bryston has announced a new Digital-to-Analog-Converter. And it's much more than just a DAC, it's an entertainment hub.

Naim Audio caused something of a ripple on the home audio scene in 2014 with the release of the mighty Mu-so. This was followed two years later by a more compact flavor called the Qb. Now, following the launch of the Mu-so 2 a few months back, a second generation Qb has been announced.​

Product developer Jono Matusky wanted a way to play his albums while working in his studio, without needing to keep popping into another room to change sides or set up multi-room streaming. The Plynth is the result.

Hong Kong-based Coolgeek has launched a 360-degree Bluetooth speaker that's a little different from the rest. A circular piece of glass has been plonked on top, turning the setup into a music-streaming coffee table.

Boutique audio brand Bowers & Wilkins – which has pretty good form in wireless audio playback – has entered the high-end music streaming arena with the Formation suite, a five product collection that could well challenge the luxury market dominance of Sonos.​

Currently live-streaming on YouTube is a non-stop, algorithmically-generated torrent of technical death metal, and regardless of one’s personal musical taste, it’s undeniably an impressive example of machine-driven creativity.

CDs and vinyl once dominated living room music collections, now streaming rules the roost. There are devices aplenty to satisfy your wireless listening needs, but if you're looking for something to complement your commemorative McIntosh setup, then the new RS200 could be just the ticket.​

The PR / 01 wireless speaker from Native Union in partnership with France's La Boite Concept rocks a concealed drawer that hides audio inputs from view while also serving as a small gadget locker. It can also top up a smartphone over USB or wirelessly with the addition of an optional Qi charger.

With Apple Music breathing hard on its neck, Spotify today unveiled a refreshed look for its mobile apps on Android and iOS, as well as more listening options for users on the free tier. They'll now be able to pick and choose the order of their songs, albeit while drawing from a limited selection.

As Spotify reveals constant revenue losses we ask , is subscription-based music streaming a viable business model and how long can these giant companies operate if they are constantly hemorrhaging money?

Denmark's Tangent Audio has announced a Bluetooth version of its mighty X6 powered floor-standing speakers, which allow both wired and wireless connection to music sources, a TV or home theater setup.​