SUPERTEST Denon CEOL RCD-N7 Most would agree that this system has an attractive mix of style and specs. As well as an iPod dock it features a USB input, Wi-Fi and Ethernet networking, and an optional upgrade to AirPlay. Oh, and there’s a CD player and radio tuner, too, along with a 2x65W amplifier. And, like all the systems here, the Denon can stream thousands of internet radio stations. As far as the sound is concerned, it’s gutsy and involving – especially if hooked up to some good budget speakers. There’s even a Party Mode, which allows up to four Denon products to be connected over a network to play the same music at the same time – instant multiroom fun. VerdictWith a great mix of style and features, the CEOL is well worth a place in any living room
Marantz M-CR603 Also known as the Melody Media, the Marantz draws comparisons with the Denon. Look closely and there are some big differences, though. While it has AirPlay as an upgrade, its network connection is wired only. It trumps the Denon in the radio stakes, however, with FM, AM and internet streaming, and there’s also provision for an add-on Bluetooth receiver. The system can drive two pairs of speakers (as opposed to the Denon’s one pair). There’s a remote control app called the Marantz Wizz App, and despite its horribly twee name it’s well worth having, putting the controls, track information and extras in the palm of your hand. And this is a system you’ll want to use: it sounds superb, wherever you source your music and, apped up, is as slick in operation as it is in looks. Verdict
The Marantz lacks wireless networking, but its sound quality more than makes up for it
Naim UnitiQute So, you’ve spent a king’s ransom on a small black box. Oh, and the iOS app to control it costs $37.99. Once you’ve turned it on (the remote has all the buttons you need), you’ll get your answer: sound quality that knocks the others into a cocked hat. The Naim is real-deal, high-end hi-fi equipment, and it delivers accordingly: speed and timing are superb, and bass notes come alive – where the others might lump lows together, the Naim introduces tonal variation, complementing its openness and convincing soundstage. While the N-Stream iOS app might seem a big rip-off, it does offer a superior level of control, allowing every aspect of the Qute to be accessed. If you’re after an uncompromising music streaming experience, it’s a bit of a bargain even at this price. Verdict
It’s mighty expensive, but the UnitiQute is clever, flexible and sounds sensational
Rotel RCX-1500 Rotel’s all-in-one streaming system is a hairy-chested, tattooed, old-school biker of a hi-fi. There’s even a touch of grease under the fingernails in the way it streams: rather than an integrated solution, it comes with Wi-Fi and Ethernet dongles to plug into a USB port on the back. With a single digital input (a choice of optical or coaxial connection) and a single analogue in, it’s a bit light on resources for other devices, but the Rotel sounds big, impressive and controlled, whether with the B&W speakers we hooked it up to or even bigger boxes. It’ll thunder out top tunes and still seem to have lots of power in reserve; it’s not a subtle sound, but it’s enormous fun. It’s big, yes, but not entirely clever. Verdict
You get a lot of bang for your buck, but there are smarter streamers in this test
Teac CR-H500 DNT Conventional. That’s the word that kept crossing our minds when testing this Teac. Networking is via Ethernet and Wi-Fi, there’s a digital iPod input on its front-panel USB, three analogue inputs (including one for a turntable), an FM/AM tuner, a CD player and two 40W outputs. Unfortunately, the sound fits into the ‘ordinary’ category, too. It’s respectable for a small system, but lacks the power, impact and detail of the comparably-priced Denon and Marantz systems. It’s very listenable, but the rivals really make you want to listen more. And for the money, that puts the Teac at a distinct disadvantage. Verdict This Teac is a bit run-of-the-mill next to similarly priced rivals
Tech Talk DENON CEOL RCD-N7 44,800
Power 2x65W Connectivity AirPlay (optional), Ethernet, Wi-Fi, iPod dock, USB Formats AAC, FLAC, MP3, WAV, WMA Audio inputs analogue (x3), optical digital
MARANTZ M-CR603 TBA
Power 2x50W Connectivity AirPlay (optional), Bluetooth (optional), Ethernet, iPod, USB Formats AAC, FLAC, MP3, WAV, WMAAudio inputs analogue (x3), optical digital NAIM UNITIQUTE 1,55,000
Power 2x30W Connectivity Ethernet, Wi-Fi, iPod, USB Formats AAC, FLAC, MP3, WAV, WMA Audio inputs analogue (x2), optical digital (x2), coaxial digital (x2)
ROTEL RCX-1500 1,11,375
Power 2x40W Connectivity Ethernet, Wi-Fi, iPod, USB Formats MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC Audio inputs analogue (x3) Teac CR-H500 DNT 45,600 (est)
Power 2x40W Connectivity Ethernet, Wi-Fi, iPod, USB Formats MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC Audio inputs analogue (x3)
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