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Bluesound Node Icon Streaming Preamplifier

Written by: Roger Kanno
Created: 01 June 2025

Note: for the full suite of measurements from the SoundStage! Audio-Electronics Lab, click this link.

Reviewers' ChoiceIn the past four years, SoundStage! Simplifi has featured reviews of four releases of the Bluesound Node streamer: the 2021 Node streaming DAC-preamplifier (reviewed by Gordon Brockhouse, October 2021), the 2023 Node X streaming DAC-preamplifier (reviewed by me in October 2023), the 2024 Node Nano streamer (reviewed by Todd Whitesel, September 2024), and the 2024 Node streaming preamplifier (reviewed by Gordon Brockhouse, February 2025). In December 2024, Bluesound added another model to its Node line that is a little different from the others: the Node Icon. In this version, the streamer is intended to be a reference component for a high-quality audio system; yet, by high-end standards, it is still priced reasonably at $1199 (all prices USD).

Read more: Bluesound Node Icon Streaming Preamplifier

WiiM Ultra Streaming Preamplifier

Written by: AJ Wykes
Created: 01 May 2025

Note: for the full suite of measurements from the SoundStage! Audio-Electronics Lab, click this link.

Reviewers' ChoiceWhen SoundStage! managing editor Gordon Brockhouse asked me which products I’d be interested in reviewing for the site, one of my first suggestions was the WiiM Ultra streaming preamplifier. I’d already become familiar with the company’s puck-shaped entry-level Mini streamer, and its more advanced sibling not only fit the bill for the Simplifi remit, but was also receiving high praise from other outlets. Time to get on board!

Read more: WiiM Ultra Streaming Preamplifier

JBL Authentics 300 Portable Music System

Written by: Gordon Brockhouse
Created: 01 April 2025

It was a few minutes past 5 p.m. on the last day of winter in the northern hemisphere, and I was sitting in an Adirondack chair on my second-floor deck enjoying a crisp sauvignon blanc from the southern hemisphere. I’d been aching for some outdoor lounging ever since the temperatures first started plunging last November. With the daytime high reaching 66°F, this was my chance.

Read more: JBL Authentics 300 Portable Music System

Cambridge Audio EXN100 Streaming Preamplifier

Written by: Roger Kanno
Created: 15 March 2025

Cambridge Audio has been in the music-streamer business since the early 2010s, developing their StreamMagic software platform and producing many high-quality streaming components. Along the way, they have become one of the go-to brands for affordable, high-value streaming solutions. Sure, they also offer the relatively expensive Edge NQ network player ($4999, all prices in USD) as part of their reference Edge series, but much of their extensive catalog is geared towards cost-conscious audiophiles.

Read more: Cambridge Audio EXN100 Streaming Preamplifier

Bluesound Node Streaming Preamplifier (2024)

Written by: Gordon Brockhouse
Created: 15 February 2025

Reviewers' ChoiceThis is the first time I’ve ever kicked off a product review with an apology, but I believe an apology is in order here—for two reasons.

The first is lateness. On August 20, Bluesound announced a new version of its popular Node streaming preamp. Priced at $549 (all prices in USD), the 2024 Node began shipping in late September. Bluesound also announced two brand-new Nodes: the affordable Node Nano ($299), reviewed by Todd Whitesel last September on Simplifi, and the flagship Node Icon ($999).

Read more: Bluesound Node Streaming Preamplifier (2024)

Roksan Caspian 4G Streaming Integrated Amplifier

Written by: Roger Kanno
Created: 01 February 2025

Note: for the full suite of measurements from the SoundStage! Audio-Electronics Lab, click this link.

Last fall, the UK hi-fi brand Roksan updated their premium Caspian integrated amplifier. The first Caspian amplifier appeared in 1998; replacement models followed in 2004 and 2010. Roksan’s new fourth-generation Caspian lineup includes two integrated amplifiers—the Caspian 4G Integrated Amplifier ($3750, all prices in USD) and the subject of this review, the Caspian 4G Streaming Amplifier ($5000). Both models incorporate a host of Roksan’s premium analog and digital circuit designs, but the Caspian 4G Streaming Amplifier adds a network streamer based on the highly respected BluOS streaming platform from Canada’s Lenbrook Industries. Other than BluOS streaming, the two amplifiers are almost identical.

Read more: Roksan Caspian 4G Streaming Integrated Amplifier

Victrola Stream Sapphire Streaming Turntable and Ortofon 2M Blue Cartridge

Written by: Gordon Brockhouse
Created: 15 December 2024

“This sure looks interesting,” I thought to myself when I saw the announcement of the Victrola Stream Sapphire turntable during the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show last January. It might strike some readers as weird to see a Victrola turntable reviewed on an audiophile website. The legendary brand, now owned by Innovative Technology Electronics LLC in Denver, CO, is better known for novelty audio products like suitcase record players and countertop jukeboxes than it is for serious hi-fi components.

Read more: Victrola Stream Sapphire Streaming Turntable and Ortofon 2M Blue Cartridge

Technics SC-CX700 Streaming Active Speaker System

Written by: Gordon Brockhouse
Created: 15 November 2024

As regular visitors to this website likely know, I embraced Simplifi’d hi-fi out of necessity rather than choice. In the small 1920s rowhouse my missus and I have called home since early 2018, our hi-fi system lives in the living room. There’s no other space that can serve as a listening room. For that reason, a conventional component system with passive speakers, amplifier, and source components won’t work for us, because such a system would clutter up a multipurpose space that we use for entertaining and hanging out.

Read more: Technics SC-CX700 Streaming Active Speaker System

Eversolo Audio DMP-A8 Streaming Preamplifier

Written by: Roger Kanno
Created: 01 November 2024

Note: for the full suite of measurements from the SoundStage! Audio-Electronics Lab, click this link.

Reviewers' ChoiceI hadn’t heard much about Eversolo before receiving the DMP-A8 for review. I saw some online chatter around the time this product was released and some early reviews, but I knew very little about Eversolo except that it was the relatively new audio brand of Zidoo, which has been producing high-quality video media streamers for several years.

Read more: Eversolo Audio DMP-A8 Streaming Preamplifier

Marantz Model M1 Streaming Integrated Amplifier

Written by: Dennis Burger
Created: 15 October 2024

Close your eyes for a second and envision the Platonic ideal of a streaming amplifier. Then open them again and keep reading. You probably pictured something along the lines of the NAD C 700, right? Or maybe the Cambridge Audio CXN100? Or the SVS Prime Wireless Pro SoundBase? In other words, a black box with either a touchscreen or at least a digital display.

Read more: Marantz Model M1 Streaming Integrated Amplifier

Bluesound Node Nano Streamer

Written by: Todd Whitesel
Created: 15 September 2024

Reviewers' ChoiceCanada’s Bluesound has made a name for itself with its highly regarded music-streaming products. In July 2023, I reviewed Bluesound’s Powernode Edge streaming integrated amplifier for Simplifi and was impressed by its sound and design. Bluesound has recently introduced three new music streaming devices: the Node Icon reference music streamer ($999, all prices USD), the Node performance music streamer ($549), and the Node Nano wireless music streamer ($299), the subject of this review. As the names suggest, each model offers different levels of functionality and performance, with the Nano being the most basic.

Read more: Bluesound Node Nano Streamer

  1. Naim Audio Uniti Nova PE Streaming Integrated Amplifier
  2. Triangle Capella Active Loudspeaker System
  3. Q Acoustics M40 HD Powered Loudspeaker System
  4. Arcam Radia ST5 Streamer
  5. Roon Labs Nucleus One Music Server
  6. Rotel RAS-5000 Streaming Integrated Amplifier
  7. Marantz CD 50n Streaming CD Player
  8. KEF LSX II LT Streaming Active Speaker System
  9. Bluesound Pulse M Streaming Tabletop Music System
  10. Buchardt Audio Anniversary 10 Active Loudspeaker and Platin Stereo Hub WiSA Transmitter
  11. Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance Active Loudspeaker
  12. Kanto Audio ORA Reference Active Speaker System
  13. Elipson Prestige Facet 6B BT Powered Loudspeaker System
  14. Bluesound Node X Streaming DAC-preamplifier
  15. System Audio Silverback 1 Active On-Wall Speaker System and Stereo Hub
  16. Volumio Integro Streaming Integrated Amplifier
  17. Pro-Ject Audio Systems T2 W Wi-Fi Turntable with Sumiko Rainier Cartridge
  18. Klipsch The Nines Active Loudspeaker System
  19. Bluesound Powernode Edge Streaming Integrated Amplifier
  20. Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 Turntable
  21. NAD CS1 Network Music Player
  22. Rotel S14 Streaming Integrated Amplifier
  23. Triangle Borea BR03 BT Powered Loudspeaker System
  24. iFi Audio Neo Stream Streaming DAC-Preamplifier
  25. PSB Alpha iQ Streaming Active Loudspeaker System
  26. Elac Debut ConneX DCB41 Powered Loudspeaker System
  27. Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 Soundbar
  28. JBL 4305P Active Loudspeaker System
  29. Dynaudio Focus 30 Active Loudspeaker System
  30. SVS Prime Wireless Pro Active Loudspeaker System
  31. Totem Acoustic Kin Play Tower Powered Loudspeaker System
  32. System Audio Legend 7.2 Silverback Active On-Wall Speaker and Stereo Hub
  33. Roksan Attessa Streaming Integrated Amplifier
  34. JBL L75ms Integrated Music System
  35. KEF LS60 Wireless Active Speaker System
  36. Zidoo Neo S 4K UHD Media Player
  37. Q Acoustics M20 HD Powered Wireless Music System
  38. Sonus Faber Omnia Wireless Music System
  39. Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Wireless Speaker
  40. NAD Masters M10 V2 Streaming Integrated Amplifier
  41. Mission LX Connect Wireless Active Speakers and Hub
  42. Linn Series 3 Active Loudspeakers
  43. Bang & Olufsen Beolab 28 Active Loudspeakers
  44. KEF KC62 Powered Subwoofer
  45. NAD C 700 Streaming Integrated Amplifier
  46. iFi Audio Zen Stream Wi-Fi Streamer
  47. System Audio Legend 40.2 Silverback Active Loudspeakers and Stereo Hub WiSA Transmitter
  48. Bluesound Node Streaming DAC-Preamplifier
  49. Acoustic Energy AE1 Active Loudspeakers
  50. Q Acoustics Q Active 200 Active Loudspeakers
  51. Bluesound Powernode Multiroom Streaming Integrated Amplifier
  52. Edifier Airpulse A300Pro Active Loudspeakers
  53. KEF LS50 Wireless II Active Loudspeakers
  54. Bryston BR-20 Streaming Preamplifier-DAC
  55. HEDD Type 05 MK2 Active Speakers and Bass 08 Subwoofer
  56. SVS 3000 Micro Subwoofer
  57. Sony SA-Z1 Active Nearfield Loudspeakers
  58. Heavenly Soundworks FIVE17 Active Loudspeakers
  59. Marantz SACD 30n SACD/CD Player and Streaming DAC-Preamp
  60. DALI Oberon 1 C Active Loudspeakers and Sound Hub Wireless Transmitter
  61. PSB Alpha AM3 Powered Loudspeakers
  62. iFi Audio Neo iDSD DAC-Preamp-Headphone Amplifier
  63. Bluesound Pulse Sub+ Wireless Subwoofer
  64. PSB Alpha AM5 Powered Loudspeakers
  65. SVS Prime Wireless SoundBase Streaming Integrated Amplifier
  66. Focal Solo6 Be Active Loudspeakers
  67. Buchardt Audio A500 Active Loudspeakers and Stereo Hub WiSA Transmitter
  68. Klipsch The Fives Active Loudspeakers
  69. Triangle Elara LN01A Powered Loudspeakers
  70. Volumio Primo Community Edition and Hi-Fi Edition Streaming DACs
  71. System Audio Legend 5 Silverback Active Loudspeakers and Stereo Hub WiSA Transmitter
  72. Andover Audio Model-One Turntable Music System
  73. Elac Alchemy DDP-2 Streaming DAC-Preamp
  74. Focal Shape 65 Analog Active Loudspeakers
  75. HEDD Type 07 Analog Active Loudspeakers
  76. exaSound Audio Design Delta Music Server M100
  77. Bryston BDA-3.14 Streaming DAC-Preamplifier
  78. iFi Audio Pro iDSD Streaming DAC-Preamp-Headphone Amplifier
  79. Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar
  80. DALI Rubicon 6 C Hybrid Active Loudspeakers
  81. Pro-Ject Audio Systems Pre Box RS2 Digital DAC-Preamp-Headphone Amp
  82. Klipsch RW-51M Wireless Powered Loudspeakers
  83. iFi Audio Aurora Wireless Music System
  84. Naim Audio Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation Wireless Music System
  85. Cambridge Audio CXA81 Integrated Amplifier-DAC
  86. Hegel Music Systems H120 Integrated Amplifier-DAC
  87. DALI Katch One Soundbar
  88. NAD Classic C 658 BluOS Streaming DAC
  89. Kanto Audio Tuk Powered Loudspeakers
  90. Lumin T2 Network Music Player
  91. Naim Audio ND5 XS 2 Network Music Player
  92. Elac Navis ARF-51 Active Loudspeakers
  93. Devialet Phantom Reactor 900 Active Loudspeakers
  94. PMC result6 Active Loudspeakers
  95. Bowers & Wilkins Formation Duo Active Loudspeakers
  96. Naim Audio Mu-so 2nd Generation Wireless Music System
  97. McIntosh Laboratory MTI100 Integrated Turntable
  98. Yamaha WXA-50 MusicCast Streaming Amplifier
  99. NAD Masters M10 BluOS Streaming Integrated Amplifier
  100. Primare SC15 Prisma Streaming DAC-Preamp
  101. Naim Uniti Core CD Ripper/Music Server
  102. Elac Navis ARB-51 Active Loudspeakers
  103. Bluesound Pulse 2i Wireless Speaker
  104. SVS Prime Wireless Active Speakers
  105. Totem Acoustic Kin Play Powered Speakers
  106. KEF LSX Active Loudspeakers
  107. Bluesound Vault 2i CD Ripper-Server-Streamer
  108. Pro-Ject Audio Systems Stream Box S2 Ultra Music Streamer
  109. Kii Audio Three DSP-Controlled Active Loudspeakers
  110. Aurender S5W Battery-Powered Wireless Active Loudspeakers
  111. Cambridge Audio Yoyo (L) Wireless Speaker
  112. DALI Callisto 2 C Active Speaker System
  113. Kanto SYD Bluetooth Speaker
  114. LG G7 ThinQ Smartphone
  115. Pro-Ject Audio Systems Juke Box E Turntable-Integrated Amplifier
  116. NAD D 3020 V2 Bluetooth Integrated Amplifier-DAC
  117. Polk Assist Wi-Fi Smart Speaker
  118. MartinLogan Unison Wireless Preamplifier
  119. Dynaudio Music 7 Wi-Fi Speaker
  120. Musical Fidelity M6 Encore 225 Music System
  121. Cocktail Audio X35 Music System
  122. Peachtree Audio decco125 Sky Integrated Amplifier-DAC
  123. Technics Ottava f SC-C70 Music System
  124. JBL Link 500 Wi-Fi Speaker
  125. Trinnov Amethyst DAC-Preamplifier-Processor
  126. Control4 Triad One Streaming Amplifier
  127. Elac Discovery Z3 Wi-Fi Speaker
  128. Klipsch Heritage Wireless Three Wi-Fi Speaker
  129. Paradigm PW 300 Wi-Fi Loudspeakers
  130. Thiel Audio Aurora Home Wi-Fi Speaker
  131. Hegel Music Systems H190 DAC-Integrated Amplifier
  132. Yamaha R-N803 Network Stereo Receiver
  133. Onkyo TX-8270 Network Stereo Receiver
  134. Dynaudio Focus 20 XD Active Loudspeakers
  135. Riva Audio Festival Wi-Fi Speaker
  136. Naim Audio Uniti Atom Wireless Streaming DAC-Integrated Amplifier
  137. NAD Masters Series M50.2 Digital Music Player
  138. Bryston BryFi BW-1 Wi-Fi Speaker
  139. Arcam rPlay Music Streamer
  140. Auralic Polaris Wireless Streaming DAC-Integrated Amplifier
  141. Simaudio Moon Neo ACE DAC-Streamer-Integrated Amplifier
  142. NAD C 368 DAC-Integrated Amplifier
  143. Lumin M1 Integrated Amplifier-Network Music Player
  144. Arcam Solo Music DAC-Integrated Amplifier-Universal Player
  145. McIntosh Laboratory RS100 Wi-Fi Loudspeakers
  146. Hegel Music Systems Röst Integrated Amplifier
  147. Naim Audio Mu-so Qb Wi-Fi Speaker
  148. Bang & Olufsen BeoSound 2 Wi-Fi Speaker

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