(2016) Stereo Digital Source Components

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Parent Category: 2016 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide

Category: (2016) Stereo Digital Source Components

• Reviewers Choice

Price: $1199

Website: www.acousticresearch-hifi.com

Rad said: If you don’t carry your music player in your pocket, but use it primarily at home or on long commutes, the AR-M2 should add a lot of quality to your life as a traveling audiophile.

Read the SoundStage! Xperience review.

The gist: AR is back with a bang!

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Parent Category: 2016 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide

Category: (2016) Stereo Digital Source Components

Price: $1399

Website: www.furutech.com

Oliver said: The ADL Stratos is a fine example of what a well-designed control center should be, and it offers terrific value for the level of sound quality and features offered. If you’re in the market for a reasonably priced, preamp-style interface for your sources and headphones, take the ADL Stratos for a spin: you just might find that it’s all the preamp you need.

Read the SoundStage! Access review.

The gist: Cool little digital preamp with tons of functionality.

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Parent Category: 2016 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide

Category: (2016) Stereo Digital Source Components

• Reviewers Choice

Price: www.arcam.co.uk

Website: $799

Roger said: Whether used as a conventional DAC or as a DAC-preamp, Arcam’s irDAC-II consistently provided a level of sound quality that exceeded my expectations for something so inexpensive.

Read the SoundStage! Access review.

The gist: High-value little DAC from longstanding British electronics company.

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Parent Category: 2016 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide

Category: (2016) Stereo Digital Source Components

• Reviewers Choice

Price: $3499

Website: www.AstellnKern.com

Rad said: Is the AK380 worth $3499? Is a Jaguar or a Cadillac worth its high price? Yes and no. There’s no question that the A&K is the best portable media player around, but as for how much the best should cost, you’ll have to decide. But I seriously doubt that the AK380 will disappoint anyone, even at $3499.

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The gist: Pricey, but maybe the best portable out there.

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Parent Category: 2016 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide

Category: (2016) Stereo Digital Source Components

Prices: $199 (Red), $99 (Black)

Website: www.audioquest.com

Al said: AudioQuest’s new Red and Black DragonFly DACs represent solid advances in sound quality over the original DragonFly, and provide the further benefit of compatibility with iOS and Android devices. At $199, the Red is a great value. But if you’re strapped for cash, or don’t expect to experiment with exotic headphones any time soon, you’ll be well served by the $99 Black.

Read the SoundStage! Xperience review.

The gist: High-end sound in the littlest packages.

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Parent Category: 2016 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide

Category: (2016) Stereo Digital Source Components

Price: $2699

Website: www.aurender.com

Vade said: Aurender’s N100H, like their S10 server I reviewed several years ago, sounds terrific. I don’t think I’ve ever heard a music server that sounds better, and maybe none as good.

Read the SoundStage! Hi-Fi review.

The gist: Aurender quality and convenience at a more affordable price than before.

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Parent Category: 2016 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide

Category: (2016) Stereo Digital Source Components

Price: $499

Website: www.bluesound.com

Kevin said: I have seldom enjoyed listening to a single audio component as much as I have to the variety and versatility of the Bluesound medley of models. Imagine -- you can hear any file in your entire music collection in any room simply by dialing it up on the Bluesound app. How cool is that?

Read the SoundStage! Xperience review.

The gist: Streaming is where it’s at and this will get you there.

Details

Parent Category: 2016 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide

Category: (2016) Stereo Digital Source Components

Price: $499

Website: www.bluesound.com

Kevin said: I have seldom enjoyed listening to a single audio component as much as I have to the variety and versatility of the Bluesound medley of models. Imagine -- you can hear any file in your entire music collection in any room simply by dialing it up on the Bluesound app. How cool is that?

Read the SoundStage! Xperience review.

The gist: Paul Barton’s little all-in-one speaker.