Streaming amplifiers: a one-box audio solution
When you think of ‘proper’ hi-fi, what do you see? If you’re anything like me, you’re imagining a stack of identically proportioned black boxes attached to some equally statuesque speakers. There have always been ‘designer’ options – think Bang & Olufsen – bucking this trend, but on the whole the ‘best’ audio gear is also the least practical. But thanks to the dominance of digital music, there’s a new generation of streaming amplifiers that are slowly reshaping the hi-fi landscape. These just-add-speaker systems bring together the most popular forms of digital streaming, app control and traditional hi-fi componentry to create a compact, one-box audio solution. And best of all, while they might be small, they’re often mighty.
The dominance of Spotify and the growth of high-resolution streaming platforms such as Qobuz and TIDAL means just about every digital listener – however discerning – can now be catered for. But doing justice to the latest lossless recordings of Mahler, Monteverdi and Mendelssohn requires more than just a streaming platform, and audio brands are investing heavily to work out the perfect combination of digital, wireless and analogue listening.
Streaming amplifiers: leading brands redefining expectations
Sadly, the very best audio performance still comes from a stack of separates, but they’re not without compromises on budget, space and style. If you have a dedicated listening room, I salute you, but for the best real-world streaming solutions, leading traditional brands are redefining expectations.
The Uniti Atom from Naim (£2,299; naimaudio.com) set the standard for compact luxury with its gorgeous full-colour digital display and interface, Class A/B amplification and balanced sound. It remains a benchmark for how a streaming amp should perform, although Arcam’s 180W flagship SA45 (£4,499; arcam.co.uk) might argue that point. Cambridge – it has recently dropped the Audio part of its name – countered Naim’s dominance with its Evo range, while Marantz (marantz.com) has managed to blend the convenience of its HEOS multiroom system with an amplifier that maintains its rich, smooth audio heritage.
Steaming amplifiers: affordable newcomers
But it’s not just the established names driving innovation. Affordable newcomers like WiiM (wiimhome.com) are shaking up the market. The WiiM Amp Pro, with its ESS DAC, 60W of Class D power andHDMI ARC for TV audio, offers astonishing functionality for under £400. And the FiiO S15 (£969, fiio.com) merges serious tech and audio performance.
I wasn’t able to test it before deadline, but hi-res multiroom streaming expert Bluesound is about to launch a standalone streaming amp, the Powernode (£TBC; bluesound.com), which boasts 100W of power and all the streaming options you could ever want. And the all-in-one experts at Ruark are joining the fun, with the utterly delightful just-add-speakers Ruark R610 (£1,199; ruarkaudio.com).
Streaming amplifiers: remarkable versatility
The best streaming amplifiers still cost around £1,000, which is not cheap unless you’re deep in the audiophile trenches. But the versatility of these boxes is quite remarkable. As well as support for Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify, Tidal etc. they often come with internet radio, even FM tuners, all capable of playing hi-res files, with full control coming via dedicated smartphone app. Many also have HDMI inputs, enabling them to become the heart of your TV audio too. The inclusion of AUX and phono stage inputs means you can still connect a CD player or turntable, and enjoy the best of both digital and analogue recordings.
Streaming amplifiers: features to consider
Speaker pairing
If your amp delivers 60W per channel at 8 ohms, choose speakers with a recommended power range for that figure. Impedance matching is also important, and most are rated between 4–8 ohms, so check compatibility to avoid distortion or damage.
Connectivity
A well-equipped streaming amp should offer a combination of HDMI ARC, optical, coaxial, USB, Ethernet and RCA inputs. Wi-Fi is essential for high-resolution playback.
Streaming Support
Check the amp supports your platforms. Most include Spotify, TIDAL, Qobuz, Deezer, Apple Music and Chromecast.
Control
Streaming amps rely on apps for setup and streaming. Models without built-in screens will rely on a phone or basic remote for control.
- Would you spend a million pounds on a hi-fi? What if it sounds like nothing you've ever experienced?
Streaming amplifiers: we recommend
Cambridge Evo 150 SE £1,999
The Evo 150 SE is an upgraded version of the 2021 Evo 150 – which I adored. This super-stylish 150-watt-per-channel Class D amplifier is packed with features and, with help from the StreamMagic app, is the most comprehensive just-add-speakers system I’ve used.
Streaming options include Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Amazon Music, Deezer, Qobuz, MQA, internet radio and Roon, plus UPnP compatibility. There’s a moving-magnet phono stage for vinyl, RCA and balanced XLR inputs, HDMI ARC and optical for TV audio, subwoofer out, and dual speaker terminals.
Paired with my trusty Q Acoustics 3050i (£749; qacoustics.co.uk), the Evo delivers real depth, detail and energy. It’s punchy, too, and loves it if you turn up the volume. The 6.8" colour screen adds a visual flourish, with the option to display album artwork.
Marantz M1 £900
The Marantz Model M1 is a surprisingly compact (8.4 x 24 x 21.7cm) Class D streaming amplifier built around the HEOS network and app, which offers Sonos style multi-room connectivity with a range of Marantz and Denon kit. It supports Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth, with HDMI eARC handling TV duties. The understated, passively cool design can even be wall-mounted.
Audio performance is revealing and precise. The wide soundstage and imaging is just as I’d expect from Marantz, with the shape and size of the orchestra clearly defined. £900 isn’t ‘cheap’, especially with no display, no remote and no phono stage, but these shortcomings allow you to enjoy serious Marantz sound quality without the price tag.
WiiM Amp £319
The WiiM Amp has been around for a couple of years, but it remains the best-value fully featured streaming amplifier. Just 19cm wide, it is compact yet smartly finished, with a better than budget remote control. It connects to all major streaming services, plus internet radio and Bluetooth. It also plays locally stored digital music with ease.
The 60W Class D amplifier and 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC handle hi-res audio up to 24-bit/192kHz, and setup is refreshingly simple with the WiiM Home app. I paired it with the great-value Q Acoustics 3010c bookshelf speakers (£299; qacoustics.co.uk) and loved its clarity and control. It’s not quite as smooth or dynamic as its more expensive rivals, but offers a refined listen.
