Spotify describes the audio as "lossless CD-quality," which is a considerable step up from the company's current 320kbps, lossy streaming quality. That means listeners don't have to install a dedicated app to use the CS1; they can control playback with the music apps they use every day. The CS1 supports the most popular network streaming and casting protocols, including Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, DLNA mobile and computer apps*, and Roon, so you can control playback with the music apps you use every day. Roon is an amazing digital music platform with a wide feature set that caters to audiophiles in particular. The CS1 can be used as part of a multiroom system, but only through third-party software: Apple Home if you’re exclusively running AirPlay 2 speakers and Google Home if all of your gear is Chromecast-compatible.

The spatial presentation was much flatter—it was confined to a narrow plane between the two speakers—and there was a layer of glare added to the sound. You can’t use it as a way to pipe an external source like a turntable into your system, something both the Port and the Wiim Pro can do. Just keep in mind that some network streamers have built-in amplifiers that let you connect almost any set of passive, wired stereo speakers — or you can run their signals into your stereo system. With Chromecast, you can choose the music you want to hear in any Cast-enabled app on a mobile device or personal computer, then transfer playback to the CS1 at up to 24-bit/96kHz resolution. Still, those instructions won’t be needed for long once you get them — getting the CS1 set up is very easy.So the Totem system should be able to deliver better sound through Bluetooth than we’d heard to this point. Each enclosure contains a 5″ natural-fiber hybrid woofer and a 1″ metal-alloy dome tweeter, powered by a 120Wpc class-D amplifier in the primary speaker. Or someone could configure a low-footprint system for a den or home office by combining the CS1 with a pair of powered speakers. Thanks also for the clarification - apologies for my naivety - I’m just getting into the dark realms of streaming. the new NAD CS1 Endpoint Network Streamer may be your dream come true with connectivity options including Apple AirPlay 2, GoogleCast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Bluetooth and more.

NAD’s Endpoint Network Streamer CS1 is well-built and supports three of the most popular major audio streaming technologies: Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast, and under some circumstances, it lets you play up to 24-bit/192kHz hi-res lossless audio. Having a combo unit surely would have value for a lot of people, versus stringing together a dac and streamer. I still adore the understated, all-business design that dares anyone to disagree with the statement “form follows function.

Similarly, if someone else in your home wanted to pause that music, they would need the Apple Home app on their own phone — and the CS1 would have to already be set up in the app. Passages in the upper octaves had excellent clarity and sparkle, and those in the lower octaves had solid authority. Music Direct reserves the right to select the carrier and ship method within the terms of this offer. Not having volume control kinda sucks, which kills it for me since on my streaming setups I always use a remote for volume. One more thing you definitely need to know: It’s easy to focus on the words “network streamer” in the CS1’s full product name (CS1 Endpoint Network Streamer), and skip right over the word “Endpoint.

During the solo passages in the exquisite slow movement, “Spring 2,” it was easy to admire Urioste’s silvery tone and gentle, expressive bowing. I am thinking of adding another Network Streamer to my system downstairs to my Yamaha RX-A1030 receiver. Certification for network sharing via DNLA/UPnP protocols expected to be complete with retail available of CS1 in March 2023.Upon further listening, there is no sonic advantage over the yamaha DAC, they both sound much the same to me, and I'm years passed that level of critical listening to be bothered to compare them that thoroughly. On the front panel are four buttons that provide instant access to preset playlists and internet radio stations.