As with the other 7000 Series components, animations can be turned off and brightness adjusted, and the display can be set to activate only when a function is accessed and switch off after a defined period, as the user prefers. The display can even be set to show a VU meter in ‘analogue’ or ‘digital’ form, presenting real-time signal levels for the left and right channels – a satisfying graphical representation of the music as it plays. The menu also facilitates digital filter selection – the same five settings provided by the 7000A integrated amp –offering a degree of sonic tailoring to suit the source material and the user’s personal taste. This shows a variety of information, including the currently connected streaming service, track details and format/sample rate, and provides access to functions such as balance control, auto-standby settings, fixed or variable output, and 12V trigger activation for system control. The circuit design also draws inspiration from Audiolab’s new 7000CDT CD transport, incorporating the same isolated power supply with a high-efficiency, low-noise toroidal transformer to maintain optimum signal purity – all of which contributes to the 7000N Play’s excellent sonic performance.įew network streamers around the 7000N Play’s price include a colour display – or any display at all – but Audiolab’s new streamer sports the same 2.8in IPS LCD display and attractive GUI as the other 7000 Series components. Naturally, the 7000A is an ideal partner for the 7000N Play when these two components are paired digitally, an optical or coaxial cable is used to convey the audio signal while the supplied USB control cable enables the 7000A’s volume to be adjusted via the Play-Fi app. Alternatively, take a digital feed (optical or coaxial) to an external DAC, or an amp with digital inputs such as Audiolab’s new 7000A. The inclusion of a DAC stage ensures the 7000N Play can be used with any audio system – simply connect the stereo RCA analogue output to a regular integrated amp or preamp, or a pair of active speakers. Hi-res audio streaming is supported to 24-bit/192kHz over Wi-Fi and Ethernet cable. This is accompanied by proprietary circuitry to make the most of ESS Technology’s HyperStream II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator for ultra-low noise and high dynamic range. The 7000N Play incorporates a high-quality DAC (Digital-to-Analogue Converter), upgrading the ES9018K2M Sabre32 chip found in the 6000N Play to the new-generation ES9038Q2M – as used in Audiolab’s new 7000A integrated amp. And the third is AirPlay 2, which gives access to Apple Music and other streaming platforms when using an iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple TV as the source/control device.ĪirPlay 2 is a new feature added to the 7000N Play, and an important one for Apple users. The second is Spotify Connect, which enables streaming direct to the 7000N Play using the Spotify app rather than the Play-Fi app. The first is via the Play-Fi app, which gives access to a variety of online streaming services including Tidal, Spotify, Amazon Music, Qobuz and Deezer, plus thousands of internet radio stations and podcasts, as well as streaming content stored on local DLNA-compliant devices. There are three ways to stream once the 7000N Play is connected to a broadband router via Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable. It also connects wirelessly with other Play-Fi-equipped devices, enabling a fully synchronised multi-room set-up. Users can stream from any source connected to their home network – smartphones, tablets, PCs and Macs, as well as NAS drives and music servers – utilising the 7000N Play’s dual-band, dual-antenna Wi-Fi. It similarly combines the versatility of the DTS Play-Fi wireless audio platform with Audiolab’s sonic know-how to deliver a great-sounding network streaming solution that is simple to set up and use, incorporating the latest Play-Fi module, extra features and a DAC upgrade in return for the modest additional outlay. The new 7000N Play offers a significant step up from its still-current forebear.
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