Digital Music Systems

Digital music systems  allow you to free your music, videos and photos from your computer hard drive  and send them anywhere in your house wirelessly. Several companies have decided to join the bandwagon making this new technology more and more accessible to the mainstream consumer market. Most of the network audio players with basic features run at about $200 to $300. However, the Sonos Music System,  for example, starts at around $1000 and others cost even more.

What you can expect from all the players on the market is an intuitive interface and easy setup. Compatibility for both Macs and PCs is fairly good across the board. The best connectivity features include both analog and coaxial/optical digital outputs, wired Ethernet, Wi-Fi connectivity, USB jump drive hubs, and jacks for iPods and MP3 players. Nearly all systems include a remote control, the best of which have big screens to search through tracks and albums. So far, only a few systems are easily expandible (to integrate various audio visual systems throughout the house). The majority only include a single base system for use in one or two rooms. To get the most out of any system, verify a few key points:

  • That it can stream the files you are most interested in playing, whether they be MP3s, WAVs, Internet or satellite radio, downloads from iTunes, Rhapsody, PlayForSure, or other programs that you may be accustomed to using.
  • Check what restrictions a unit might have regarding copy protection or digital rights management (DRM).
  • Consider systems that stream, not only music, but also photos and videos. Not all models have all three capabilities.
  • Look for the ability to stream for your MP3 player,  as well as from your PC.
  • Decide whether you want the unit to be able to record and/or play CDs.

Popular Systems

Below, a quick snapshot of the lineup to help you learn about the various systems that are available.

Sonos Digital Music System 

One of the first to hit the market, boasting a combination of superior connectivity and unlimited expansion opportunities.

  • Rhapsody integration.
  • Mac and PC compatible.
  • Big color LCD remote.
  • Cannot play AAC files from iTunes or WMA files.
  • Can connect up to 32 Zone Players.
  • $1000 to start.

Logitech Wireless DJ Music System  

For a mere $250, you can expect a better-than-average interface, decent reception and a responsive system that will play all the music and radio streams you have on your PC.

  • Supports WMAs, iTunes, Internet radio and MP3s.
  • Compatible with WMP and Music Match.
  • Ability to browse through track list on LCD remote.

Squeezebox Wireless Network Music Player 

All around, this is a sleek, inexpensive system, with every connectivity option.

  • Supports Rhapsody and Pandora Premium services.
  • Not compatible with downloads from the iTunes store or PlayForSure.
  • Alarm function allows you to wake up to your favorite Internet radio station.
  • WPA encryption.

Roku Sound Bride M1000 

A full set of connectivity options paired with an attractive, streamlined design, make this a simple, yet functional network audio receiver for only $200.

  • Access to nearly all Internet music services.
  • Plays MP3, WAV, WMA, DRM and more.
  • Can't play downloaded AAC files from iTunes.
  • Compatible with WEP encryption but not WPA encryption.

Creative Sound Blaster Wireless Music 

This tiny system has a nice remote and interface but a less than attractive price tag for something only supporting limited music playback.

  • The remote has a built-in LCD for browsing tracks.
  • Great for streaming your MP3 files, but it won't support WMAs or AACs.

Escient FireBall E2-100 (100GB) 

These are some of the most expensive digital music systems on the market, starting at $2000.

  • Full home integration with automation systems.
  • CD player/burner with wireless streaming music from your PC or Mac.
  • 100 GB of onboard storage.
  • Doesn't support Rhapsody

Olive Musica 

It does have a host of high-end features, but it is somewhat limiting, despite its $1000 price tag.

  • 160 GB memory.
  • Wireless streaming capabilities and CD player/burner (but not for MP3 formats).
  • DRM, WMA, and video not supported.
  • Plays Internet radio.

Acoustic Research Digital MediaBridge DMP3000 

This system streams music, video and photos to your stereo system and HDTV. Reasonably priced at around $300.

  • It will not play copy-protected audio files, Internet radio or Rhapsody files.
  • One of the few built for HD-ready devices.
  • Not compatible with Mac.

D-Link MediaLounge DSM-520 

For around $200, you get a full-featured unit that streams music, video and photos.

  • Supports DRM-protected Windows Media files, Rhapsody and Internet radio.
  • USB connectivity.
  • You might also want to see its little brother, the D-Link DSM-120. 

Philips Streamium WACS700 Wireless Music Center and Station 

It's a multi-tasker with potential to manage music in two rooms and it goes for about $700.

  • CD player/burner, AM/FM radio, 40 GB internal hard drive and streaming music from your PC or Mac.
  • Not compatible with Rhapsody, copy-protected files or Internet Radio.

Coming Soon

The Pioneer MT-01 Power Line Sound System  is expected to be available this month in the UK, however, as far as a US debut, the launch date is unknown as is the price. Most likely it will run about the same as the Sonos system, its main rival. Capable of streaming music to as many as six rooms at a time, it comes with a slew of connectivity options including a USB hub for thumb drives and memory sticks, analog inputs and an MP3 jack. While the bundle only includes two speakers to start, the jumbo 25W speaker has an integrated amp. This speaker and additional speakers beyond the two in the bundle are all built with motion sensors so that the speakers power up as soon as you walk into a room. Other than that, the remote falls short of what Sonos offers, since it has no LCD screen for managing music while moving around the house. The remote could be considered better due to its tiny, credit card-esque form factor.

Related Buying Guides

Home Theater Systems

A/V Receivers

MP3 Players

Satellite Radio

Portable Speakers

External Links

For more detailed information about the products mentioned here, please visit the manufacturer's Web sites.