iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Short answer: If sound quality is the primary criterion, the Cyrus 40 ST has the strongest current independent recommendation. What Hi-Fi’s 2026 roundup praised its expressive, punchy presentation and rhythmic drive, giving it the publication’s award for a third consecutive year. Naim’s ND555 remains the premium reference route, Cambridge Audio’s EXN100 is the most balanced connectivity-and-format package, and the Bluesound NODE is the most compelling choice when app control, television integration, headphones and multi-room listening matter as much as sound.
That is a reviewer-led ranking, not a universal laboratory result. The audible winner in your room can change with the streamer’s DAC or output stage, amplifier, speakers, room acoustics, listening level and source quality. Use the descriptions below to narrow the field, then audition the finalists in the system you actually own.
Quick verdict
| Streamer | What the evidence says it does best | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Cyrus 40 ST | Expressive, punchy sound with excellent rhythmic drive; the current sound-quality leader in What Hi-Fi’s 2026 roundup. | A dedicated music system where musical involvement comes before features. |
| Naim ND555 | Naim’s reference streamer and a premium benchmark used in high-end comparisons. | Listeners with the budget for Naim’s reference path or an established Naim system. |
| Cambridge Audio EXN100 | Clear, spacious and balanced playback, with deep, agile bass and stable imaging. | Systems that need HDMI eARC, balanced XLR output, Bluetooth and extensive hi-res format support. |
| Bluesound NODE | Engaging sound combined with a mature wireless multi-room and TV-friendly ecosystem. | Homes where app convenience, headphones, television audio and multi-room are central. |
No cited source supplies a controlled, head-to-head statistic covering all four products. The ranking therefore reflects published listening judgments and product capabilities rather than a measured universal “best.”
What “sounds best” actually depends on
A network streamer is only one part of the playback chain. Its digital section, clocking, DAC and analogue output stage feed an amplifier, which drives speakers in a particular room. A streamer that sounds incisive and lively through one amplifier can sound too forward through bright speakers; a smoother combination can be preferable in the same room at a different listening distance.
#1 Best Overall
- Looks Good, Sounds Great: The WiiM Ultra redefines your audio experience with its sleek aluminum design and premium components. This all-in-one music streamer boasts a ESS ES9038 Q2M DAC, a vibrant 3.5” touchscreen, state-of-the-art Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. Engineered for excellence, it delivers outstanding audio clarity with a THD+N of -116dB and an SNR of 121dB, making it a perfect addition to any sound system.
- Versatile Connectivity Options: The WiiM Ultra offers versatile audio integration with its wide array of connection options. It features USB, Optical, Coaxial, RCA, a dedicated headphone output; HDMI ARC, and inputs for RCA, Phono, and Optical. It seamlessly integrates with both digital and analog sources, offering unparalleled flexibility for any audio setup.
- Home Theater Magic, Made Easy: Quickly enhance your entertainment with the WiiM Ultra's HDMI ARC and Subwoofer Out. Experience rich stereo sound for movies, shows, and games. Customize your sound experience with tailored EQ settings. Add a powered subwoofer for deep, cinematic bass. The WiiM Ultra ensures your home audio setup is both powerful and straightforward, bringing superb sound quality with minimal effort.
- Seamless Multiroom Audio: Effortlessly create a unified sound system across your home using the WiiM Ultra with existing Amazon Echo, Google Home, and WiiM devices. Easily manage music streaming throughout your space with the intuitive WiiM Home App—control volume, synchronize speakers, save your favorite tunes, set alarms, and customize settings, all from one central hub.
- Hi-Res Sound Shaped by You: Stream crystal-clear music up to 24-bit/192 kHz from platforms like Spotify, Amazon Music, TIDAL, Qobuz, or your own library. Enjoy gapless playback and superior sound quality. Personalize your audio with advanced room correction and independent EQ settings tailored to your space.
Source quality also matters. A well-mastered CD-quality recording can sound more convincing than a poorly mastered high-resolution file. Streaming-service normalization, DSP, the amplifier’s input level and the volume used for comparisons can all bias your impression. Treat adjectives such as “punchy” or “spacious” as a description of a reviewer’s system and method, not a guarantee that every owner will hear the same balance.
Sound and feature comparison
| Model | Published sound description | Connectivity and format highlights | Ecosystem emphasis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cyrus 40 ST | “Expressive, punchy sound with excellent rhythmic drive,” according to What Hi-Fi’s 2026 award roundup. | Lossless playback up to 24-bit/192kHz; bit-perfect high-resolution playback is designed to require no configuration. | BluOS integration for network services and control. |
| Naim ND555 | Reference-tier product used as the premium comparison point; the cited material does not assign it a single tonal adjective. | Naim identifies it as its reference streamer and documents broad resolution and format support. | Naim’s own control and compatibility environment; verify current service support for your region. |
| Cambridge Audio EXN100 | Clear, spacious and balanced, with deep, agile bass and stable imaging. | HDMI eARC, Bluetooth, balanced XLR outputs, up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512. | Feature-rich network playback with broad source compatibility. |
| Bluesound NODE | What Hi-Fi places its premium streamer among current best choices and describes it as the best-sounding model in that range. | HDMI eARC, Dolby Digital decoding, AirPlay 2 and a headphone output. | BluOS wireless multi-room and app ecosystem. |
Cyrus 40 ST: the strongest current sound-first recommendation
The Cyrus 40 ST is the clearest choice if your question is simply, “Which of these has the best reported sound?” What Hi-Fi’s 2026 roundup says its expressive, punchy delivery and excellent rhythmic drive earned a third award in three years. That language points to timing, attack and musical momentum rather than a deliberately relaxed presentation.
Cyrus’s own product description says the 40 ST makes bit-perfect high-resolution audio simple because it requires no configuration. The specified ceiling for lossless playback is 24-bit/192kHz. Those figures describe supported input and playback formats; they do not prove that a 24/192 file will sound better than a well-produced 16-bit/44.1kHz recording.
Recommended Free Tools
The 40 ST also sits inside the BluOS environment. That gives it access to the same general app, service and multi-room framework associated with BluOS products, but check the current service list and regional availability before buying. The practical appeal is a dedicated streamer with a sound-focused review record without giving up a modern network interface.
Rank #2
- Experience Seamless Streaming with AirPlay 2 and Google Cast - Your stereo system is about to get a major upgrade. With WiiM Pro Plus, you can transform your stereo into AirPlay 2 enabled speakers, streaming your favorite music from iOS and Mac devices or TV audio from Apple TV. Easily connect your Apple devices to your preferred audio devices. Also, enjoy Google Cast streaming music, TV audio, podcasts, and more from hundreds of Google Cast-enabled apps to multiple audio devices simultaneously.
- High-Resolution Audio, Gapless Playback - WiiM Pro Plus allows you to wirelessly stream up to 24-bit/192 kHz music on both digital and analog outputs. Enjoy music without interruptions and experience bit-perfect output via its digital optical or Coax output. While not all music services offer 24-bit/192 kHz content, Amazon Music Ultra HD, Qobuz, and your own music library can support this high-res output. TIDAL Connect users can enjoy TIDAL Master with MQA core decoder up to 24-bit/96kHz.
- Stream Directly from Your Favorite Music Apps - Stream music directly from Spotify, TIDAL, or Amazon Music app using Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, or Alexa. This offers superior audio quality and a longer working range compared to traditional Bluetooth or AirPlay 2 receivers, freeing up your mobile device for other tasks. This feature is compatible with Spotify Free/Premium users, TIDAL's HiFi and Master quality (with MQA), and Amazon Prime Music.
- Seamless Multiroom Streaming - With WiiM Pro Plus, enjoy the convenience of streaming music across the entire home using a variety of smart speakers, including AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Amazon Alexa, or a proprietary multiroom function. Create groups with other AirPlay 2, Google Home, or Alexa devices like Echo, HomePod, or even link multiple WiiM devices for synchronized playback on multiple audio devices simultaneously.
- Enhance Your Audio Journey with Voice and Preset Features - Utilize the remote to control your device using voice commands via Alexa, without needing an additional Alexa device. Execute actions such as play, pause, song skipping, volume control, and audio muting with ease. Launch your preset content with a single tap. The WiiM Pro Plus is also compatible with Google and Siri Voice Assistants, allowing you to control your device using voice commands through your phone, HomePod, or Google Home.
Choose it when your system is already tonally balanced and you want more expression and rhythmic energy. If your speakers or amplifier are already aggressive, audition it carefully rather than assuming the award translates unchanged to your room.
Naim ND555: the premium reference path
Naim’s support material identifies the ND555 as the company’s reference streamer. In the Cyrus review, the ND555 with its 555 PS DR power supply was used as a reference, which places Naim in the comparison as a high-end benchmark rather than a value alternative.
The ND555 is the product to investigate when budget, a full-size high-end system and continuity with an existing Naim setup matter more than maximizing features per dollar. Naim documents broad resolution and format support, but the cited material does not establish one numerical specification that makes it directly superior to the other models. Nor does it provide a controlled statistic proving that the ND555 always sounds better.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesSystem context is especially important here. A reference streamer can expose differences elsewhere in the chain, while a less revealing amplifier or speaker may make its additional cost difficult to hear. If you already use Naim electronics, the familiar control environment and system integration may be as important as the streamer’s standalone sound.
Rank #3
- AirPlay 2 Receiver - Transform your stereo into an AirPlay 2-enabled speaker with WiiM Mini. Stream your favorite tunes from iOS and Mac devices or transmit TV audio from Apple TV. Elevate your audio experience by effortlessly connecting Apple devices to your preferred sound system. Upgrade to an AirPlay 2 receiver conveniently and affordably.
- Unrivaled Sound Quality - Diverging from the norm of resampling to set sample rate and bit depth, WiiM Mini stands out by delivering unaltered audio up to 192kHz, 24-bit via its digital and analog outputs. That's the same as an artist's recording in the studio. Enjoy gapless playback with seamless track transitions. Note that not all services offer 24-bit/192 kHz content; Amazon Music Ultra HD, Qobuz(Works with Qobuz through WiiM Home app. Currently does not support Qobuz connect.), and personal libraries support it. Additionally, TIDAL Master supports up to 24-bit/96kHz.
- Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and Amazon Music Cast - Stream music directly from Spotify, TIDAL or Amazon Music app using Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect or Alexa Cast. This offers superior audio quality and extended range compared to traditional Bluetooth or AirPlay 2 receivers, freeing your mobile device for other activities. Works for Spotify Free/Premium users, TIDAL's HiFi and Master, Amazon Prime Music and Amazon Music Unlimited.
- Works with Alexa and Siri - Experience the convenience of using WiiM Mini with both Alexa and Siri Voice Assistants. Control music, adjust volume, and manage playback seamlessly using voice commands from your phone, HomePod, or Echo. Integrate it effortlessly with your current smart home devices through either Alexa or Apple Home for enhanced smart living.
- Seamless Multiroom Streaming - Experience the ultimate convenience of streaming music throughout your entire home with WiiM Mini. Enjoy seamless integration with a range of smart speakers, such as AirPlay 2, Amazon Alexa, and our exclusive multiroom feature. Effortlessly form groups with other AirPlay 2 or Alexa devices like Echo and HomePod, or connect multiple WiiM devices for synchronized playback across various audio devices simultaneously.
Cambridge Audio EXN100: balanced sound with unusually broad connectivity
The EXN100 is the most versatile hardware package in this group. What Hi-Fi describes a clear, spacious and balanced sound straight out of the box, with deep and agile bass and stable imaging. That profile suits listeners who want detail and separation without an obviously colored tonal balance.
Its connections cover several situations that dedicated two-channel streamers often omit. HDMI eARC lets it receive television audio through a compatible TV, Bluetooth provides a quick path for mobile devices, and balanced XLR outputs can feed an amplifier with matching inputs. The unit supports PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512, the broadest numerical format specification in this comparison.
These numbers are useful for compatibility, not a ranking of audible quality. A system cannot reproduce a format it cannot accept, but accepting 768kHz PCM does not automatically make the analogue output more accurate than a 24/192 design. Prioritize the outputs you can actually use: XLR is valuable only when the rest of the chain offers a worthwhile balanced signal path, and eARC matters only if the streamer will sit in a TV system.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Select the EXN100 when you want a neutral-leaning, spacious presentation and need one box to cover serious hi-res music, a television and multiple connection types.
Rank #4
- Looks Good, Sounds Great: The WiiM Ultra redefines your audio experience with its sleek aluminum design and premium components. This all-in-one music streamer boasts a ESS ES9038 Q2M DAC, a vibrant 3.5” touchscreen, state-of-the-art Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. Engineered for excellence, it delivers outstanding audio clarity with a THD+N of -116dB and an SNR of 121dB, making it a perfect addition to any sound system.
- Versatile Connectivity Options: The WiiM Ultra offers versatile audio integration with its wide array of connection options. It features USB, Optical, Coaxial, RCA, a dedicated headphone output; HDMI ARC, and inputs for RCA, Phono, and Optical. It seamlessly integrates with both digital and analog sources, offering unparalleled flexibility for any audio setup.
- Home Theater Magic, Made Easy: Quickly enhance your entertainment with the WiiM Ultra's HDMI ARC and Subwoofer Out. Experience rich stereo sound for movies, shows, and games. Customize your sound experience with tailored EQ settings. Add a powered subwoofer for deep, cinematic bass. The WiiM Ultra ensures your home audio setup is both powerful and straightforward, bringing superb sound quality with minimal effort.
- Seamless Multiroom Audio: Effortlessly create a unified sound system across your home using the WiiM Ultra with existing Amazon Echo, Google Home, and WiiM devices. Easily manage music streaming throughout your space with the intuitive WiiM Home App—control volume, synchronize speakers, save your favorite tunes, set alarms, and customize settings, all from one central hub.
- Hi-Res Sound Shaped by You: Stream crystal-clear music up to 24-bit/192 kHz from platforms like Spotify, Amazon Music, TIDAL, Qobuz, or your own library. Enjoy gapless playback and superior sound quality. Personalize your audio with advanced room correction and independent EQ settings tailored to your space.
Bluesound NODE: the ecosystem and convenience choice
The Bluesound NODE combines an engaging musical presentation with the broadest set of everyday convenience features here. Bluesound lists HDMI eARC, Dolby Digital decoding, AirPlay 2, a headphone output and wireless multi-room integration. What Hi-Fi includes its premium streamer among current best choices and calls it the best-sounding model in that range.
That combination makes the NODE particularly practical in a mixed household. HDMI eARC can route television sound into the same amplifier used for music; Dolby Digital decoding supports compatible TV content; AirPlay 2 provides a familiar route from supported devices; and the headphone output avoids needing a separate network source for private listening. BluOS multi-room lets compatible rooms share and control playback over the network.
The trade-off is that the NODE’s main advantage is not a claim of absolute sonic supremacy. Its value lies in sound that remains engaging while the software, wireless rooms and TV features reduce friction. If you never use headphones, television audio or multi-room, some of what you are paying for may be irrelevant compared with a more dedicated sound-first design.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11System matching: a practical way to choose
- List the inputs your amplifier actually has. Decide whether you need HDMI eARC, balanced XLR, a headphone output or only a conventional line-level connection. Eliminate models whose key output cannot be used in your system.
- Describe your speakers and room honestly. Bright speakers in a reflective room may not benefit from extra edge and attack; a warm, soft system may welcome the Cyrus’s reported rhythmic energy. These are tendencies to audition, not fixed rules.
- Decide whether the streamer’s internal DAC is central. If you will use an external DAC, compare the digital connection and software experience as well as the streamer’s analogue sound. If you will connect directly to an amplifier, the streamer’s output stage and volume implementation matter more.
- Match the use case to the feature set. Choose eARC for TV integration, XLR for a genuinely balanced chain, headphones for private listening and BluOS multi-room when several rooms must share music. Do not pay for a feature you will not deploy.
- Check services in your country. Service catalogs, login methods and voice or casting functions can vary by region and change over time. Review the current compatibility pages for the platform before ordering.
- Audition at matched volume. A louder component often sounds more exciting. Use the same recording, switch quickly, match levels as closely as possible and listen for bass timing, vocal texture, treble fatigue, image stability and low-level detail.
Connectivity and use-case decisions
For a two-channel music system
The Cyrus 40 ST is the most direct sound-first recommendation from the cited listening evidence. The Naim ND555 belongs in the conversation when the rest of the system is already at reference level and the premium path is intentional. Cambridge is the sensible alternative when its balanced output and broad format handling solve a real system requirement.
Best Value
- Experience Seamless Streaming with AirPlay 2 and Google Cast - Your stereo system is about to get a major upgrade. With WiiM Pro Plus, you can transform your stereo into AirPlay 2 enabled speakers, streaming your favorite music from iOS and Mac devices or TV audio from Apple TV. Easily connect your Apple devices to your preferred audio devices. Also, enjoy Google Cast streaming music, TV audio, podcasts, and more from hundreds of Google Cast-enabled apps to multiple audio devices simultaneously.
- High-Resolution Audio, Gapless Playback - WiiM Pro Plus allows you to wirelessly stream up to 24-bit/192 kHz music on both digital and analog outputs. Enjoy music without interruptions and experience bit-perfect output via its digital optical or Coax output. While not all music services offer 24-bit/192 kHz content, Amazon Music Ultra HD, Qobuz, and your own music library can support this high-res output. TIDAL Connect users can enjoy TIDAL Master with MQA core decoder up to 24-bit/96kHz.
- Stream Directly from Your Favorite Music Apps - Stream music directly from Spotify, TIDAL, or Amazon Music app using Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, or Alexa. This offers superior audio quality and a longer working range compared to traditional Bluetooth or AirPlay 2 receivers, freeing up your mobile device for other tasks. This feature is compatible with Spotify Free/Premium users, TIDAL's HiFi and Master quality (with MQA), and Amazon Prime Music.
- Seamless Multiroom Streaming - With WiiM Pro Plus, enjoy the convenience of streaming music across the entire home using a variety of smart speakers, including AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Amazon Alexa, or a proprietary multiroom function. Create groups with other AirPlay 2, Google Home, or Alexa devices like Echo, HomePod, or even link multiple WiiM devices for synchronized playback on multiple audio devices simultaneously.
- Enhance Your Audio Journey with Voice and Preset Features - Utilize the remote to control your device using voice commands via Alexa, without needing an additional Alexa device. Execute actions such as play, pause, song skipping, volume control, and audio muting with ease. Launch your preset content with a single tap. The WiiM Pro Plus is also compatible with Google and Siri Voice Assistants, allowing you to control your device using voice commands through your phone, HomePod, or Google Home.
For television plus music
HDMI eARC narrows the choice to the Cambridge EXN100 or Bluesound NODE. The NODE adds Dolby Digital decoding and a headphone output, while the EXN100 adds balanced XLR and the higher published PCM/DSD ceilings. Choose according to the connection you will use, not the larger number on a specification sheet.
For headphones
The NODE is the only model in the supplied comparison explicitly identified with a headphone output. With the other models, plan on a separate headphone amplifier or a different signal path unless the specific edition you are considering provides an output not covered here.
For whole-home playback
BluOS is the defining advantage for the Cyrus 40 ST and Bluesound NODE. It is designed for wireless multi-room control, so those models deserve priority when synchronized rooms, shared queues and one app are requirements. Naim publishes its own compatibility documentation; verify that it supports the services and room arrangement you need.
Hi-res format numbers: what they mean
| Model | Published support | How to interpret it |
|---|---|---|
| Cyrus 40 ST | Lossless playback up to 24-bit/192kHz. | Enough for common high-resolution streaming and downloads; not evidence of superior sound by itself. |
| Cambridge Audio EXN100 | Up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512. | The broadest stated format ceiling; useful for compatibility with specialist files, but audible quality still depends on mastering and the analogue chain. |
| Naim ND555 | Broad resolution and format support documented by Naim. | Consult Naim’s current specification for the exact file types and limits relevant to your library. |
| Bluesound NODE | The cited material emphasizes ecosystem features rather than a single maximum figure. | Confirm the exact NODE generation and current format list if your library contains unusual files. |
Software, services and ownership checks
Before purchase, install or inspect the relevant control app where possible. Confirm that it can sign in to your preferred streaming services, browse local network files, remember favorites and handle the account arrangement used by your household. A technically excellent streamer becomes frustrating if the service you use most is missing or awkward in your region.
Also check update policy and network requirements. Wireless multi-room depends on reliable home coverage; a wired Ethernet connection can be preferable for a fixed hi-fi rack. Keep the streamer and app on current firmware, and verify that television control through eARC behaves correctly with your TV’s HDMI-CEC settings.
How to audition without fooling yourself
- Use three or four familiar tracks: a rhythmically complex piece, an acoustic vocal recording, a bass-heavy track and a quiet recording with room ambience.
- Use the same streaming service, quality setting and account for each product. Disable loudness normalization if it changes level between devices.
- Connect each streamer through the same amplifier input type where practical. If one uses XLR and another RCA, recognize that the connection change is part of the comparison.
- Match volume before judging detail or bass. Record your first impressions immediately rather than relying on memory after a long listening session.
- Listen for the qualities that map to your priorities: Cyrus’s reported drive, Cambridge’s spacious balance, the NODE’s engagement and convenience, or the Naim reference approach.
- Repeat the test at normal evening volume and with the lights and television off. A component that impresses for five minutes but causes fatigue is the wrong long-term choice.
Common buying mistakes
- Treating a format ceiling as a sound-quality score. 32-bit/768kHz support is a compatibility feature, not a guarantee of better playback.
- Assuming a review ranking is universal. The cited recommendations are listening judgments, and no controlled statistic establishes one winner across all systems.
- Ignoring the rest of the chain. Speakers, room acoustics, amplifier voicing and the quality of the recording can dominate what you hear.
- Paying for unused connectivity. HDMI eARC, XLR, Bluetooth and a headphone output have value only when they solve a real connection problem.
- Skipping regional service checks. App catalogs and service support can differ by country and can change after publication.
- Comparing at different volume levels. Even a small level mismatch can make one streamer seem more detailed or dynamic.
Which one should you buy?
Choose the Cyrus 40 ST if
- Your first priority is reported musical expression, punch and rhythmic drive.
- You want a dedicated streamer and BluOS access without making TV or headphones the center of the system.
- Your amplifier and speakers are balanced enough to accommodate an energetic presentation.
Choose the Naim ND555 if
- You are building or extending a premium Naim-centered system.
- The reference position and high-end budget matter more than feature-per-cost value.
- You will verify current format and service compatibility for your library.
Choose the Cambridge Audio EXN100 if
- You want a clear, spacious and balanced presentation.
- You need HDMI eARC, balanced XLR, Bluetooth or extensive PCM/DSD support in one unit.
- You prefer broad connectivity over a narrowly optimized dedicated streamer.
Choose the Bluesound NODE if
- One app, wireless multi-room and easy household use are decisive.
- You need HDMI eARC, Dolby Digital decoding or a built-in headphone output.
- You want engaging sound without giving up television and whole-home flexibility.
For a blind sound-quality shortlist, start with the Cyrus 40 ST, then compare it directly with the Cambridge EXN100 or Naim ND555 according to your system and budget. For a feature-led purchase, the EXN100 and Bluesound NODE solve more connection and household scenarios. The final choice should be the model that fits your amplifier, speakers, room, services and daily listening—not the one with the biggest specification number.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
