Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

Product Strengths

  • Combines music server, storage drives, and CD player/ripper in a single chassis, offering a convenient all-in-one solution
  • Features mirrored RAID configuration for data integrity, ensuring backup of stored music files
  • BluOS app offers intuitive control and integrates popular streaming services
  • High-quality internal components and attention to circuit layout contribute to clean signal processing
  • Easy to set up and use, replacing a computer-based system without the associated complications

Product Considerations

  • Front-panel touchscreen can be pokey and unresponsive, making the app preferable for control
  • It lacks an integral DAC, which is a must for those who do not already have one

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Aurender A10: Both integrate three components into one chassis, but Aurender substitutes DAC for burner and 4TB of storage in unmirrored configuration
  • Vs Antipodes DX Reference and Aurender N10: The M50.2 offers much of the same functionality, but at a significantly lower price point

Takeaway: The NAD M50.2 offers an easy way to manage and play your digital music, while also sounding great. This device can act as a good hub for enjoying high-quality streaming and a personal music library without the hassles of using a computer.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

All

M50.2

reviews

[{"title":"NAD Masters M50.2 Digital Music Player & Aurender A10 Music Server","link":"https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/nad-masters-m502-digital-music-player-aurender-a10-music-server","source":"The Absolute Sound","datePublished":"2020"},{"title":"NAD Masters Series M50.2 digital music player","link":"https://www.stereophile.com/content/nad-masters-series-m502-digital-music-player","source":"Stereophile","datePublished":"2017"},{"title":"NAD Masters Series M50.2 Digital Music Player Review","link":"https://hometheaterhifi.com/reviews/audio-player/media-players/nad-master-series-m50-2-digital-music-player-review","source":"Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity","datePublished":"2017"},{"title":"Review: NAD M50.2 high-end audio streamer","link":"https://www.alpha-audio.net/nl/review/review-nad-m50-2-high-end-audio-streamer","source":"Alpha Audio","datePublished":"2017"},{"title":"NAD Masters Series M50.2 Digital Music Player","link":"https://www.soundstagesimplifi.com/index.php/equipment-reviews/20-nad-masters-series-m502-digital-music-player","source":"SoundStage! Simplifi","datePublished":"2017"},{"title":"Digital Music Player Reviews: Part 1, The NAD 50.2 Digital ...","link":"https://wallofsound.ca/audioreviews/digital/digital-music-player-reviews-part-1-the-nad-50-2-digital-music-player","source":"wallofsound.ca","datePublished":""}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • Sample Rate: 32kHz to 192kHz, 16/24 bit
  • Power Consumption (Auto Standby ON/Network Standby OFF): 0.8 Watts
  • Power Consumption (Auto Standby ON/Network Standby ON): 7.4 Watts
  • Power Consumption (OFF mode): 0 Watts
  • Dimensions (WxHxD): 435 x 133 x 380mm (17 1/8 x 5 1/4 x 15")
  • Net Weight: 8.1kg (17.9lb)
  • Shipping Weight: 16.5kg (36.4lb)
  • Storage: 2TB with RAID backup
  • Outputs: AES/EBU, Optical TOSlink, Coaxial 75 Ohms, HDMI 1.4 (Audio only)
  • Network: WiFi 802.11n/g 2.4G, Ethernet 10/100/1000Mbs, Bluetooth AptX
A hybrid of NAD's renowned M50 and M52, the M50.2 Digital Music Player offers everything you need to hear the music you love in the best quality possible. Harnessing the power of BluOS ®, the M50.2 allows you to organize and store your music library, while making it easily accessible via the BluOS app. A high resolution network music player, the M50.2 was designed to house 24/192 files whether it be from a CD or music download site. The M50.2 CD transport can playback or rip to internal storage, and ripping is completely automatic. You can also connect to the M50.2 via Bluetooth ®, opening the doors to virtually any music streaming service. The M50.2 brings you closer to your favourite music and makes it remarkably simple to access it. A wondrous integration of hardware and software, the M50.2 has 2TB of storage and a mirrored backup, ensuring you'll never have to sacrifice any music or worry about losing it.
Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:

  • NAD focuses on delivering high power and good sound at a reasonable price point, reflecting a core tenet of the brand's philosophy.
  • NAD uses Class D amplification, specifically Purifi Eigentakt or Hypex nCore modules, to deliver efficient and cool-running performance.
  • BluOS integration allows NAD products to be part of a multi-room audio system that allows one to explore music services without speculation.

C 379 Hybrid Digital DAC Amplifier:

  • Positioning: Part of NAD's Classic Series, offering a balance of performance and value.
  • Description: Features HybridDigital UcD amplification and ESS SABRE DAC, providing exceptional sonic detail and clarity. Compared to the C 3050, it offers more power and digital connectivity options, making it suitable for larger rooms and those seeking advanced streaming capabilities.

C 3050 Stereophonic Amplifier:

  • Positioning: A retro-inspired model in the Classic Series, blending vintage design with modern technology.
  • Description: With its HybridDigital UcD amplifier and Texas Instruments DAC, delivers a warm, detailed sound. It offers a more traditional aesthetic compared to the C 379, appealing to those who value classic design and straightforward functionality without extensive digital features.

M10 V3 BluOS Streaming Amplifier:

  • Positioning: A compact, high-performance streaming amplifier in the Masters Series, designed for modern music streaming.
  • Description: Combines a powerful amplifier with BluOS streaming, offering a sleek design and versatile connectivity. It is more compact and stylish than the C 399.

M33 BluOS Streaming DAC Amplifier:

  • Positioning: NAD's flagship streaming amplifier in the Masters Series, offering top-tier performance and features.
  • Description: Uses Purifi Eigentakt amplification and advanced Dirac Live room correction, delivering outstanding sound quality. It offers more power and sophisticated room correction than the M10 V3.
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Avg. Product Price
$5,001-$10,000
Used For Sale
295
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
6
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
41
Founding Year
1972

Our take on the brand

NAD Electronics pioneered affordable hifi equipment by focusing on essential features for good sound, with their classic NAD 3020 becoming the best-selling hifi amplifier in history. Their Masters Series features DirectDigital technology, the world's first closed-loop digital amplification that corrects output every 10 nanoseconds.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

What's your approach to customer support?

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

From our interview with
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Brand Page

What if you spend more?

Product image
Aurender
A20
15000
15000
/
6
Reviews
Aurender is a hifi brand focused on digital music servers that offers unique storage configurations with user-installable drives up to 16TB, particularly beneficial for audiophiles who prefer streaming services. Their servers feature specialized components like Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillators for AES/EBU output and dual-mono DACs with analog R2R stepped-attenuator volume controls, which minimize noise and jitter for superior sound quality.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • The A20 is a full-fledged, high-performance server, streamer, preamplifier, DAC, and headphone amplifier
  • Excellent DAC with a natural, detailed, clean, and neutral sound
  • Impressive storage capabilities with slots for user-installable SSD or HDD drives and limitless storage options by integrating content from a NAS or external USB drive
  • The Aurender Conductor App is highly user-friendly, with an intuitive interface and is easy to navigate

Product Considerations

  • The A20 is not compatible with Roon
  • The A20 does not have built-in CD ripping functionality
  • The A20's sound signature might not immediately impress
  • There is a learning curve for maximum functionality

Takeaway: The Aurender A20 is a great option for audiophiles seeking a digital hub that covers both headphone and loudspeaker listening and whose music collection is already digitized. It has excellent sound quality, hardware, software, and customer service.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Aurender is a hifi brand focused on digital music servers that offers unique storage configurations with user-installable drives up to 16TB, particularly beneficial for audiophiles who prefer streaming services. Their servers feature specialized components like Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillators for AES/EBU output and dual-mono DACs with analog R2R stepped-attenuator volume controls, which minimize noise and jitter for superior sound quality.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Aurender
N20
12500
12500
/
7
Reviews
Aurender is a hifi brand focused on digital music servers that offers unique storage configurations with user-installable drives up to 16TB, particularly beneficial for audiophiles who prefer streaming services. Their servers feature specialized components like Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillators for AES/EBU output and dual-mono DACs with analog R2R stepped-attenuator volume controls, which minimize noise and jitter for superior sound quality.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Integrates the functions of a music server, a content streamer, and a LAN port, consolidating multiple devices into one for simpler setup
  • Has two internal, hard-drive storage bays, which allow users to customize on-board music storage according to their needs (up to 16TB with SSDs)
  • Employs an all-digital, phase-locked-loop subsystem (ADPLL) with an oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) to reduce jitter, improving the musical presentation
  • Supports various digital file codecs, including native DSD512, handled by a dedicated Intel Quad-Core CPU
  • Exceptional build quality, with a minimalistic, stylish design and a large, high-resolution (1920 x 480 pixels) AMOLED display for album art and information
  • Outstanding customer service is available

Product Considerations

  • Does not have a built-in DAC, requiring an external DAC for audio output
  • Roon is not fully supported as a RAAT device, only as an Airplay device
  • The Android version of the control app may not be as user-friendly as the iOS version
  • HDDs/SSDs not included, so the cost of storage is not part of the overall price
  • The Aurender N20 does not offer a hardware remote, which might be a problem for some users

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Aurender A20: The N20 is a superior streamer for upscale rigs due to its dedicated functionality and higher parts quality, whereas the A20 is an excellent choice as a streamlined hifi
  • Vs Aurender W20SE: The reviewer believes the sweet spot in the Aurender lineup is the N20 unless dual AES output is needed, in which case—the W20SE would be better
  • Vs Small Green Computer CAPS 20.1: The Aurender N20 is a state-of-the-art server with great sound quality for plug and play, while CAPS 20.1 needs maintenance
  • Vs Linn Klimax DSM/3: Unlike the Linn Klimax DSM/3, the N20 comes with two internal hard-drive storage bays

Takeaway: The Aurender N20 is a well-designed music server/streamer with high-quality sound that offers a streamlined user experience and integration of various digital audio functions. It is a solid choice for audiophiles seeking simplicity, stability, and excellent sound quality in a digital source component.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Aurender is a hifi brand focused on digital music servers that offers unique storage configurations with user-installable drives up to 16TB, particularly beneficial for audiophiles who prefer streaming services. Their servers feature specialized components like Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillators for AES/EBU output and dual-mono DACs with analog R2R stepped-attenuator volume controls, which minimize noise and jitter for superior sound quality.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
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Antipodes
KALA 50
19000
19000
/
4
Reviews

The KALA 50 is the flagship of the KALA range, with an electronic design that is derived from the Kala 50, delivering compelling musical performance at a more affordable level. Every panel in the KALA 50 is precision machined from a thick solid plate of premium alloy for a perfect fit and finish, and outstanding vibration control.

Antipodes is a hifi audio brand specializing in audiophile-grade music servers and streamers that reduce jitter and noise. The brand uses a proprietary Linux-based operating system for audio playback to maintain high signal purity.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Robust and solid build quality
  • Excellent sound quality, reproducing music with high fidelity
  • Gives music life, verve, vigor, and emotional involvement
  • Antipodes optimizes the power supplies to increase speed and lower noise
  • Offers a platform for the best available applications

Product Considerations

  • The burn-in process can take a long time
  • Worldwide chip shortages forced a few changes to the design, and the beta software would not be bug-free
  • The USB output is considered the worst in terms of sound quality and receives the least amount of isolation and reclocking
  • Removing Roon local option can be a problem for some users

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs. Aurender N20: The K50 replaced an Aurender N20
  • Vs. Innuos Statement: The Innuos Statement has a warm and smooth signature
  • Vs. HiFi ROSE RS150b: The K50 provides interconnectedness between sounds that the HiFi ROSE does not
  • Vs. Antipodes K41 and K22: Combining an Antipodes K41 and K22 will make for a two-box K50 if one is so inclined

Takeaway: The Antipodes K50 is a well-built music server that brings soul back into a digital system. It creates a natural and inviting sound that can help you rediscover your favorite music.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Antipodes is a hifi audio brand specializing in audiophile-grade music servers and streamers that reduce jitter and noise. The brand uses a proprietary Linux-based operating system for audio playback to maintain high signal purity.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Playback Designs
Edelweiss MPS-X
11290
11290
/
3
Reviews
Playback Designs, founded by DSD pioneer Andreas Koch, stands out for using custom-programmable FPGA chips instead of standard DAC chips, and for converting all digital inputs to DSD format to reduce distortion. The brand's 1-bit DACs feature their proprietary PLINK optical connection system to isolate from electrical noise, along with separate power supplies for each channel, helping make even lower-resolution files sound exceptionally good.
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Product Strengths

  • Achieves ideal isolation for best performance using PLINK, PDFAS clocking technology, and separate chassis with high-quality linear power supply
  • Offers superb sound quality whether streaming from UPnP or using local or streaming Roon RAAT sources
  • Delivers a neutral, fast, lively, and expressive sound that is also finely nuanced, fluid, spacious, and gently svelte
  • Has a direct, rhythmic, fast, pure, and impactful sound, combined with deep tonal saturation and an enveloping soundstage
  • The MPS-X is designed to allow multiple clock signals for the streamer, network bridge, etc, but it then re-clocks all digital signals through the proprietary high-precision clock generator before sending the signal out to the DAC via its fiber optical interface (PLINK)

Product Considerations

  • PLINK is not 100% compatible with Nagra Link, there is skipping/glitching on certain sample rates
  • Aftermarket feet could alter pacing and drive, so it is best to start with the MPS-X's own feet

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to Aqua LinQ, the MPS-X excels in being liquid, free-flowing, and spacious, particularly possessing more distinct layering in the depth plane, while the Aqua LinQ is more immediate and direct

Takeaway: The MPS-X offers excellent streaming audio performance with great sound quality and isolation, improving the sound of music servers and offering further potential within a Playback Designs system. It is an expertly crafted device that should make listening to music even more enjoyable.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Playback Designs, founded by DSD pioneer Andreas Koch, stands out for using custom-programmable FPGA chips instead of standard DAC chips, and for converting all digital inputs to DSD format to reduce distortion. The brand's 1-bit DACs feature their proprietary PLINK optical connection system to isolate from electrical noise, along with separate power supplies for each channel, helping make even lower-resolution files sound exceptionally good.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

Aurender
A200
6300
/
Released
2022
A200 replaces model A100 as Aurender's most compact and economical Analog Output Network Player. Offering superlative audio performance and the renowned Aurender user experience, A200 is an ideal choice for the music lover building a high-performance yet economical digital audio system.
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Aurender is a hifi brand focused on digital music servers that offers unique storage configurations with user-installable drives up to 16TB, particularly beneficial for audiophiles who prefer streaming services. Their servers feature specialized components like Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillators for AES/EBU output and dual-mono DACs with analog R2R stepped-attenuator volume controls, which minimize noise and jitter for superior sound quality.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Combines music server, streamer, and DAC functionalities into an all-in-one system
  • Features user-installable storage with two bays for 2.5' drives
  • Equipped with the AKM 4490 DAC chipset, known for musicality and a rich, smooth sound
  • Comes with the Aurender Conductor app, which is simple, intuitive and stable for browsing and control
  • Uses a caching system with a 240GB SSD to ensure stable playback and minimize stress on storage drives

Product Considerations

  • The overall unit size is fairly large
  • Requires a stable network connection for streaming
  • Storage drives are for 2.5 inch drives, rather than the more common and affordable 3.5 inch desktop size disk drives
  • Internet Radio and Spotify Connect are available on the app, but cannot be cached because they're considered a constant stream
  • May be overkill for casual listeners

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to Aurender A100, the A200 runs cooler, boots up faster, and has a larger screen—the A200 also offers two user-installable drive bays for large libraries of local files
  • Compared to AURALiC Vega G1, the A200 offers a deeper and more introspective look inside each song, but lacks horizontal soundstage expansiveness and 3D imaging effects

Takeaway: The Aurender A200 is a versatile digital audio solution that offers a combination of excellent sound quality, user-friendly software, and flexible storage options. It could be the perfect choice for audiophiles seeking a streamlined and high-performance music server and streamer.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Aurender is a hifi brand focused on digital music servers that offers unique storage configurations with user-installable drives up to 16TB, particularly beneficial for audiophiles who prefer streaming services. Their servers feature specialized components like Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillators for AES/EBU output and dual-mono DACs with analog R2R stepped-attenuator volume controls, which minimize noise and jitter for superior sound quality.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Aurender
A15
8400
/
Released
2022
The revolutionary A10 changed the paradigm for Aurender by introducing our first music server/streamer with a built-in DAC. A15 is the upgraded replacement of A10, featuring many new features and audible improvements. And, while it's a true high performance all-in-one Digital Source Component, it is priced to be highly competitive with comparable separate DAC & Transport setups.
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Aurender is a hifi brand focused on digital music servers that offers unique storage configurations with user-installable drives up to 16TB, particularly beneficial for audiophiles who prefer streaming services. Their servers feature specialized components like Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillators for AES/EBU output and dual-mono DACs with analog R2R stepped-attenuator volume controls, which minimize noise and jitter for superior sound quality.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Beautifully crafted with smooth lines, elegant heat sinks, and available in silver or black finishes
  • Features a large, super clear, and easy-to-read 6.9-inch display
  • Offers onboard storage for media files via two user-accessible storage bays on the rear panel
  • Dual-mono AKM4490 DAC configuration delivers exceptional channel separation and a remarkably low noise floor
  • Supports Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify Connect, and Internet Radio

Product Considerations

  • Premium price point
  • Storage drives are not included
  • Might be feature-rich for users seeking a simpler solution

Takeaway: The Aurender A15 is a stunning and precision-crafted piece of gear, packed with technology, that delivers convenience and sound quality. It allows one to enjoy music at a level rarely achievable.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Aurender is a hifi brand focused on digital music servers that offers unique storage configurations with user-installable drives up to 16TB, particularly beneficial for audiophiles who prefer streaming services. Their servers feature specialized components like Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillators for AES/EBU output and dual-mono DACs with analog R2R stepped-attenuator volume controls, which minimize noise and jitter for superior sound quality.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Aurender
N200
6300
/
Released
2022
N200 represents a milestone in terms of exceptional sound quality, unique feature set, and high value. In order to make N200 accessible to as many music lovers as possible, we have omitted the expensive OCXO-controlled digital audio board in favor of a simple, dedicated USB audio output.
Check Amazon
Aurender is a hifi brand focused on digital music servers that offers unique storage configurations with user-installable drives up to 16TB, particularly beneficial for audiophiles who prefer streaming services. Their servers feature specialized components like Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillators for AES/EBU output and dual-mono DACs with analog R2R stepped-attenuator volume controls, which minimize noise and jitter for superior sound quality.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Easy to install storage, with a tool-less design using thumbscrews for 2.5in HDDs or SSDs
  • A 240GB NVMe SSD is used for caching music for playback, which prevents glitches
  • A super capacitor UPS is included for an orderly shutdown in case of mains failures

Product Considerations

  • No built-in digital-to-analogue conversion, so it needs to be used with a DAC or amp/preamp with onboard conversion
  • Not Roon-compatible

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Aurender A30: The N200 is half the price, but gives away little apart from an optical disc-drive

Takeaway: The Aurender N200 is a well-designed network audio transport with easy storage installation and a caching system for smooth playback. It is built to avoid glitches and can be a great addition to an audio system.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Aurender is a hifi brand focused on digital music servers that offers unique storage configurations with user-installable drives up to 16TB, particularly beneficial for audiophiles who prefer streaming services. Their servers feature specialized components like Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillators for AES/EBU output and dual-mono DACs with analog R2R stepped-attenuator volume controls, which minimize noise and jitter for superior sound quality.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Rockna
Wavelight (Server)
6000
/
Released
2023
The Wavelight audiophile music Server – or the WLS – is your perfect source partner for Wavelight/Wavedream dacs, or just any dac, especially if equipped with a I2S input. In addition the I2S output, USB, AES/EBU, SPDIF, and optical output (Toslink) are available.
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Rockna Audio is distinguished by its proprietary DAC chips and hybrid ladder topology, which work together with advanced clock systems to reduce jitter and deliver natural sound reproduction. The brand's flagship Wavelight DAC features an analog volume control and chameleon-like sound signature that adapts its tonality to each recording.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Natural and realistic sound, not 'tubey' but refined
  • Organic warmth and a touch of 'tube magic'
  • Technical abilities combined with a natural, alive sound signature
  • Exceptional transient response with inner detail and lifelike information
  • Many inputs and outputs available

Product Considerations

  • The sound can initially be very 'digital' before properly conditioned, requiring a couple of days to achieve its optimal sonic signature
  • A reviewer noticed a subtle midrange bump, which may cause congestion in super-complex music compared to higher-priced DACs

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Bricasti M3: Wavelight is slightly warmer sounding with somewhat deeper bass, and overall, the Wavelight is preferred for its musicality at a lower price point

Takeaway: The Rockna Wavelight is a well-built DAC/preamp that provides a balanced, natural, and engaging listening experience. It offers high-end performance with unique technologies and features.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Rockna Audio is distinguished by its proprietary DAC chips and hybrid ladder topology, which work together with advanced clock systems to reduce jitter and deliver natural sound reproduction. The brand's flagship Wavelight DAC features an analog volume control and chameleon-like sound signature that adapts its tonality to each recording.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Antipodes
KALA 22
9000
/
Released
2024
The KALA 22 delivers the compelling musicality that Antipodes Server-Streamers are famous for, with a full array of signal outputs, at a more affordable cost. Every panel in the KALA 22 is precision machined from a thick solid plate of premium alloy for a perfect fit and finish, and outstanding vibration control.
Check Amazon
Antipodes is a hifi audio brand specializing in audiophile-grade music servers and streamers that reduce jitter and noise. The brand uses a proprietary Linux-based operating system for audio playback to maintain high signal purity.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Very organic and lifelike sound quality
  • Excellent customer support with immediate responses and remote system login assistance
  • Easy to set up and use, with a simple drop-down menu to select desired player (Squeeze, Roon, HQ Player, etc.)
  • Stable and reliable performance, without freezing or connection issues
  • Provides tighter and fuller bass compared to some other streamers

Product Considerations

  • Requires several hundred hours of burn-in for optimal performance
  • Not recommended for DSP-heavy use (HQ Player) without upgrading to K41 or K50 models

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs HiFi ROSE streamer, Antipodes K22 provides more insight and better separation of voices in a chorus
  • Vs HiFi ROSE streamer, the K22 has more organic sound quality and dynamic ebb and flow
  • Vs HiFi ROSE streamer, the K22 provides tighter and fuller bass compared to the softer–bloated bass of the HiFi ROSE

Takeaway: The Antipodes Audio K22 is user-friendly and has commendable customer support, plus it renders music in a lifelike and organic manner. This streamer can bring a new level of musical enjoyment to a system.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Antipodes is a hifi audio brand specializing in audiophile-grade music servers and streamers that reduce jitter and noise. The brand uses a proprietary Linux-based operating system for audio playback to maintain high signal purity.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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