What is a network streamer?

A network streamer connects to your home Wi-Fi or Ethernet network and plays music from streaming services (Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify), internet radio, and NAS drives — feeding a digital or analogue signal to your amplifier. A quality network streamer eliminates the need to connect a phone to your hi-fi and typically delivers far better audio quality than Bluetooth streaming.

What streaming services does the Audiolab 9000N support?

The Audiolab 9000N supports Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, and is Roon Ready. Built on the Lumin streaming platform with an ESS Sabre ES9038PRO 32-bit DAC supporting PCM up to 768kHz and DSD512. The 9000N won StereoNET Australia's Product of the Year 2025 (High-End Streamer) and earned 5 stars from What Hi-Fi?. Australian price: from AU$5,999 — exclusively distributed in Australia by AVR.

Is streaming quality as good as CD?

Lossless streaming (Tidal HiFi, Qobuz) delivers audio at CD quality (16-bit/44.1kHz) or higher — up to 24-bit/192kHz for hi-res titles. Through a quality DAC like the Audiolab 9000N, hi-res streaming is audibly superior to standard CD. The Audiolab 9000CDT CD transport paired with the same DAC section provides a direct comparison point.

Do I need a separate DAC with a network streamer?

Not necessarily. Most quality streamers include a built-in DAC — the Audiolab 9000N is a combined streamer and DAC with direct analogue outputs to your amplifier. If your streamer outputs only digital, you need a DAC-equipped amplifier like the Audiolab 6000A or a separate DAC.

Are network streamers covered by an Australian warranty?

Yes. All Audiolab network streamers purchased through AVR carry a 2-year Australian warranty. As the exclusive local Audiolab distributor, warranty claims are handled entirely in Australia.