European Streaming Product 2012-2013
Pioneer N-50
Network-enabled hi-fi separates are evolving at a fiercesome pace but Pioneer’s N-50 is sufficiently ahead of the pack that it sets the standard in its class. Its 2.4in colour LCD screen squeezes in a lot of information, including a thumbnail of the album cover and details of the file type and sampling frequency. The N-50 is also a lot heavier than its slim profile suggests thanks to its multiple power supplies and reinforced chassis. But most important of all, its DLNA-compliant Ethernet connection will handle the highest resolution 24-bit/192kHz media with other connections to support legacy digital products, USB audio and external
Wi-Fi/Bluetooth adapters. Musically, it serves up a soundstage you can walk into – guitars sound slinky and cymbals positively sizzle as the N-50 weaves its digital magic.