playGo AP1 AirPlay receiver seeks funding on Kickstarter

So far in the world of Apple AirPlay we got all-in-one AirPlay speakers, AirPlay enabled AV receivers, and AirPort Express adapters, but we might get a stand alone AirPlay receiver soon as well if the playGo AP1 is successful in securing funding on Kickstarter.

The playGo AP1 is a stand alone AirPlay receiver that can be used to AirPlay enable an amplifier or powered speakers. Inside it features high-end 32-bit Burr-Brown PCM102 digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and support for 24bit/96kHz audio files for high definition sound. All is packed into a small design, reminiscent of the Apple Time Capsule.

playGo AP1 is also said to support DLNA streaming, and Microsofts new Play To wireless solution. At the moment the project still needs to secure more funding, but there is still plenty of time to get this to the market. You can find out more about the playGo AP1 on their Kickstarter page.

Pioneer brings out two new AirPlay enabled network audio players

Pioneer has long been in the forefront when it comes to adopting Apple Airplay technology in their suite of audio visuel products, and the two latest models are the network enabled audio players Pioneer Elite N-30 and N-50.

Both the N-50 and N-30 Pioneer network audio players feature support for lossless audio streaming through Airplay as well as DLNA 1.5. The systems use ethernet connection to your home network, or you can alternatively buy a compatible wireless adapter (AS-WL300). A bluetooth adapter can also be purchased separately to enable streaming over bluetooth.

While the main features of both systems are its wireless streaming capabilities over Airplay and DLNA, both systems also have built in support for vTuner internet radio, giving you access to over 16,000 radio stations. The top model Pioneer N-50 comes with an armoured chassis for improved noise resistance, gold RCA jacks, Advanced Sound Retriever and Sound Retriever AIR for better quality compressed audio. You will also find that it has twin EL transformers and a 32-bit conversion processor that further improves  audio performance.

I will be back with more information on UK prices and availability, which on the other side of the atlantic is set at $499 (N-30) and $699 (N-50) respectively.

[source: iLounge]

Denon DNP-720AE Network Audio Player with AirPlay

Denon has got more than just Airplay enabled AV receivers in their arsenal, including the DNP-720AE Network Audio Player that is now available with a free AirPlay upgrade (until 31st December).

This networked audio player for Denon is made to work with other Denon products, although it will work with any other amp as well, but will come to best use when stacked together with sibling products for that complete Denon visual look and audio performance. What you get with the Denon DNP-720-AE is the ability to pretty much stream from any wireless source, either through AirPlay or DLNA, Internet Radio, Napster, Last.fm etc. There is USB connection for wired iOS device compatibility or to play from USB stored audio files as well, and FM/AM radio for those that are still old school.

My main issue with the Denon DNP-720AE Network Audio Player is the price at around £429. Unless you already have a good quality amp or a stack of compatible Denon products, you might be better off getting an AirPlay enabled AV receiver, like the Denon AVR-1912 which is about the same price.

You can find out more about the Denon DNP-720AE on their website.