Music streaming has become a way of life, so it’s important that a digital audio player supports the highest quality available. SX Music Stream does, employing Roon software for an excellent user experience as well as exceptional sound quality.

This music server has four HDMI 2.0a inputs (with HDCP 2.2 support), one Toslink input, two stereo analog line inputs, and even a phono pre-amp for a turntable. It also provides access to popular services like Spotify, Tidal and Deezer, plus TuneIn Internet Radio for over 100,000 stations from around the globe. Its built-in Wi-Fi provides both Bluetooth and AirPlay 2 support.

In addition to its native storage, SX can use a variety of external USB hard drives and flash drives as sources for streaming music. It also supports DSD and asynchronous 24-bit USB DACs for the best possible audio performance.

SX Music Stream: Stream and Download Mp3s Effortlessly

Regardless of source, SX delivers outstanding resolution, detail and dynamics. This translates into a very realistic and engaging musical experience. Its neutrality was a breath of fresh air, communicating the unique timbres of instruments and voices across a broad spectrum of genres and artists. Rickie Lee and Norah Jones sounded like themselves, and violins sounded as if they were played by a real violinist.

For a more relaxed listening experience, SX provides an optional ULF (Ultra-low Frequency) filter which can reduce the audible noise from the digital signal. This makes it a good choice for those who want to listen to classical and other recordings that require a more natural sound.

SX also offers a set of sound modes for specific genres and playback environments. Red, for example, enhances phase information in the recording, resulting in a surreal, holographic soundstage that’s great for listening to rock, hip-hop and electronic music. Green, on the other hand, improves bass response and focus.

For me, the Alpha 3 SX offered one transcendent musical experience after another. Its ability to reproduce a large and continuous soundstage with depth, air and dimension were impressive. When paired with the right components, it can deliver an experience that’s so involving and magical, you may be left howling for joy.