Marantz launches NA7004 Network Music Player

[Ajani]

So as part of Marantz's new 2010/2011 product line it has launched the NA7004 Network Music Player (think Squeezebox). It is priced the same as Rotel's (yet to be released) Network Music Player. So with Marantz, Rotel, Cambridge Audio and Naim (UnitiQute - more expensive but includes 30 watt amp), now all launching their versions of a Squeezebox/Sonos, it looks like HiFi brands are embracing music servers more and more. These are exciting times for Music Server fans or persons thinking of taking the plunge..

http://www.whathifi.com/News/MARANTZ...r-way-in-2010/

http://twitpic.com/1v8z6d/full

[pixelthis]

I am a big fan of music "servers".
Except that mine is called a desktop.
A few in the server category have specialized features, but most are a triump of marketing, taking basic computer parts and putting them in a specialized case.
At least the Marantz isnt too overpriced, what, 1,000-1200 u.s?.
Exelent example of the moving of music to computer based formats, which started
with the C.D.

[Ajani]

I am a big fan of music "servers".
Except that mine is called a desktop.
A few in the server category have specialized features, but most are a triump of marketing, taking basic computer parts and putting them in a specialized case.
At least the Marantz isnt too overpriced, what, 1,000-1200 u.s?.
Exelent example of the moving of music to computer based formats, which started
with the C.D.

Yep, the Marantz is the same price in the UK as the Rotel, so I assume it should retail for about the same as the Rotel in the US; which is $1K. So while a computer music server is still cheaper, you can at least argue that you get a Marantz/Rotel Dac for the extra $$$... So it's not too bad a deal, as you won't need to purchase an external DAC (or upgrade your soundcard) to get good quality as you would with a computer music server...

[pixelthis]

Yep, the Marantz is the same price in the UK as the Rotel, so I assume it should retail for about the same as the Rotel in the US; which is $1K. So while a computer music server is still cheaper, you can at least argue that you get a Marantz/Rotel Dac for the extra $$$... So it's not too bad a deal, as you won't need to purchase an external DAC (or upgrade your soundcard) to get good quality as you would with a computer music server...

TRUE, and it would look and be more integrated.
I guess it would be to the individual as to what that is worth.
DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH STORAGE and is it upgradeable?

[Ajani]

TRUE, and it would look and be more integrated.
I guess it would be to the individual as to what that is worth.
DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH STORAGE and is it upgradeable?

No internal storage, but it has a USB port so you can use your own USB HDD...

[Ajani]

Price will be $800... (got that info from a few online retail sites, including Amazon).