audiolab 7000N Play – Wireless Network Streamer
High-resolution streaming with audiolab refinement. The audiolab 7000N Play is a dedicated network music streamer that adds premium hi-res streaming, multiroom audio and internet radio to any hi-fi system. With an ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M DAC, DTS Play-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2 and a clear IPS display, it’s the perfect digital front end for serious two-channel setups.
- ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M reference DAC up to 24-bit / 192 kHz PCM
- DTS Play-Fi and Apple AirPlay 2 for multi-platform, multiroom streaming
- 2.8" IPS colour display with VU meters and detailed playback info
- Coaxial, optical and analogue line outputs for flexible system integration
Product Overview
The audiolab 7000N Play is a network audio player designed to bring modern streaming convenience into high-performance hi-fi systems. Building on the success of the 6000N Play, it upgrades the platform to match the 7000 series with a reference-grade ESS ES9038Q2M DAC, improved power supply and a full-colour 2.8" IPS display.
DTS Play-Fi technology gives access to a wide range of streaming services and multiroom features, while Apple AirPlay 2 adds seamless integration for Apple Music and iOS devices. Whether you stream from Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz or a local NAS, the 7000N Play acts as a versatile, high-quality bridge between your digital libraries and your amplifier.
Listening Experience
The 7000N Play delivers a clean, detailed and wonderfully coherent presentation. The ES9038Q2M DAC offers excellent resolution and low noise, revealing subtle textures, ambient cues and micro-dynamics in familiar recordings.
Bass is tight and articulate, providing a solid rhythmic foundation without sounding overblown. The midrange is open and natural, presenting vocals and instruments with clarity and body. High frequencies are smooth yet extended, avoiding the glare sometimes associated with lesser digital sources. Imaging is precise with a stable soundstage, allowing you to place instruments easily within the mix.
Streaming Platform & Control
With DTS Play-Fi, the 7000N Play supports a broad ecosystem of devices and services and can be part of a full multiroom system. You can stream from:
- Major services such as Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music, Deezer, Qobuz and more
- Thousands of internet radio stations and podcasts
- Local music libraries on NAS drives or computers (DLNA compatible)
Apple AirPlay 2 integration adds simple casting from iPhone, iPad and Mac, and offers easy use of Apple Music and non-Play-Fi-native apps. Control is available via Android, iOS and other supported platforms, while the front-panel IPS screen shows artwork, track data, format and system status – and can even display analogue- or digital-style VU meters in real time.
System Integration
The 7000N Play fits effortlessly into both existing and new systems:
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Analogue line output to feed an integrated amplifier or preamp via RCA
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Coaxial and optical digital outputs to use it purely as a network transport into an external DAC
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12 V trigger for automatic power coordination with compatible amplifiers
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LAN and Wi-Fi connections to suit both permanent and flexible installations
Pair it with a dedicated integrated amplifier and quality loudspeakers, or drop it into an existing hi-fi stack as the primary digital source. Its slim, full-width form factor and clean design match perfectly with other audiolab components.
Ideal Applications
- Upgrading traditional hi-fi systems with high-resolution streaming and internet radio
- Network front end for integrated amps and DACs in serious stereo systems
- Multiroom installations based on DTS Play-Fi and AirPlay 2
- Digital hub for NAS libraries and subscription streaming services
Technical Specifications
- Type: Wireless network music streamer with integrated DAC
- Streaming platform: DTS Play-Fi with multiroom and multi-device support
- Additional streaming: Apple AirPlay 2
- Supported services: Access to major platforms including Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music, Deezer, Qobuz, internet radio and more (service availability region-dependent)
- DAC: ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M reference DAC
- Maximum resolution: Up to 24-bit / 192 kHz PCM
- Digital outputs: 1 × coaxial (RCA), 1 × optical (Toslink)
- Analogue outputs: 1 × stereo RCA line output (variable 0–2.1 V)
- Frequency response (digital out): –0.01 dB (20 Hz–20 kHz, ref. 1 kHz)
- Frequency response (DAC): ±0.5 dB (20 Hz–20 kHz, ref. 1 kHz)
- Total harmonic distortion (THD): < 0.0005% (1 kHz @ 2.1 Vrms)
- Signal-to-noise ratio: > 115 dB (A-weighted)
- Output impedance (analogue): 100 Ω
- Display: 2.8" full-view IPS LCD with GUI and VU meter options
- Network: Ethernet (wired) and Wi-Fi wireless connection
- Control: DTS Play-Fi app (multiple platforms) and front-panel controls
- Standby power consumption: < 0.5 W
- Power requirements: 220–240 V ~ 50/60 Hz (or 100–120 V region dependent)
- Dimensions (W × D × H): 444 × 340 × 78 mm
- Net weight: 5.0 kg
- Finish: Black or Silver
Why Choose the audiolab 7000N Play?
The audiolab 7000N Play is ideal for listeners who want a dedicated streamer that treats network audio as a true high-end source. With its ESS Sabre DAC, flexible outputs, DTS Play-Fi and AirPlay 2 support, detailed display and low-noise engineering, it transforms existing hi-fi systems into fully connected, highly musical streaming platforms.
