Storing MP3s and other digital audio files on a computer's hard drive is so 1990s. Using a home network to stream digital audio throughout your house is where it's at, and that's exactly what the Rio Receiver does.
This smart-looking box from Sonicblue uses existing phone wiring to transfer music from a PC (the server) to either a stereo or the unit itself, without affecting telephone service. Simply connect the Rio Receiver to a stereo amplifier with an RCA cable or attach speakers to the Rio Receiver's own built-in 10 watt-per-channel amp, and you can bring MP3s (or WMA files) to any room with a phone jack. Unfortunately, it doesn't support streaming Internet audio yet.
If you think you've seen this device before, you're right. The
Dell Audio Receiver, also manufactured by Sonicblue, has been shipping for months. But the new Rio Receiver adds to the broad collection of Rio digital audio devices that Diamond Multimedia started years ago, including the Rio 600 and 800.
The Rio Receiver measures 9 x 2.75 x 9 inches and looks more like a prop from a Buck Rodgers set than a stereo component. It supports both 10-Mbps HomePNA 2.0 and 10/100-Mbps Ethernet networks. The unit ships with a HomePNA PCI card, the necessary cables, Audio Receiver software for Windows, and a handy remote control. You get all this for $250, or $200 without the HomePNA card.
Installation takes minutes
The Rio Receiver does not store songs locally. Instead, the Windows-based Audio Receiver software searches for audio tracks on your PC and then creates a database of songs, which the Rio Receiver refers to when connected to the network. The user can then navigate through the database using the Rio Receiver's simple selector knob or the remote control.
With the infrared remote, the user can create playlists locally and store them on the server. Once on the server, other Receiver units can access the playlists.
Part of the Rio Receiver's appeal is its simple interface. A Repeat, Random, and Menu button lies beneath the legible backlit LCD, which displays track info, time elapsed, bit rate, volume, and a graphical equalizer. A jog knob controls menu selections such as track listings (which can be perused by album, genre, title, artist, and playlist), volume, bass and treble, along with the usual player controls. A headphone and line-out jack complete the receiver's outputs.
Unlike Turtle Beach's $300
AudioTron, the Rio Receiver lacks a digital TOSLINK or SPDIF connection. Furthermore, Internet audio streaming is not yet supported. Sonicblue promises firmware updates that will enable this key element, but the Rio Receiver may still appeal to those with simpler needs. Rio users also have the option of adding both powered and unpowered speakers to the unit, although the built-in 10W per channel amplifier won't blow any doors off their hinges.
We were impressed with the device's responsiveness and excellent decoding using both Ethernet and HomePNA networks. This next-generation stereo component sounds great and proves that digital audio isn't just meant for the PC. The ultimate networked house could definitely use two or three of these.
Summary: A networked satellite digital audio player with its own built-in amplifier that will easily bring digital audio to remote parts of your house.
Pros: Pipe digital audio to any part of the house; easy-to-use interface; easy setup; fits right in with other stereo components; use existing phone lines or Ethernet
Cons: no digital out; no Internet streaming audio
