Audio T Verdict
The Audiolab 7000N Play is a flexible and accomplished way to add network streaming to an existing Hi-Fi system.
Its DTS Play-Fi platform provides high-resolution music, multi-room operation, internet radio, local network playback and access to a wide selection of streaming services. AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect provide convenient alternatives to controlling everything through the Play-Fi app.
The ES9038Q2M DAC, isolated power supply and selectable digital filters give the 7000N Play serious audio credentials, while analogue, coaxial and optical outputs allow it to work with almost any suitable amplifier or DAC.
Audiolab 7000N Play Wireless Music Streamer
The Audiolab 7000N Play is a dedicated network audio player designed to bring internet streaming, local network music and multi-room playback to a conventional Hi-Fi system.
It connects to the home network through dual-band Wi-Fi or Ethernet and can be controlled using DTS Play-Fi, Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, the supplied remote or the front-panel buttons.
An ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M DAC provides a high-quality analogue output, while coaxial and optical digital outputs allow the signal to be passed to an external DAC or compatible digital amplifier.
DTS Play-Fi Streaming
DTS Play-Fi is the main streaming platform within the 7000N Play.
The Play-Fi app provides access to compatible subscription services, internet radio, podcasts, music stored on mobile devices and libraries shared by DLNA-compatible servers or NAS drives.
Play-Fi software is available for compatible iOS, Android and Kindle Fire devices, with separate software available for Windows computers.
Streaming Services Can Change
Play-Fi supports services including Spotify, TIDAL, Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer and internet radio, but availability can vary by country, subscription and future platform updates.
Check the current Play-Fi app before purchasing if access to one particular service is essential.
High-Resolution Critical Listening Mode
Play-Fi Critical Listening Mode supports lossless PCM streaming at resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz.
This mode directs the stream to one selected Play-Fi device without downsampling or transcoding, making it the preferred option for focused listening through the 7000N Play.
The source file, network connection and music service must all support the required resolution.
Multi-Room Playback
The 7000N Play can be grouped with compatible DTS Play-Fi products in other rooms.
Different Play-Fi brands can operate within the same ecosystem, allowing the system to combine dedicated Hi-Fi streamers, wireless speakers, soundbars and other supported products.
Multi-room operation prioritises reliable synchronisation across several products and may limit the stream to 16-bit/48kHz rather than the full 24-bit/192kHz available in Critical Listening Mode.
Gapless Playback and Transfer Mode
Gapless playback allows compatible albums to continue from one track into the next without an unwanted pause.
This is particularly valuable with live recordings, classical works, concept albums and DJ mixes.
Play-Fi Transfer Mode allows playback to continue directly through the streamer after the music has been selected, reducing the need for the controlling phone or tablet to remain continuously involved in the stream.
Spotify Connect
Spotify Connect allows the 7000N Play to be selected from within the Spotify app.
The music is then streamed by the network player rather than being sent continuously through the controlling phone, tablet or computer.
A compatible Spotify account and internet connection are required.
Apple AirPlay 2
AirPlay 2 provides straightforward streaming from compatible iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple TVs and other supported Apple products.
This allows Apple Music and audio from many non-Play-Fi applications to be sent to the Audiolab without opening the DTS Play-Fi app.
The Apple device and the 7000N Play must be connected to the same network.
Internet Radio and Podcasts
Play-Fi provides access to thousands of internet radio stations and podcasts from around the world.
This gives the 7000N Play much of the everyday flexibility of a traditional radio tuner without requiring an FM or DAB aerial.
Station availability, programme schedules and audio quality are controlled by the individual broadcaster or radio-platform provider.
Four Front-Panel Presets
Up to four internet radio stations or compatible playlists can be stored on the front-panel preset buttons.
Once stored, they can be recalled without opening the app, making regularly used stations quick and convenient to access.
Press and hold a preset button to store the current selection, then press it briefly to begin playback later.
Local Network Music
The Play-Fi app can locate music shared by a compatible DLNA media server, computer, NAS drive or other network-storage device.
This allows an existing digital music collection to be played without uploading it to an online service.
The server must be switched on, connected to the same network and configured to share its music library.
Supported Music Files
DTS Play-Fi supports a range of commonly used formats, including:
- MP3
- MP4A
- AAC
- FLAC
- WAV
- AIFF
Actual compatibility can depend on the server, app version, file metadata and selected Play-Fi listening mode.
Dual-Band Wi-Fi
Dual-band Wi-Fi allows the 7000N Play to connect through a compatible home wireless network.
Its dual-antenna arrangement is intended to provide a stable connection while supporting the bandwidth required by high-resolution audio.
Performance will depend on the router, network congestion, building construction and distance between the streamer and wireless access point.
Check the Network Before Blaming the Streamer
Dropouts and slow browsing are often caused by weak Wi-Fi coverage, router placement or an overloaded home network.
Move the router closer, add a suitable access point or use Ethernet where the wireless signal is unreliable.
Ethernet Connection
A rear Ethernet socket provides a wired connection to the home router or network switch.
Ethernet can offer greater consistency where the streamer is positioned near a suitable network connection or where Wi-Fi coverage is poor.
Use a correctly terminated network cable and connect the 7000N Play to a LAN port on the router or switch.
Wi-Fi Setup
The 7000N Play can be added to the network using WPS or the standard Play-Fi setup procedure.
WPS provides a simplified connection where the router supports it.
Standard setup creates a temporary Play-Fi network that allows the home Wi-Fi details to be entered through a compatible phone, tablet or web browser.
Firmware and Play-Fi updates may be installed during initial setup, so allow the process to complete before attempting playback.
ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M DAC
The internal digital-to-analogue converter is an ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M.
This higher-level converter replaces the ES9018K2M used within the earlier Audiolab 6000N Play.
The DAC is supported by Audiolab’s proprietary clocking, power-supply and analogue circuitry, helping achieve low noise, strong dynamic range and precise conversion.
Isolated Power Supply
The 7000N Play uses an isolated power-supply arrangement intended to reduce electrical noise reaching its sensitive digital and analogue audio circuitry.
A low-noise toroidal transformer provides power within the streamer rather than relying on a basic external plug-top supply.
This contributes to the unit’s full-width construction and helps it integrate visually and technically with the matching 7000 Series components.
Five Selectable Digital Filters
The ESS DAC provides five selectable reconstruction filters:
- Linear Phase Fast Roll-Off
- Linear Phase Slow Roll-Off
- Minimum Phase Fast Roll-Off
- Minimum Phase Slow Roll-Off
- Hybrid Fast Roll-Off
Linear Phase Slow Roll-Off is selected as the factory default.
The differences can be subtle and may depend on the recording, amplifier, speakers and listening preferences.
Analogue RCA Output
The internal DAC feeds one stereo RCA analogue output.
This can connect to a conventional line input on an integrated amplifier, preamplifier or suitable pair of active speakers.
The maximum analogue output is 2.1V, with the level selectable between Fixed and Adjustable operation.
Use a Line Input
Connect the 7000N Play to AUX, CD, Line or another conventional line-level input.
Do not connect it to an amplifier’s Moving Magnet or Moving Coil phono input.
Fixed Analogue Output
Fixed mode sends the analogue signal at its maximum output level.
This is the normal choice when connecting the 7000N Play to an integrated amplifier or preamplifier whose own volume control will be used.
Begin with the amplifier volume turned down before changing the streamer from Adjustable to Fixed mode.
Adjustable Analogue Output
Adjustable mode allows the analogue output level to be controlled through the Play-Fi app, front panel or supplied remote.
This can be useful with active speakers or another suitable product that does not provide a convenient volume control.
The 7000N Play defaults to Adjustable mode.
Take Care When Changing Output Mode
Switching to Fixed mode can cause a substantial increase in volume if the connected amplifier or active speakers are already set to a high level.
Turn the receiving equipment down before changing the output setting.
Coaxial Digital Output
The coaxial RCA output sends the PCM stream to an external DAC or amplifier with a compatible digital input.
It supports signals up to 24-bit/192kHz and has a specified output impedance of 75 ohms.
Use a properly screened 75-ohm digital coaxial cable rather than an arbitrary analogue RCA interconnect.
Optical Digital Output
The optical Toslink output provides an electrically isolated alternative to the coaxial connection.
It can be used with an external DAC, digital preamplifier or integrated amplifier fitted with a compatible optical input.
The preferred connection can depend on the receiving DAC and complete system, so comparing both options may be worthwhile.
Using an External DAC
The digital outputs allow the 7000N Play’s internal DAC to be bypassed.
This is useful where the system already contains a preferred standalone DAC or an amplifier with a higher-level digital conversion stage.
The external DAC must support the sampling rate of the selected stream through its coaxial or optical input.
Matching the Audiolab 7000A
The Audiolab 7000A is the natural amplifier partner for the 7000N Play.
The streamer can connect digitally through coaxial or optical, allowing the amplifier’s internal DAC to perform the final conversion.
Alternatively, the 7000N Play’s RCA output can connect to one of the 7000A’s analogue line inputs so that the streamer’s own ES9038Q2M conversion stage is used.
7000A Volume Synchronisation
A USB control connection allows the Play-Fi app to control the listening volume of a connected Audiolab 7000A.
Connect the 7000N Play Control socket to the 7000A Update socket using a suitable USB data cable.
When using Volume Sync, Audiolab recommends setting the 7000N Play’s analogue output to Fixed so that the Play-Fi app controls the amplifier rather than applying two digital volume stages.
The Control USB Does Not Carry Music
The USB control connection is used only for synchronising volume with the 7000A.
It cannot receive audio from a computer and does not send digital music to the amplifier.
USB Firmware Update Port
A separate rear USB connection is provided for installing official Audiolab firmware updates from a compatible storage device.
It is not intended for music playback from USB memory, connection to an external hard drive or computer USB audio.
Follow the instructions supplied with each firmware file and do not interrupt the mains power while an update is taking place.
12V Trigger Input and Link Output
The 7000N Play includes a 12V trigger input and link output.
The trigger input allows a compatible amplifier or control system to switch the streamer between standby and operation.
The link output passes the trigger signal to another compatible component, helping several Audiolab products switch together.
A suitable 3.5mm trigger cable is required separately.
2.8-Inch Colour Display
The front panel features a 2.8-inch full-colour IPS display with a published resolution of 480 × 640 pixels.
It can show:
- Streaming service
- Track and artist information
- Album and folder details
- File format and sampling rate
- Output volume
- System settings
- Firmware version
- Digital or analogue-style VU meters
VU Meter Displays
The display can show digital or analogue-style VU meters representing the left and right analogue output levels.
These provide a graphical indication of the changing music signal rather than a calibrated measurement tool for setting recording or studio levels.
The normal Home screen, Audiolab display or completely blank display can be selected instead.
Display Adjustment
Display brightness can be adjusted to suit the room.
Animations can be enabled or disabled, while the display timeout can be set to five, ten, fifteen or thirty seconds.
The screen can also be switched off for listening in a darkened room.
Physical Controls
The six front-panel controls provide access to playback, menu navigation and the four stored presets.
Basic operation therefore remains possible without reaching for the phone or tablet.
The controls can select previous and next tracks, play or pause music, open the menu, confirm selections and return to the Home screen.
System Remote Control
An Audiolab system remote handset is included.
It provides access to:
- Standby
- Play and pause
- Previous and next track
- Volume and muting
- Menu navigation
- Display options
- Back and confirmation commands
- Compatible Audiolab 7000 Series products
The handset requires two AAA batteries, which are not included.
Power-On Volume Limit
The menu includes a configurable power-on volume limit for Adjustable output operation.
When leaving standby, the 7000N Play returns to the previous listening level or the selected limit, whichever is lower.
This helps prevent unexpectedly loud playback at the beginning of a new session.
Balance Adjustment
The left and right analogue output balance can be adjusted through the menu.
This may help where the listening position is not central or where the room causes one side of the system to sound stronger.
Start from the central setting and make only small changes.
Automatic Standby
Automatic standby can be set to 20 minutes, 60 minutes or Never.
The player enters standby after the chosen period without activity.
Standby power consumption is below 0.5 watts.
No Bluetooth
The 7000N Play is a network streamer and does not include a Bluetooth receiver.
Wireless playback is provided through Wi-Fi using Play-Fi, Spotify Connect or AirPlay 2.
A separate Bluetooth receiver would be required for a device that cannot use any of the supported network methods.
No HDMI Input
The streamer does not include HDMI ARC or HDMI eARC.
Television audio should be connected to a suitable amplifier or DAC rather than directly to the 7000N Play.
The matching Audiolab 7000A includes HDMI ARC for compatible television sound.
No USB Music Playback
Neither rear USB connection is intended for normal music playback.
The Control port synchronises volume with the 7000A, while the Update port installs firmware.
Music stored on a computer or NAS should be shared through the home network and accessed using Play-Fi or a compatible DLNA server.
No Headphone Output
The 7000N Play does not include a headphone amplifier or headphone socket.
Headphones must connect to the partnering amplifier, DAC or a separate headphone amplifier.
The Audiolab 7000A includes a dedicated front-panel headphone output.
Installation
Place the 7000N Play on a strong, level and stable shelf.
Keep its ventilation openings clear and avoid positioning it directly above a warm-running amplifier.
Leave enough rear clearance for the Wi-Fi antennas, Ethernet cable, analogue or digital interconnects, trigger leads and mains connection.
System Power Sequence
Switch the 7000N Play on before the amplification stage.
When shutting the system down, switch off the amplifier before switching off the streamer.
This sequence reduces the possibility of unwanted noises reaching the loudspeakers while the source component starts or stops.
7000N Play or 6000N Play?
The 7000N Play adds the newer ES9038Q2M DAC, AirPlay 2, a 2.8-inch colour display, four physical presets, selectable digital filters, trigger integration and volume synchronisation with the 7000A.
The 6000N Play remains a simpler and more affordable route into the DTS Play-Fi platform.
The best choice depends on the partnering equipment, required control features and whether the streamer’s internal analogue output will be used.
Finish Options
The Audiolab 7000N Play is available in:
Its dimensions and styling coordinate with the matching 7000A integrated amplifier and 7000CDT transport.
Key Features
- Dedicated wireless and wired network music streamer
- DTS Play-Fi streaming platform
- Critical Listening Mode up to 24-bit/192kHz
- Multi-room and multi-speaker grouping
- Gapless playback
- Play-Fi Transfer Mode
- Spotify Connect
- Apple AirPlay 2
- Internet radio and podcast access
- DLNA-compatible local network playback
- Dual-band, dual-antenna Wi-Fi
- Wired Ethernet connection
- ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M DAC
- Isolated internal power supply
- Five selectable digital filters
- One stereo RCA analogue output
- Fixed or Adjustable analogue output
- 0–2.1V variable analogue output
- One coaxial digital output
- One optical digital output
- Digital outputs up to 24-bit/192kHz
- 7000A USB volume synchronisation
- Separate USB firmware-update socket
- 12V trigger input and link output
- Four front-panel presets
- 2.8-inch full-colour IPS display
- 480 × 640-pixel display resolution
- Digital and analogue-style VU meters
- Adjustable balance
- Configurable power-on volume limit
- Configurable automatic standby
- System remote control included
- Black or Silver finish
- Three-year extended warranty when registered within 90 days
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Audiolab 7000N Play contain a DAC?
Yes. It uses an ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M digital-to-analogue converter.
Can it connect to an ordinary analogue amplifier?
Yes. Connect its stereo RCA output to a conventional line input such as AUX, CD or Line.
Can it connect to an external DAC?
Yes. It provides one coaxial and one optical digital output.
What is the maximum streaming resolution?
DTS Play-Fi Critical Listening Mode supports lossless PCM streaming up to 24-bit/192kHz.
Does multi-room playback also operate at 24-bit/192kHz?
Multi-room operation normally prioritises synchronisation and bandwidth, limiting playback to 16-bit/48kHz.
Does it support gapless playback?
Yes. Play-Fi supports gapless playback with compatible music and services.
Does it support Spotify Connect?
Yes. The 7000N Play can be selected directly from the Spotify app.
Does it support TIDAL Connect?
Audiolab specifies TIDAL access through DTS Play-Fi rather than confirming TIDAL Connect. Use the Play-Fi app for supported TIDAL playback.
Does it support AirPlay 2?
Yes. Compatible Apple products can stream to the 7000N Play through AirPlay 2.
Does it support Apple Music?
Yes. Apple Music can be sent from a compatible Apple device using AirPlay 2.
Does it include internet radio?
Yes. The Play-Fi platform provides access to thousands of internet radio stations and podcasts.
Can radio stations be stored as presets?
Yes. Up to four compatible stations or playlists can be assigned to the front-panel preset buttons.
Can it play music from a NAS drive?
Yes. Music can be accessed from a compatible DLNA server or NAS connected to the same network.
Which local music formats are supported?
Play-Fi supports formats including MP3, MP4A, AAC, FLAC, WAV and AIFF. Compatibility can depend on the server and app version.
Does it use Wi-Fi?
Yes. The 7000N Play includes dual-band Wi-Fi.
Does it have Ethernet?
Yes. A rear RJ45 connection provides a wired network option.
Is Ethernet better than Wi-Fi?
Both can work well, but Ethernet may provide greater consistency where wireless coverage is weak or the network is heavily congested.
Does it include Bluetooth?
No. Wireless playback is provided through network methods including DTS Play-Fi, Spotify Connect and AirPlay 2.
Does it include Chromecast?
Chromecast is not listed among the supported streaming methods.
Does it support Roon Ready streaming?
Audiolab does not identify the 7000N Play as a Roon Ready network endpoint.
Does it have HDMI ARC?
No. The matching Audiolab 7000A includes HDMI ARC, but the 7000N Play does not.
Does it have a USB audio input?
No. Its USB connections are for 7000A volume synchronisation and firmware updates.
Can it play music from a USB memory stick?
No normal USB music-playback function is provided.
Can it stream music stored on a computer?
Yes. Share the library through a compatible DLNA server or use supported Play-Fi software on the computer.
Does it have an analogue output?
Yes. It provides one stereo RCA output with Fixed or Adjustable operation.
What is the maximum analogue output voltage?
The variable analogue output operates from 0V to a maximum of 2.1V.
Should I use Fixed or Adjustable output?
Use Fixed when connecting to an integrated amplifier or preamplifier with its own volume control. Adjustable is useful with suitable active speakers or systems where the streamer must control volume.
Can it connect directly to active speakers?
Yes, provided the speakers accept an RCA line input and the complete system is configured safely using Adjustable output.
Can it control the volume of the Audiolab 7000A?
Yes. Connect the USB Control port to the 7000A Update port using a USB data cable and enable the appropriate Volume Sync setup.
Does the USB control cable carry the audio signal?
No. Music travels through the selected analogue, coaxial or optical connection. USB is used only for control.
Which digital outputs are included?
There is one coaxial RCA output and one optical Toslink output.
Are the digital outputs high resolution?
Yes. Audiolab specifies digital output support up to 24-bit/192kHz.
Does it have a headphone socket?
No. Headphones must connect to the partnering amplifier, DAC or a separate headphone amplifier.
Does it include a remote control?
Yes. An Audiolab system remote handset is supplied.
Are batteries included with the remote?
No. The remote requires two AAA batteries, which Audiolab states are not supplied.
Does it have 12V triggers?
Yes. It includes one trigger input and one link output for compatible system components.
Can the display be switched off?
Yes. Brightness, animations and timeout behaviour can also be adjusted.
What are its dimensions?
It measures 444mm wide, 340mm deep and 78mm high.
How much does it weigh?
The net weight is approximately 5kg.
Which finishes are available?
The Audiolab 7000N Play is available in Black and Silver.
What warranty is included?
Audiolab offers an extended three-year warranty when the product is registered online within 90 days of purchase. Without registration, cover is one year or the applicable statutory period, whichever is longer.
Related Audiolab Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Audiolab streamer demonstrations
- Help setting up DTS Play-Fi and AirPlay 2
- Wi-Fi, Ethernet and network troubleshooting
- Streaming-service and local-library guidance
- Analogue and digital connection advice
- Help comparing internal and external DACs
- 7000A volume-synchronisation setup
- Multi-room configuration assistance
- Equipment-rack and cable advice
- Warranty-registration support
- Ongoing after-sales assistance
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or discuss adding the Audiolab 7000N Play to your Hi-Fi system.