Sony NAS-CZ1 Network Audio Player Review

The NAS-CZ1 is one of Sony's first entries into the networked music world. The have combined a CD player, AM/FM radio along with the ability to stream music anywhere in your house. We like the addition of the standard stereo components like the CD player and radio receiver a lot since it makes this an all in one unit and not just another add-on to your already bulging assortment of stereo equipment.

The streaming is done through some included software called m-crew. From what we have read online the software is the major downside of this product. What was shocking to us is that the software apparently can not stream files if they are not on the actual computer where the software is installed, so anyone out there that has either a NAS or maybe an external USB drive will be out of luck.

The NAS-CZ1 does allow you to have multiple units access the same server so you can pipe your music all over your house. It also lets you set playlists and stream from a variety of software jukeboxes that you may already use.

The music codexs that they support seems pretty limited for a device in this space. They only support:

MP3
WAV
WMA
AAC
ATRAC3 Plus

While that covers some of the major ones we feel that it is very limiting for someone that is either using FLAC or OGG or any number of other popular codecs. Also note that the ATRAC3plus codec is a proprietary codec from Sony.

Another flaw we found while reading the product description was there was no built in wireless access, only Ethernet. While we understand that adding wireless will increase the cost of the device we aren't sure why it just isn't included on all of these types of devices. Not everyone is lucky enough to have Ethernet ports all over their house. Most of us must rely on using our wireless network to stream our music from room to room. Sure you can use a wireless adapter to make the connection, but that is another expense the consumer has to endure and one that we think should have been taking care of by the manufacturer.

It does come with a 360 degree speaker which apparently does deliver very good quality sound for its size. Including a good speaker, while it seems a no-brainer, is something that many companies leave out in products like this and we are happy to see Sony step up and include something that will fill your rooms with quality sounds.

Also of note is the inclusion of an analog input jack so you can hook up external MP3 players to stream around the house. With all the limitations in the server software, adding this input jack is a big selling point. Now you can come home, plug your iPod in and have those songs played throughout the house and you don't have to worry about dealing with the server software at all.

So we have to say that after reading the specs and checking out some reviews we aren't completely sold on this product. It has some good stuff going for it like its cool style and nice speaker while the software and limited codec support are both major negatives in our book.

The only way we can suggest you buy one is if you find it on a massive sale or you have a friend giving it away. They have them at Amazon for just about half off!

April 11, 2007

Sony NAS-CZ1 Network Audio Player Review