Luxman's first network streamer combines digital tech with hi-fi knowhow

By Joe Svetlik
published

The best of both worlds

Luxman NT-07 network streamer on a green background
(Image credit: Luxman)

Japanese hi-fi brand Luxman has entered the world of network streamers, and the NT-07 looks like a doozy.

It offers all the digital smarts you could want from a streamer, along with a sound quality that promises to be "breathtaking".

There are plenty of ways to connect, with USB and HDMI ports (including ARC support), the ability to hook up a NAS drive and support for a range of music streaming services. Its core processing stages are equipped to handle a wide range of complex functions without breaking a sweat.

Its USB subsystem supports sampling frequencies up to 32-bit/768kHz for PCM files and 1-bit/22.5MHz DSD data, while the optical/coaxial output is up to 24-bit/192kHz PCM. A built-in core decoding function handles the MQA format with three settings: off, core decoding and passthrough. And you can see what's what on the large, high definition display that shows track and artist names, time elapsed and file format.

The NT-07 supports Qobuz and Tidal (both of which are integrated into the included Luxman Stream app), as well as Spotify and TuneIn. You can create playlists, configure settings and select audio sources through Luxman Stream, and the device also comes with an infrared remote.

Roon certification is promised soon, and its intelligent resampling function will match the sampling frequency and bit depth supported by the digital-to-analogue converter from 44.1kHz to 348kHz PCM.

The Luxman NT-07 costs £6500 (US and Australian pricing is still TBC) and is available from late April. Those attending the High End Munich 2024 show in May will get their first glimpse of the new streamer.

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Joe Svetlik
Joe Svetlik

Joe has been writing about tech for 17 years, first on staff at T3 magazine, then in a freelance capacity for Stuff, The Sunday Times Travel Magazine, Men's Health, GQ, The Mirror, Trusted Reviews, TechRadar and many more (including What Hi-Fi?). His specialities include all things mobile, headphones and speakers that he can't justifying spending money on.

3 Comments Comment from the forums
  • Friesiansam
    What Hi-Fi? said:
    Luxman's first network streamer combines digital tech with hi-fi knowhow
    Isn't that what all streamers do?
    Reply
  • Wales1
    Friesiansam said:
    Isn't that what all streamers do?
    All cars drive.
    Reply
  • podknocker
    All HIFI companies will enter the streaming sector eventually and abandon the physical formats, because they know it's the future. Easy access to lots of high quality music, or the hoarding of expensive and bulky impractical discs? Hmmm.

    'It offers all the digital smarts you could want from a streamer, along with a sound quality that promises to be "breathtaking".'

    Indeed. You can't breathe when you see your balance is £6500 lighter.

    I do think the price is far too high. I'm not sure where the £6500 goes, looking at the interior and there seems to be a missing capacitor!

    https://www.luxman.com/asset/product/NT-07/gb3.jpg
    Perhaps the inside is full of invisible HIFI dark matter and it does something truly great, but I doubt it.

    There's a sprinkling of copper screws and some quite unnecessary cable ties. A poor effort really.

    I bet Luxman could sell this device for £650 and still make a decent profit, but it needs to be very expensive in order to attract the 'discerning audiophile' with deep pockets. 'Let's add a zero to the retail price and see if we sell any.'

    The loyal Luxman demographic will have one pre-ordered already and will be convinced it's a bargain.

    The £2 internal USB cable to join the boards makes me laugh. It seems to be a very odd design and the longer I look at this picture, the more I think you could build one yourself for £200 if you could order the bits.

    Nothing in this photo shouts expensive parts and quality construction. I'd never buy one, because it's overpriced nonsense and another example of the elitism and snobbery which exists in this market.

    The casework is really nice, but deceptive, as the tidy packaging won't influence the sound quality.

    Get yourself a Bluesound NODE for £449 as it will do exactly the same and probably sound just as good.

    https://www.richersounds.com/bluesound-node-black.html
    Reply