Crystal Acoustics has announced the launch of the WiDAC Wi-Fi Audio Receiver.Using both Airplay and DLNA transmission, the WiDAC offers consumers the chance to turn any existing audio system into one that can wirelessly stream from a smartphone, tablet or computer using Wi-Fi connectivity.
Building on the reported success of the company’s BluDAC, the WiDAC allows consumers to experience the benefits of streaming to their system over Wi-Fi, even if they don’t have a network.
With both Airplay and DLNA functionality on board, the WiDAC is compatible with iOS Airplay, Android DLNA and Windows, so music can be streamed to a system over Wi-Fi no matter which device(s) happen to be owned.
Crystal Acoustics says that the superior bandwidth guaranteed by Wi-Fi transmission means that uncompressed audio can be reliably streamed to a system using WiDAC, meaning that with WiDAC, wireless functionality comes without sonic compromises.
The WiDAC’s use of Wi-Fi transmission also allows the user much longer distances between the receiver itself and the streaming device. Simply connect WiDAC to a home network, and the device can stream from bedroom to living room or from kitchen to office, even if the distances involved are quite large. Crystal Acoustics believes that this is a distinct advantage over Bluetooth, which realistically demands that your streaming device and receiver be within a few metres of each other.
The WiDAC also features a Wolfson DAC, and an optical digital output for those with a dedicated outboard DAC or high-end amplifier.
