Dobrescu George
Reviewer: AudiophileHeaven
There was no official thread about this one, so I figured I should make one for owners and those interested in getting one. Will make a product page too on Head-Fi, for owners to share reviews
From the official page:
cocktailAudio N25
The N25 is the World’s most advanced Network Audio Player, featuring a Sabre32 Reference DAC chip and high-performance Dual Core ARM Cortex A9 processor, running at 1.0Ghz. It has been designed to meet all the requirements of digital music playback, keeping pace with today’s digital world. The N25 is based on long proven cocktailAudio technologies, such as the hardware circuit design and versatile custom-designed software, developed by an in-house R&D team, to achieve the best audio performance and ease of use across all its functions.
It offers high-quality playback from local USB storage, home network sources like NAS, major online streaming services, internet radio, DAB+/FM radio, aptX HD Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, Airplay for iOS devices and much more. Optionally, the N25 provides Bluetooth transmission, allowing playback of music from the N25 via Bluetooth headphones or speakers. It also supports playback covering a huge variety of audio formats including, DSD, MQA, DXD, HD FLAC, HD WAV, CAF, ALAC, AIFF and more.
Additionally, for use as a complete and convenient music system throughout the home, the N25 provides not only a Multiroom Function(Group Play), carefully developed by the cocktailAudio team over several years, but also a HDMI ARC input to connect with TVs.
Finally, when paired with optional extras, you can expand its functionality as a music server, aptX Bluetooth transmitter, and more.
Based on a dual core ARM Cortex A9 processor, running at 1.0Ghz, selected components and proven cocktailAudio software, the N25 meets all the requirements for modern digital music playback, with exceptional audio performance and versatile features.
The N25 is built with premium components, such as the audiophile ES9018K2M DAC chips, as well as featuring enhanced hardware circuit design technologies, such as a clean power supply path through the use of separate digital and analogue parts, as a simplification of the signal circuit path. This results in the delivery of clear and transparent sound.
As the N25 is built based on the Sabre³² reference DAC, ES9018K2M, it can be used as an audiophile D/A Converter, with a wide dynamic range and low distortion when connected to compact disc players or any other digital audio source.
The N25 has high connectivity by offering digital inputs (Coaxial/Toslink), HDMI ARC in, 3x USB host ports, digital outputs (Coaxial/Toslink), analogue output, USB audio input/output, HDMI output, GigaFast Ethernet LAN, etc.
The N25 offers high quality digital radio via a DAB+ Tuner and also FM radio. Any song or broadcast can be recorded with high quality sound to external USB storage or NAS drives connected to the N25.
Equipped with a USB Audio Class 2.0 input, the N25 can work as a USB digital to analogue converter (DAC).
An external USB DAC can also be connected, whilst using the N25 for its versatile streaming and music serving functions.
For quick data transfer via connected devices, such as external USB storage, the N25 offers 2x high speed USB 3.0 host ports at the rear and 1x USB 2.0 host port on the front panel.
A high quality, well-shielded, analogue out terminal guarantees lossless signal transmission.
Through a high-resolution 4.6“ wide TFT LCD on the front panel, the N25 can be conveniently operated using cocktailAudio's intuitive GUI.
The N25 offers HDMI ARC(Audio Return Channel) input so that your TV can be hooked up to enjoy wonderful sound via the speakers connected to the N25.
Connect external TV screens for a bigger GUI or a slideshow of photos while listening to your music collection. Alternatively, connection can be made to an AV receiver for audio out.
The front panel features five preset soft keys for DAB+/FM radio or internet radio stations
CocktailAudio's in-house software team have developed a multi-room(Group Play) function so even hi-res music, including DSD, MQA, 192Khz/24Bit HD FLAC, WAV can play seamlessly in any room of the home wirelessly. Play the same song in every room or play the same song with two devices as Left/Right channel in perfect sync.
Stream songs to and from other compatible devices in the same network
As the N25 is 'Roon Ready' and is certified as an end point, you can control the N25 with Roon, one of the best ways to access digital music playback.
Play songs from iOS devices and music from Spotify via the N25.
The N25 supports MQA file format as it complies with MQA requirements.
Control the N25 wirelessly with the customised remote-control app, MusicX NEO, which is developed carefully by an in-house R&D team for complete yet simple and intuitive control.
Stream music from tens of thousands of internet radio stations, Spotify Connect, Amazon Music, TIDAL, Deezer, Napster, Qobuz, HighResAudio, etc.
The N25 supports most existing music file formats, such as MQA, DSD(64/128/256), DXD(24Bit/352.8Khz), PCM, 24Bit/192Khz WAV/FLAC, AAC, CAF, ALAC, AIFF, AIF, MP3, APE/CUE, Ogg, M3U, PLS, etc.
Connect the N25 to your network for streaming music to and from other devices such as NAS drives, shared folders on PCs and control it all remotely via MusicX NEO. The N25 also supports various network protocols including UPnP Server/Client/Renderer, Samba Server/Client , etc.
The N25 front panel is formed of 10mm thick aluminium, manufactured by precise CNC cutting, then attached to a rugged metal chassis. This solid and stable construction aids high quality playback by reducing unwanted resonance.
Send music streamed or served via the N25 to Bluetooth headphones or Bluetooth speakers. The optional N25 Bluetooth transmitter module supports various Audio Codec like SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD.
* Bluetooth transmitter module required
Connect the external USB storage to the N25 to store large amounts of music files. The N25 will scan all music files stored in the USB storage, and will build the Music database from the scanned metadata only without transferring the music files themselves.
The N25 has an intuitive and powerful Music Database built-in, which offers simple and convenient functions to manage music collections, such as SEARCH, list views by text or cover art, SORT, and various view types (album, artist, etc..).
Change or enter information about each album, track or recording for easy browsing. Use a USB keyboard to edit song tag information easily.
For wireless networking an optional USB WiFi dongle can be purchased.
Add the shared folders to the N25 by the NET share on the Browser. The N25 will scan all music files stored in the shared folders of the NAS drives, and will build the Music database from the scanned metadata only without transferring the music files themselves
From the official page:
cocktailAudio N25
HiFi Audio Streamer & Player
-
BLACK 
SILVREAR
What is the cocktailAudio N25
The N25 is the World’s most advanced Network Audio Player, featuring a Sabre32 Reference DAC chip and high-performance Dual Core ARM Cortex A9 processor, running at 1.0Ghz. It has been designed to meet all the requirements of digital music playback, keeping pace with today’s digital world. The N25 is based on long proven cocktailAudio technologies, such as the hardware circuit design and versatile custom-designed software, developed by an in-house R&D team, to achieve the best audio performance and ease of use across all its functions.
It offers high-quality playback from local USB storage, home network sources like NAS, major online streaming services, internet radio, DAB+/FM radio, aptX HD Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, Airplay for iOS devices and much more. Optionally, the N25 provides Bluetooth transmission, allowing playback of music from the N25 via Bluetooth headphones or speakers. It also supports playback covering a huge variety of audio formats including, DSD, MQA, DXD, HD FLAC, HD WAV, CAF, ALAC, AIFF and more.
Additionally, for use as a complete and convenient music system throughout the home, the N25 provides not only a Multiroom Function(Group Play), carefully developed by the cocktailAudio team over several years, but also a HDMI ARC input to connect with TVs.
Finally, when paired with optional extras, you can expand its functionality as a music server, aptX Bluetooth transmitter, and more.
- Hardware Specifications
- Equipped with a high-performance dual core ARM Cortex A9 processor running at 1.0Ghz
- ESS ES9018K2M Sabre32 Reference DAC chip for D-A conversion
- USB Audio Class 2.0 output for connection to external USB DACs
- Isolated power supply circuit design, separate for digital and analogue sections, to remove electrical noise
- 4.6” TFT LCD screen (800 x 320 pixels) for intuitive GUI
- DAB+/FM tuner built-in
- HDMI ARC input built-in
- HDMI output for connecting external screens, such as a TV as the GUI screen, or for audio signal output
- Bluetooth receiver built-in, with support for SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD
- USB Audio Class 2.0 input
- High quality analogue output terminals
- Digital output (1 x Coaxial, 1 x Toslink)
- Digital input (1 x Coaxial, 1 x Toslink)
- USB 3.0 high speed host port x2, on the rear panel
- USB 2.0 host port x1, on the front panel
- Giga Fast Ethernet(10/100/1000Mbps) built-in
- Five (5) custom keys on the front panel for DAB+ or FM radio presets
- Precisely CNC-machined aluminum front panel and robust rigid steel chassis
- Versatile functionalities and usage
- Support for major music streaming services - Amazon Music, HighResAudio, TIDAL, TIDAL MQA, Deezer, Qobuz, Spotify Connect, Napster and Internet Radio(Airable)
- MultiRoom function (Group Play)
- Spotify Connect and Apple Airplay
- Support for various file formats including MQA, DSD(64/128/256), DXD(24Bit/352.8Khz), PCM signal up to 32Bit/384Khz including 24Bit/192Khz WAV/FLAC and a full range hi-res audio file formats.
- High connectivity
- Versatile network functions such as UPnP Server/Client/Renderer, Samba Server/Client(Network File Server/Client) are supported
- Support as a certified 'Roon Ready' end point
- Multiple control methods with customised remote control App (NOVATRON MusicX NEO for iOS and Android), remote control and well-organized functional keys on the front
- Optional Functions
- Bluetooth transmission function, with optional Bluetooth transmitter module
- Music server with music database, with storage is connected
High performance system, with custom-designed software
Based on a dual core ARM Cortex A9 processor, running at 1.0Ghz, selected components and proven cocktailAudio software, the N25 meets all the requirements for modern digital music playback, with exceptional audio performance and versatile features.
Superior sound quality through expert circuit design and carefully selected components
The N25 is built with premium components, such as the audiophile ES9018K2M DAC chips, as well as featuring enhanced hardware circuit design technologies, such as a clean power supply path through the use of separate digital and analogue parts, as a simplification of the signal circuit path. This results in the delivery of clear and transparent sound.
Audiophile D-A converter Sabre32 Reference DAC
As the N25 is built based on the Sabre³² reference DAC, ES9018K2M, it can be used as an audiophile D/A Converter, with a wide dynamic range and low distortion when connected to compact disc players or any other digital audio source.
High connectivity for various external devices
The N25 has high connectivity by offering digital inputs (Coaxial/Toslink), HDMI ARC in, 3x USB host ports, digital outputs (Coaxial/Toslink), analogue output, USB audio input/output, HDMI output, GigaFast Ethernet LAN, etc.
DAB+ and FM radio tuners
The N25 offers high quality digital radio via a DAB+ Tuner and also FM radio. Any song or broadcast can be recorded with high quality sound to external USB storage or NAS drives connected to the N25.
USB Audio Class 2.0 input
Equipped with a USB Audio Class 2.0 input, the N25 can work as a USB digital to analogue converter (DAC).
USB Audio Class 2.0 output
An external USB DAC can also be connected, whilst using the N25 for its versatile streaming and music serving functions.
2x high speed USB 3.0 host ports and 1x USB 2.0 Host port
For quick data transfer via connected devices, such as external USB storage, the N25 offers 2x high speed USB 3.0 host ports at the rear and 1x USB 2.0 host port on the front panel.
High quality analogue out terminals
A high quality, well-shielded, analogue out terminal guarantees lossless signal transmission.
4.6 inch wide TFT LCD for intuitive GUI
Through a high-resolution 4.6“ wide TFT LCD on the front panel, the N25 can be conveniently operated using cocktailAudio's intuitive GUI.
HDMI ARC Input
The N25 offers HDMI ARC(Audio Return Channel) input so that your TV can be hooked up to enjoy wonderful sound via the speakers connected to the N25.
HDMI out for external screens or audio out
Connect external TV screens for a bigger GUI or a slideshow of photos while listening to your music collection. Alternatively, connection can be made to an AV receiver for audio out.
Five front panel preset soft keys
The front panel features five preset soft keys for DAB+/FM radio or internet radio stations
Multi-room (Group Play) function
CocktailAudio's in-house software team have developed a multi-room(Group Play) function so even hi-res music, including DSD, MQA, 192Khz/24Bit HD FLAC, WAV can play seamlessly in any room of the home wirelessly. Play the same song in every room or play the same song with two devices as Left/Right channel in perfect sync.
Built-in aptX HD Bluetooth receiver
Stream songs to and from other compatible devices in the same network
Roon Ready
As the N25 is 'Roon Ready' and is certified as an end point, you can control the N25 with Roon, one of the best ways to access digital music playback.
Apple Airplay and Spotify Connect
Play songs from iOS devices and music from Spotify via the N25.
Support for MQA
The N25 supports MQA file format as it complies with MQA requirements.
Remote control with customized remote App - MusicX NEO
Control the N25 wirelessly with the customised remote-control app, MusicX NEO, which is developed carefully by an in-house R&D team for complete yet simple and intuitive control.
Major music streaming services integrated
Stream music from tens of thousands of internet radio stations, Spotify Connect, Amazon Music, TIDAL, Deezer, Napster, Qobuz, HighResAudio, etc.
Support for a wide range of file formats
The N25 supports most existing music file formats, such as MQA, DSD(64/128/256), DXD(24Bit/352.8Khz), PCM, 24Bit/192Khz WAV/FLAC, AAC, CAF, ALAC, AIFF, AIF, MP3, APE/CUE, Ogg, M3U, PLS, etc.
Versatile networking & app control with MusicX NEO
Connect the N25 to your network for streaming music to and from other devices such as NAS drives, shared folders on PCs and control it all remotely via MusicX NEO. The N25 also supports various network protocols including UPnP Server/Client/Renderer, Samba Server/Client , etc.
Rugged and durable full-size casing
The N25 front panel is formed of 10mm thick aluminium, manufactured by precise CNC cutting, then attached to a rugged metal chassis. This solid and stable construction aids high quality playback by reducing unwanted resonance.
aptX HD Bluetooth transmitter
Send music streamed or served via the N25 to Bluetooth headphones or Bluetooth speakers. The optional N25 Bluetooth transmitter module supports various Audio Codec like SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD.
* Bluetooth transmitter module required
Create the Music database from the scanned metadata of the music files in the connected USB storage
Connect the external USB storage to the N25 to store large amounts of music files. The N25 will scan all music files stored in the USB storage, and will build the Music database from the scanned metadata only without transferring the music files themselves.
Clever and convenient fuctions with Music Database
The N25 has an intuitive and powerful Music Database built-in, which offers simple and convenient functions to manage music collections, such as SEARCH, list views by text or cover art, SORT, and various view types (album, artist, etc..).
Edit music tag info
Change or enter information about each album, track or recording for easy browsing. Use a USB keyboard to edit song tag information easily.
Optional WiFi USB dongle for wireless networking
For wireless networking an optional USB WiFi dongle can be purchased.
Create the Music database from the scanned metadata of the music files stored in the NAS drives
Add the shared folders to the N25 by the NET share on the Browser. The N25 will scan all music files stored in the shared folders of the NAS drives, and will build the Music database from the scanned metadata only without transferring the music files themselves
