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Next I had to sample web radio. That interface was basic but functional and via remote I could properly access different menu layers. To waste pixels on sonics would be silly however given how each station cooks its own stew for ‘sound optimization’ where true high fidelity is the exception rather than norm. But technically the N-50 encountered no glitches and let me sample the sonic variety of various stations at will.

A word on the remote. The wand fits the hand very nicely and makes for instant joy without any tired multi-function button shifts or similar complexities. Very nice. Pioneer’s free control app for Apple and Android kit meanwhile wasn’t state of the art yet. The Apple version still lacks HD support for the iPad likely because even in the iPhone version there’s so darn  little space for lists—a meager four rows—that one’s finger cramps just from scrolling to find specific titles and/or select them. Other makers already have better and more convenient interfaces. Sitting directly in front of the N-50, I prefer its remote in conjunction with the display. The app only makes sense when one sits far enough away to render the display illegible. Here I’d hope for updates. I also would have liked to see forward/back jumps within a track and gapless playback. But perhaps a firmware upgrade is just around the corner…

Conclusion. The Pioneer has merit as both a DAC and network player. In the best sense of the word it’s an affordable and surprisingly mature i.e. tonally neutral and accurate switching and playback console for digital signal of all colors. Buyers will secure a solid machine that sounds pleasingly ‘non-digital’ and with its quality internal converters can offer a stem-cell cure to aging CD players as long as those offer a digital output. Its different sonic profiles merely add lovely flexibility that becomes a real boon particularly with compressed music data.

Psych profile:
  • The Pioneer is tonally neutral and full range. Bass attracts no attention for any ills or colorations. Extension is excellent and even ‘way down there’ nothing is lost. Timing with infrasonic transients tends towards the relaxed rather than explosive. The treble is nicely resolved and balanced to neither feel crisp or shaded.
  • Macrodynamics are typical for the sticker, microdynamics are very good to cull much nuance from classical and other demanding music.
  • The N-50 evinces altogether good timing and a rhythmically astute gait where merely bass fiends might wish for more ballistic bass drums.
  • Staging is generous and realistic if not particularly deep. Image focus in both directions (front/back and left/right) feels exceptional for this price class.

Facts:

  • Concept: Network player, Internet radio, D/A converter
  • Dimensions and weight: 435 x 97.5 x 330mm (WxHxD), 7.3kg
  • Trim: Black or silver
  • Socketry: Digital inputs – coax, Toslink, 2 x USB (1 x PC), 1 x Ethernet: outputs – coax, optical and analog RCA
  • Other: Up to 24/192 resolution and data acceptance, Internet radio, optional Bluetooth and WLAN cards (€35/70 respectively), interface via front panel, remote or Apple/Android apps, AirPlay compatible
  • Power consumption: Ca. 30 watts at idle, less than 1 watt in standby
  • Warranty: 2 years
  • Website
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