You read this correct. Onkyo believes there is still a market for people who want new audio equipment to listen to compact discs, combined with the convenience of an all-in-one stereo speaker system. Two similar looking products are aiming for this niche, models CS-375 ($249) and CS-N575 ($399). The latter adds networking and higher fidelity audio for those that want to step into the modern era of music streaming and care more about sound quality. However, CD playback should sound the same from either.
Both models share 20 W + 20 W (6 Ohms, 1 kHz, 10%, 2-channels driven) switching amplification developed by Onkyo’s engineering team featuring its new Optimum Audio Control DSP tuning. Onkyo claims this technology delivers instantaneous, high-driving power for increased speaker sound-pressure to create a wide, immersive sound field.
Both units deliver a musical experience akin to component systems, and include a simplified user-interface on the front-panel that features a new JOG dial control that helps people of any age find and play music in seconds. The network-enabled CS-N575 steps up to a larger informational LCD for navigating content, as well as displaying full-color album-art and information.
Both CS-N575 and CS-375 have wake-and-play Bluetooth technology along with an FM tuner, while the CS-N575 gains Next Generation Network Audio supporting Chromecast built-in, DTS Play-Fi, and FireConnect powered by Blackfire multi-room over 5 GHz/2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.
With Chromecast built-in, users can stream music from Chromecast-enabled apps for iPhone, iPad, Android devices, Mac or Windows laptop, and Chromebook to supported speakers, audio, and home theater systems.
Alternatively, with DTS Play-Fi technology, users can stream music to the CS-N575 from the Onkyo Music Control app for iPad, iPhone, or Android devices. If users have other compatible components, music playback can be synchronized around the home, or different music streamed to different speakers via the app from the same device.
On the CS-N575, Spotify, TIDAL, Deezer, Pandora, and TuneIn can be explored using the JOG dial and LCD; dedicated apps (where available), or the Onkyo Controller multi-room remote app for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices.
Onkyo claims that with processing and amplification performed in the digital domain, accurate detail resolution is possible across a wider frequency bandwidth for rich, nuanced vocals, buoyant bass, and unstrained articulation of high frequencies.
The supplied acoustic-suspension speakers include a 5-inch pressed pulp-fiber woofer and 1-inch soft-dome tweeter in a thick MDF baffle. The speakers project rich stereo sound out of a compact footprint.
Wired connectivity is generous with both systems gaining USB Audio playback from flash-memory devices. The CS-N575 adds support for HDDs and Hi-Res Audio to 192 kHz/24-bit in FLAC, WAV, and ALAC formats, as well as DSD in up to 5.6 MHz resolution. Both include a 96 kHz/24-bit-capable optical digital audio input (ideal for TV or PC connection), RCA line-level input, and front-loading CD player for audio and MP3-encoded discs. The CS-N575 also features a pre-out for subwoofer connection.
Price and Availability
