Hi-Res Audio over WiFi: What it is, how it works, and which brands are integrating it

Listen to high-resolution music wirelessly It's no longer science fiction: Hi-Res Audio over Wi-Fi has made its way into portable players, smart speakers, and network streamers, bringing more faithful and detailed sound to the home without relying on cables. From DAP players with apps and built-in Wi-Fi to speakers with high-end acoustic technologies, the offering is broad and increasingly sophisticated.

In this article, we've compiled all the key information available on various devices and technologies that enable Hi-Res over Wi-Fi, Chromecast built-in, DTS Play-Fi, and advanced codecs. Let's get started!

What it means to play Hi-Res Audio over WiFi and why you might care

El high-resolution audio (Hi-Res) seeks to retain more information and nuances than conventional compressed audio, typically through files or streams with higher sampling rates and bit depths. When we take this to the wireless realm, Wi-Fi networking allows these signals to be carried around the home with fewer bandwidth limitations than Bluetooth., opening the door to higher quality playback from home services and servers.

The Hi-Res certification granted by the Japan Audio Society (JAS) is an indication that the equipment meets certain specifications for response and fidelity, helping to identify products designed to reliably reproduce higher-resolution material. If your system and ears are up to it, you'll notice a boost in clarity and sharpness.

 

FiiO M7K: Hi-Res DAP with Wi-Fi, apps and FM radio

El FiiO M7K It is a special edition that builds on the original M7 and adds two key features for the streaming era:Built-in Wi-Fi and app support, So you can install and use services like Spotify, Tidal, or Deezer directly from the player. It's a DAP designed for everyday use that combines local Hi-Res file playback with access to your favorite platforms.

• Architecture and digital heart: The general description mentions a Samsung Exynos 7220 processor, while the spec sheet specifies a 7270nm Exynos 14 with four 1,4GHz cores; this duality appears in the available documentation and is worth keeping in mind. The integrated DAC is an ESS SABRE ES9018Q2C, a high-performance chip that combines conversion and amplification, with separate power supplies for the digital and analog sections to reduce interference and consumption.
• Measured performance and power: It is quoted as capable of delivering 49 mW of output with a THD+N of -100 dB, and, to expand on the details, the headphone output has figures of ≥70 mW at 16 Ω (THD+N <1%) and ≥40 mW at 32 Ω (THD+N <1%), with output impedance <2 Ω, THD+N <0,004%, response from 10 Hz to 90 kHz (‑3 dB), maximum voltage of 3,35 Vp‑p, SNR ≥117 dB (A‑weighted) and background noise <3 µV; more than solid numbers for a compact DAP.
• Wireless connectivity at the height: In addition to Hi-Res Audio over Wi-Fi for streaming apps, the M7K maintains a very competent Bluetooth profile with support for aptX, aptX HD and LDAC, so you can also use it as a wireless transmitter to high-end Bluetooth headphones or speakers. The Bluetooth version is 4.2 and it is complemented by a dedicated Samsung chip (S5N5C10B01‑6330).
• Integrated FM radio, a rarity among Hi‑Res DAPs: This model preserves FM radio thanks to a specific chip (Si470Z), with an implementation that ensures good reception and performance. To listen to FM you need to use headphones connected by a 3,5 mm minijack, which act as an antenna, and you have a 76 to 108 MHz region with detailed specifications for output power (>20 mW at 76 MHz and >30 mW at 108 MHz), SNR (>50 dBA at 76 MHz and >70 dBA at 108 MHz), THD+N (<0,3% and <0,1% respectively) and response (20 Hz–4 kHz, -3 dB).
• Display, controls and handling: The device features a 3,2-inch TFT touch panel with 480x800 resolution, 292 ppi density, 0,26 million colors, and full viewing angles. Operation combines physical side controls with a volume wheel and a polished interface based on FiiO's own customized Android UI (FiiO Music). The volume control is a 60-step digital potentiometer that offers precision without sudden jumps.

Huawei Sound X: Hi-Res speaker with 360° sound and Devialet technology

If we talk about Hi-Res Audio over WiFi, the Huawei Sound X It is a wireless speaker that bets on immersive sound and powerful dynamics, Developed in collaboration with Devialet and its SAM (Speaker Active Matching) technology, which adapts the response to the speaker characteristics in real time to maintain signal fidelity.

• Dual subwoofers and bass that feels: Two bass drivers operate up to 40 Hz with amplitude peaks close to 20 mm, generating a physical sensation of low frequencies. They are made with high-density magnetic materials to maximize energy with very little power, achieving surprising performance for its size.
• Push-Push Design and High Volume Stability: The symmetrical subwoofer arrangement cancels out vibrations between each other, preventing chassis resonances and distortion even at high volumes. With an SPL of up to 93 dB, the Sound X maintains clarity when other speakers start to shake.
• Six tweeters for a 360º scene: The six-frequency treble tones, tuned using Huawei's Sound algorithm, project an immersive sound field with a wide sense of space and frequency extension up to 40 kHz; the result is detailed, brilliant reproduction with good room dispersion.
• Mobile integration and polished experience: With Huawei Share, you can transfer music from your smartphone to the speaker with a tap, and audio area recognition adjusts playback so you can enjoy it to the fullest without any hassle. Plus, touch controls and overhead lighting add a stylish visual touch to the experience.
• Careful finish and aesthetics: Clean lines, a glass surface, and well-finished details. Its design lets you see how the bass "breathes," providing that extra bit of spectacle while your music plays.

Chromecast built-in: send music to your speakers without the hassle

chromecast design makes it easy to cast music from your favorite apps to your sound system with one tap, whether from an Android phone or tablet, iPhone or iPad, or a Mac, Windows, or Chromebook computer. Simply press the Cast button within compatible apps and choose your target speaker or speaker group—a feature that will enhance your Hi-Res audio experience over Wi-Fi.

Quick tips for enjoying Hi-Res Audio over Wi-Fi

Finally, here are some recommendations to get the most out of Hi-Res Audio over WiFi:

• Prioritize a stable and well-sized Wi-Fi network: Place your router in a central location and avoid interference so that your bandwidth maintains high-quality streams without interruptions. To optimize your connection, you can also learn how to sync audio files with Spotify.
• Choose the transmission route that best suits your needs: Play-Fi facilitates multi-room and multi-service support; Chromecast built-in shines with app-based simplicity; native apps on DAPs like the FiiO M7K allow you to play locally and stream music without relying on your phone.
• Take care of the entire chain: A competent DAC (like the ESS SABRE in the M7K and 6000N) and clean amplification are key; if you're using headphones, check the impedance and sensitivity to match the available output power.
• Bluetooth and advanced codecs, as a complement: While Wi-Fi connections rule here, having aptX HD or LDAC on devices like the M7K is a plus when you're out and about; for maximum quality and high bitrates, keep the connection interference-free and within reasonable distances.
• Don't forget the software: Update your DAP's firmware via a ZIP file when improvements are made, and keep your apps up to date to benefit from fixes and new features. A well-tuned 10-band EQ can fine-tune the response to your room or headphones.