PIONEER N-50AE

Second-hand. In good conditions. Shows some minor signs of wear, as seen in the photos. Comes with original packaging, remote control, and manual.

Good on consignment

The Pioneer N-50AE is a network player designed to offer maximum freedom and versatility in music playback. Whether streaming from cloud services, accessing a NAS, using a USB hard drive, or connecting directly to a PC, this device ensures an optimal listening experience without complications or the need to adapt to complex procedures.

The N-50AE integrates FlareConnect technology, an advanced wireless protocol that enables audio transmission from any connected source—including turntables and streaming services—to compatible speakers in different rooms, creating a perfectly synchronized multi-room ecosystem. The dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity ensures a stable, uninterrupted transmission, supporting both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, the latter being ideal for seamless high-resolution audio streaming.

For those who prefer to access their music library without using a PC, the player allows for direct connection of an external HDD via USB, enabling playback of stored files. Additionally, it supports file transfer from a computer to the hard drive over the home network while the unit remains connected, simplifying music collection management.

The N-50AE features a 3.5-inch color LCD display, which facilitates navigation through settings and tracks while also displaying album artwork. The brushed black aluminum front panel includes power, source selection, and playback controls, along with a USB port for direct connection of storage devices or Apple products.

From a technical perspective, the core of the system consists of two ESS ES9011S SABRE32 Ultra DACs, one for each channel, delivering high-quality digital-to-analog conversion. The device supports lossy formats such as MP3, WMA, and AAC, as well as lossless formats up to 192 kHz/24-bit in WAV, AIFF, FLAC, and Apple Lossless (limited to 96 kHz), along with DSD64 and DSD128. The "Direct" mode ensures faithful signal reproduction, while 32-bit/192 kHz upsampling enhances standard-resolution files. Additionally, the "Auto Sound Retriever" circuit attempts to restore lost detail in compressed files.

Unlike many devices in the same category, the Pioneer N-50AE stands out for its solid build quality and 7.5 kg weight, a result of separate transformers for the digital and analog sections and a reinforced base for improved stability. The design features three raised feet, a choice aimed at reducing vibrations.

The rear panel includes an Ethernet port, coaxial and optical digital inputs, a USB-B port for computer connection, and an additional USB port for storage devices or Apple products. The audio output options include coaxial digital, optical digital, and stereo RCA analog, with generous connector spacing for easier cabling.

The unit comes with a well-built IR remote control featuring dedicated buttons for all key functions.

Overall, the Pioneer N-50AE is a high-performance network player, capable of handling a wide range of digital sources with excellent sound quality and a superior build. The integration of a color display and high-end DACs makes it an attractive choice for those seeking a versatile, high-performance device in the world of music streaming.

Technical specifications:

• 4-channel parallel circuit with SABRE32 Ultra DAC (ES9016S)
• DSD playback up to 11.2 MHz
• WAV, FLAC, Apple Lossless, and AIFF playback up to 192 kHz/24-bit
• USB-DAC function supporting up to 384 kHz/32-bit LPCM and 11.2 MHz DSD
• DIRECT mode for faithful signal reproduction
• Hi-bit32 audio processing
• Upsampling up to 384 kHz
• Plug-and-play support for external HDDs and USB drives
• Compatible with Pioneer Remote app (iOS/Android)
• Built-in dual-band Wi-Fi (5 GHz / 2.4 GHz)
• Two USB Type-A inputs (one front, one rear) for USB drives or HDDs
• One USB-DAC input (Type-B)
• One Ethernet input
• Two gold-plated RCA analog audio outputs
• One gold-plated coaxial digital input and output
• One optical digital input and output
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 435 x 99 x 340 mm
• Weight: 7.4 kg