So, you’ve got one of the best 4K TVs, a top-notch Dolby Atmos soundbar, and high-quality wireless speakers scattered around your home for excellent hi-res audio, all connected to your NAS drive. But what if you want to take things up a notch?
Enter the Luxman NT-07 network transport. It’s designed to enhance what you already have. It’s a specialized component that enables playback of a wide range of digital file-based and streaming audio sources, integrating them into high-quality component audio systems.
Key Features
Digital Sound Acceptance
The NT-07 accepts digital sound from your local storage NAS drive or the best music streaming services via Ethernet, USB, and HDMI (in and out with ARC). This means it can enhance the audio from your TV, Blu-ray Disc player, games console, or other video sources. It then outputs to any external digital-to-analog converter (DAC).
Noise Reduction
As you’d expect from a device focused on audiophile sound quality, Luxman’s engineers have identified and reduced various types of noise. The NT-07’s core stages include the Japanese company’s latest generation of high-speed processor modules, which should have ample power to enhance any movie, track, or album they’re given. The power supply section is “especially robust”, fitted with a custom high-capacity transformer and a pair of special 10,000 µF filter capacitors.
Control of Premium Audio Sources
Central to the Luxman NT-07 is its ability to manage and control all your premium audio sources. Its RJ-45 Ethernet port, which receives stored audio data via Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) and the OpenHome platform, makes it particularly suited to your NAS drive. Front or rear USB 2.0 ports can accept files directly from thumb drives and larger USB drives. Roon certification is also in the works.
HDMI Inputs and Outputs
Luxman NT-07’s HDMI inputs and outputs with ARC are a significant feature, as they can support Audio Return Channel (ARC) and two-channel HDMI audio output with PCM encoding up to 24-bit/192kHz sampling – or very hi-res audio for movies.
The NT-07’s Biggest Selling Point: Intelligent Resampling
The NT-07 requires a connection to either an outboard digital-to-analog converter or a disc player featuring internal DAC access, via its digital inputs. Luxman might suggest its own D-07X, D-10X, D-03X, and D-N150.
The NT-07 provides digital output via USB, optical, or coaxial terminals. The USB subsystem supports PCM sampling up to 32-bit/768kHz, plus DSD sampling up to 22.5 MHz (at 1 bit). The optical and coaxial outputs boast up to 24-bit/192kHz sampling. To work with the widest range of DAC modules, the NT-07 also provides MQA decoding with three selectable modes: Off, Core Decoding, and Pass-Through.
For best results, Luxman recommends using the intelligent resampling function of the NT-07. It matches the sampling frequency and bit depth supported by the connected DAC and supports PCM at sampling rates from 44.1k to 384 kHz. Luxman provides individual up/down sampling settings, so you can adjust the levels of resolution.
User Interface
One other thing to note about this device, apart from its large organic LED display, is that the front fascia has just one control – a power switch. You’ll likely operate the NT-07 via your smartphone or tablet, thanks to the free Luxman Stream app for iOS and Android, which allows users to configure, select sources, pick songs, and generally control playback. However, an aluminum IR remote control is also included.
Pricing
The Luxman NT-07 network transport is available immediately, at a suggested retail price of $7,495 / £6,500 (around AU$11,450). Yes, you read those correctly; that’s high-end audio.
