NTS and Atonemo make a $179 radio streamer for stereo systems
The NTS Radio Player adds dedicated NTS controls and support for major casting services, but it does not include Bluetooth.
By Hana Yoshida · Markets Reporter
2 min read
NTS Radio and Swedish audio company Atonemo have made a dedicated streaming box for bringing NTS stations and other music services to stereo and speaker systems, The Verge reported. The $179 NTS Radio Player gives internet radio listeners a hardware option built for existing audio setups.
The device is designed to work with a broad range of systems through a standard 3.5mm audio output, according to The Verge. It also ships with an adapter cable for RCA connections, making it usable with older hi-fi gear as well as other speakers that accept analog input.
Dedicated controls for NTS streams
The NTS Radio Player includes two buttons on top for direct access to NTS 1 and NTS 2, The Verge reported. It also has a large dial with 16 stepped positions for selecting among the station’s continuous mixtape streams.
Audio output is rated at 24-bit / 192kHz, according to The Verge. The report said the device does not include Bluetooth, which leaves casting and wired output as its main paths for playback.
The player is not limited to NTS programming. The Verge reported that, like Atonemo’s existing Streamplayer, it supports AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect, allowing users to play music from services such as Qobuz and Apple Music through the same hardware.
A hardware bet on human-programmed radio
NTS has been operating since 2011, according to The Verge. The station is known for music programming selected by people rather than algorithmic recommendation systems, with shows and mixes spanning areas such as underground Japanese psychedelia and deep house.
The Verge also noted that NTS programming includes regular DJs and guest hosts. Recent or cited names in the report included Axel Boman, Arushi Jain, who also performs as Modular Princess, and Wu-Lu.
The collaboration positions the NTS Radio Player as both a branded radio device and a general-purpose network music streamer. For listeners with older stereo equipment, the main appeal is that it can add internet radio and modern casting support without replacing the rest of the system, according to The Verge’s description of the product.
This story draws on original reporting from The Verge.