Playmaker mystery

It may just be me but B&O have slipped out an odd little wireless bridge called the "Playmaker" as an attempt to tackle the threat posed by Sonos and move them deeper into streaming territory. It is an interesting yet really odd product; B&O seem oddly coy about its abilities beyond claiming both DLNA / AirPlay compliance with support for the usual range of file types.

In theory it has potential but dealers seem as confused by this new device. For one thing there is no information about its specially tuned DAC or it's ability to stream 24 bit or hires files. In addition the usual care and attention to design details or manufacturing materials seems to have deserted the Danes this time. Awkward is the best way to describe the looks and cheap is the only way to describe the white plastic casework.

The ability to stream from both UPnP and AirPlay devices is interesting though and coupled with a good Naim amp or active Beolab 3s or 9s it might make sense. Yes I know around here active class D amplification is heresy but to my ears both speakers sound pretty good and I have a soft spot for ICEpower and digital amplification.

Tog