New Sony NAS-CZ1 Network Audio Player and Shelf System

Technical Details

• Networked audio system that streams music from PCs to any room in the house
• Lets you create up to 5 custom user profiles and up to 4 types of playlists
• Includes CD player for single-disc CD and MP3 (on CD-R/RW) playback
• High-fidelity audio driven by 360-degree omnidirectional speakers
• Measures 18.11 by 6.89 by 7.48 inches (W x H x D); 1-year warranty

Product Description

Having a big digital music library on your computer is great, but what if you could listen to that music anywhere in your home? That's where Sony's NAS-CZ1 comes in. By combining all the great functionality of a networked music player with an AM/FM receiver, a CD player, and great audio performance, this device brings it all together so you can enjoy your music on your terms.

The NAS-CZ1 brings your digital music library to any room of your home. And it does it in style.

The LCD display shows track and server information.

Two rear firing tweeters fill your room with sound. An analog audio input is also provided on the back, along with AM/FM antenna connectors and the all-important ethernet jack. Take a closer look.

A CD player on top of the unit makes the NAS-CZ1 a complete audio system. View larger.

At the heart of the NAS-CZ1 is a networking technology that lets you stream music from up to 10 "servers." This might sound complicated, but Sony has made it pretty easy. First, you install an included application, called M-crew Server, on each PC you wish to use in conjunction with the NAS-CZ1. Using the software, you define your computers as servers for the NAS-CZ1 and register all the music on each of your computers to the NAS-CZ1. This allows the device to know everything about your music so you can customize your listening experience right from the device's interface -- which is controlled by an included remote control.

The NAS-CZ1 connects to your local network via the device's ethernet port. The system can be connected to any network using standard CAT5 network cable or via a wireless connection using a wireless LAN adapter.

Once you're connected, you can browse through your entire music collection on each server using the NAS-CZ1's remote control and LCD display. You can also make up to four types of playlists or search your music library by album title. Meanwhile, user profiles allow different users select their preferred server, and organize custom playlists, albums, genres, and favorite tracks. Up to five user profiles can be programmed on the NAS-CZ1.

But there's also another way to enjoy your music with this device. If you're like most people, you have a favorite application on your computer for listening and organizing your music. Sony hasn't forgotten this, and they've designed the NAS-CZ1 so that it works automatically with major music jukebox applications, including iTunes, Sonicstage, Windows Media Player, and Musicmatch. This feature allows you to pipe music directly from your favorite jukebox app directly to the NAS-CZ1 -- giving you complete control over your home music listening right from your PC.

The NAS-CZ1 supports a wide range of music codecs, including MP3, WAV, ATRAC3 Plus, WMA, and AAC. Keep in mind, though, that the unit does not support playback of copy-protected music files. On top of music file playback, you can also stream your favorite Web radio stations to the device.

If you want to set up a multi-room listening experience, the NAS-CZ1 supports that, too. You can connect multiple NAS-CZ1's to a single server, allowing you to browse your music from wherever you please. Measuring roughly 18 x 7 x 7.5 inches (W x H x D), the stylishly-designed unit fits nicely on a shelf or table top, making it very versatile when it comes to enjoying your music in various locations in your house.

No network music device is worth much if it doesn't sound good. Fortunately, Sony has that angle covered, too. The NAS-CZ1's 360-degree omni-directional speaker design has the right balance of kick and clarity for filling any room with rich, resonate sound. The system is rated at 40 Watts in operation and includes four tweeters -- two of which are aimed towards the rear -- and two subwoofers.

Sony built the NAS-CZ1 to be a fully-featured mini-component system on top of it's network capabilities. You'll find a CD tray on top of the system that, in addition to CD audio playback, can play MP3 CDs and CD-R/RWs. There's also an integrated AM/FM tuner when you want to listen to music the old fashioned way. On top of all that, the system sports an analog input jack so you can connect an external device, such as a portable MP3 player or even another component.

What's in the Box
NAS-CZ1 system, remote control with battery, AM loop antenna, FM lead antenna, network cable, M-crew Server software CD-ROM, user's manual.