The way we listen to music, and the way we buy and store it, has changed radically in the past decade. Devices and techniques that were cutting-edge just a few years ago are now mainstream (or even obsolete in some cases!).

It may seem hard to keep up, but for those prepared to spend the time (but not necessarily money – much of the equipment discussed is surprisingly inexpensive, or you may already own it), the increased ways of accessing music can make for an rewardingly rich listening experience.

The features below offer a 'how to' guide to listening to music stored digitally, whether through your computer, or streamed over a network. Some of the basic concepts are explained and explored – and if there are any terms that seem unfamiliar, then try consulting the glossary.

As the technology develops, so will this section, so please do return. And if there's anything else you'd like to know or discuss, why not join in the conversation in the audio section of the Gramophone forum?

Features - click the highlighted links below

NEW Music in high-resolution surround There's more to downloads and Blu-rays than just better quality: add more channels and things get spectacular

Is network storage a missed retail opportunity? Why shops should be adding value by supplying not just a music player, but a complete computer music solution...

How to build your own NAS device The Gramophone guide to setting up and configuring network storage for your entire music library

Do you need a DAC? Are the latest digital-to-analogue converters hi-fi must-haves, or just a case of audio fashion coming around again?

Onkyo's high-resolution audio ambitions
How one audio company wants to make beyond-CD-quality music more widely available

Mind the gap!
Whether it's the St Matthew Passion or the Ministry of Sound, you need gapless playback

An ever-growing range of formats
MP3, FLAC, ALAC, lossy, lossless or studio master quality – the choice is yours

The end of the CD?
Despite occasional press panics, it may not be nigh – well, not just yet, anyway...

Could open-source Apple Lossless herald a bright audio future?
Maybe – but then the global giant didn't get where it is today by 'doing freebies'...

Computer audio: a solitary pleasure?
Music stored on a computer is convenient: but is it turning us into anti-social listeners?

Apple's iPod, a decade on
It may have taken over the world, but a movement of a symphony is still a 'song'

Apple’s AirPlay: the future of wireless audio?
Will this latest Apple add-on take the company one step closer to hi-fi domination?

More ways to stream the Gramophone Player – and all your other music, too
The options for music streaming just keep on growing: we explain some of the most recent arrivals

The latest wireless music developments
The way we connect our systems is changing: slowly, but it’s happening

Connecting your computer to your audio system
The case for feeding audio from computer to hi-fi is ever more compelling

Digital music storage formats
There’s a bewildering range of formats in which music can be stored - we make sense of them

Ripping and streaming
Computer-stored music has gone way beyond dodgy downloads from suspect websites: here's how to store your music

System alternatives
You've stored your music on computer hard-drives – now find out more about playback options

The changing face of system connectivity
The latest equipment has a range of unfamiliar socketry - here's how to make sense of it all

Product reviews

NEW Naim UnitiLite A more affordable Uniti streaming system for wider appeal

NEW Denon D-F109DAB This flexible system offers a choice of sources and-a sound to delight

NEW AVA Media Zara Premium A sleek, slimline solution for music ripping and storage from an innovative British manufacturer

Linn Kiko High quality sound meets lifestyle appeal

Naim NAC-N 172 XS A new twist on streaming – a network-music-playing preamplifier

Audioquest DragonFly A high-quality DAC in a USB stick, to connect computer to hi-fi

T+A Cala A compact, simple and effective streaming system

Onkyo TX-NR818 It may have all the bells and whistles, but this heavyweight network AV receiver is also a seriously musical amplifier

Audio Pro Living LV2e Wireless music doesnt get much simpler than these leather-clad active speakers

Pro-ject Box Design Stream Box DS A big name for a compact, high-quality streamer

Audyssey LES Media Speakers Not quite wireless, but fine desktop companions

Denon DNP-720AE Streaming made simple – and very affordable

Onkyo TX-8050 A novel spin on streaming systems

Naim ND5 XS Almost – but not quite – as good as the NDX. Unless...

Primare BD32 High-quality streaming from the ultimate universal player

Focal XS Book Fine-sounding speakers designed for the desktop

Ferguson Hill FH009 A novel approach to better TV sound

Naim SuperUniti Moving the all-in-one streaming system forward

T+A Music Receiver The name may be prosaic, but this is an accomplished streamer

NAD C 446 An affordable, smooth-sounding network tuner

Musical Fidelity M1 CLiC A streamer, a DAC and a preamplifier in one small box

Cyrus Streamline A late arrival in the streaming arena – was it worth the wait?

Cambridge Audio Sonata NP30 Simple, compact and affordable network player

Naim NDX High-end network player more than justifies its price

Musical Fidelity V-Link A simple solution to a common computer audio problem

Denon CEOL An unusual name, but a perfectly sensible networked system

Marantz NA7004 Network player aims to cover all the bases

Onkyo TX-NR609 An affordable network receiver with real music-appeal

Sony SMP-N100 Clever little black box delivers music, video, live concerts and more

Revo Heritage A retro radio with very modern features

Linn Majik DS-I The start of the future of music?

Rotel RDG-1520 Streaming capability brings the radio tuner up to date

Naim UnitiQute Simplified one-box network player makes sound sense

AVI ADM9.1 Unusual active speakers prove a viable system alternative

NaimUniti Way beyond the all-in-one norm

Epoz Aktimate Maxi Powered speaker system is much more than an iPod dock

Teufel Concept B 200 USB Value for money package makes computer audio simple

Arcam Solo Neo All-in-one with wireless audio and a smooth, safe sound

Marantz M-CR603 A compact solution packed with performance

Rocketfish Wireless Music System Wire-free hi-fi made simple and affordable

Yamaha NP-S2000 High-end streaming client shows benefits of purist audiophile approach

Glossary

An A-Z of audio – and some video – terminology