Digital Trends

NeoDigits Helios X5000 December 12th, 2006 | by Ian Bell

Conclusion

Our take is that if you are in the market for a high-end media streamer or server, we think you should give the Helios X5000 a try. Not only does the X5000 sound great, but it plays digital and DVD video. You would be hard pressed to find a media streamer that does that for fewer than $600 bucks. The X5000 is not without its faults and you should expect to spend sometime fine tuning its settings, you will also need to be patient with it’s boot times. Remember, the X5000 should be treated as one part PC and one part DVD player.


Pros:

• Audiophile components
• Firmware upgradeable
• Supports multiple audio and video types
• Backlit remote control
• Attractive looking


Cons:

• Has trouble streaming larger files
• Software interface and player is amateurish
• Remote control looks and feels cheap
• Poor infrared reception and response
• No physical manual, it’s in PDF form on the included CD
• Does not support SACD or DVD Audio