Building a music server - newbie

I have been running Rakuennow method for over a year, laptop to USB DAC with all files on Buffalo NAS running RAID 1. will add a 2nd Buffalo when I run out of space, running RAID 1 does cut the storage space by half but I have more than music in that server.

Microsoft also has network storage solution running Intel Atom, that can be another option and much more flexible than Buffalo NAS but cost is also higher.

Wow, Sounds like a bunch of options. OK, I give up on the sound card and will try to DAC. Have never used or bought one. What about an external hard drive? Looks like I can get one for $100.00. I only have 1,000 cds , so, from what I understand, I could store them all on it in the original file format. And buy a second one for backup. What's the advantage of a NAS? I only have one room where my stereo is and will just run the audio through the one system.

Thank each of you for taking the time to share your thoughts.

Hello All,

Any one can explain How will be the noice/jitter level while playing laptop as the transport? Is there any other way to play the music to avoid such problems.

Rabbani

Has anyone used Windows Home Server to set up they're computer based system? How well does it work?
Sgr

I'm in in this process now, with MAC. I'm really happy I made the move. A few thoughts (although there are lots of helpful threads here already).

1. I had bad luck trying to set up a Buffalo Technology NAS; poor customer service. I'm currently ripping to a Lacie Quattro hard drive; quiet and relatively attractive, a bit under 150 for a TB.

2. The USB cord from PC to DAC seems to matter; it's worth considering upgrade from stock.

3. The PS Audio Perfect Wave DAC is worth a look; I'm enjoying mine.

4. ComputerAudiophile is an extremely helpful site, though somewhat MAC-centric.

John