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Music Server/Player for NOS R2R DAC

I'll spare the long story but have recently decided to adopt a new DAC that is a NOS based design and is limited to S/PDIF for input. Once I have it and have had time I'll post my observations and impressions for sound quality. Suffice it to say I am taking a different path from the direction many are going. My music collection is redbook CD converted to FLAC. I am currently using an Atoll MS-100 streamer/player. Very simple interface, software is simple but effective, and initially I will continue using this player.

I am in the process of selling my Esoteric K-07 CD player and have no plans to spin discs going forward. I am not seeking ROON, etc type of interfaces. Prefer keeping FLAC files on either a USB drive or internal hard drive.

So all that said.. told you I would spare the long story!!!... I am curious what music players/servers are out there built very well, great power supplies, and something that would be  a step up from my Atoll. HAS to have RCA S/PDIF output and preferably its own software.

I have identified  a few players thus far but many do not have a coax output.I am quite ok with buying used or demo and would like to keep my price under $5K (preferably less). PLayers I have found thus far which would work are:

Aurender N10
Lumin U1
Auralic Aries G2
DCS Network Bridge

I could buy a higher quality USB to S/PDIF converter but would rather avoid that.

I'll see how this goes ones the new DAC arrives and I experience NOS and R2R for the first time. Am very hopeful it will bring to my ears that which I am seeking! But, looking forward I am wondering what would be a good upgrade from my Atoll. Thx
jdavis37
ianrodger
164 posts
 
https://antipodesaudio.com/antipodes-dx.html
I have a DS model which FLAC rips CDs as does the DX which is a later version. They have SPDIF, coax and USB outputs
I use this with a Denafrips Pontus which is NOS/OS and is R2R type, to great effect.

saleh84's avatar
saleh84
42 posts
 
Aurender N10 via AES (best) or coax, so you take advantage of the aurender's special OCXO clock.
I use it with denafrips Terminator R2R DAC. Can't be happier of the sound/tonality. Aurender is the market leader in my opinion, period. But that is my opinion :)
jdavis37 OP
30 posts
 
ian...........

Thanks. I am having a dense moment.. when I look at the Antipodes gear on their website the images don't show the aes/spdif connections on the back yet I can find manuals, etc which do show them. I have seen many positive reviews of this equipment and they seem to have  avery positive following. If they are still making units with s/pdif coax etc they will be on the short list.

saleh.......

Also thanks especially for the added info about the clock benefits. The N10 was already on my short list but is good to see the positive comments.

To you both thanks for the NOS R2R comments as well. I've heard positive things about the Denafrips units as well. I have high hopes going NOS and not going down the more common path of oversampling and filtering will pay off.

I'll dig further into the Antipodes questions. It could just be I am having a Sr moment though I still have trouble accepting that I am no longer a youngster!
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
I believe Antipodes has optimized around USB output, for their current models. They also offer Stereo Analog Out. (Going off of memory...let me know if otherwise).
jdavis37 OP
30 posts
 
David.. thanks. I wrote Antipodes and received  avery quick reply stating current models did not offer S/PDIF output but they were working on changes in the next 6 or so months. That fits my timeline well so we'll be able to see what they do. Amazingly fast response to my question!
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