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Music Server Recommendation

Hello AG community,
I have embarked down the path of getting my music off my computer (iMAC>USB Drive>Ethernet) and on to a dedicated music server.  Primarily I am looking for significantly improved sound quality and instant on. It will feed my DAC (most likely via USB). Need 4TB in onboard storage (no attached drives/NAS). I would really prefer to stay with Roon (have a lifetime sub) but will consider others with equal or superior functionality/sound/remote app.
Budget is $4-5k

My current primary equipment:
PS Audio DirectStream Jr/Oppo BDP-105
Ayre K-5xe Pre
Conrad Johnson MF2500a Amp
Vandersteen Quatro Woods
AQ Niagra 1000
AQ cables

I have been considering the below:

In the lead:
Antipodes EX (+ 4TB SSD)/Roon $5100
Innuous Zenith MKII Std/Roon $?? (can't figure out the US cost yet)

I really like the Antipodes especially the modular approach (ability to add a CX down the road), reviews and their reputation. Innuous seems like it may rival the Antipodes in sound quality. Both are not the easiest to buy or figure out sellers/distributors/pricing.

Trailing:
Aurender N100H $3000
Melco N1 MKII $??

Aurender is readily avail. Conductor app is generally well regarded. Would prefer the N10 but it is out of my range. I have heard some negatives regarding this unit being a bit shrill (definitely not anything I would be happy with). The Melco is very interesting and meets the sound quality std but is probably the fussiest from a setup perspective. Their software/remote app is probably the weakest of this group. Also confused about the 2 x XTB setup (is this a raid array or combined storage)?

What other products should I seriously consider in that price range? Is the budget sufficient for my requirements or should I look used or wait and save more?

Thank you in advance and look forward to your feedback

fdemello
fdemello OP
80 posts
 
@mitch2 Would love to find a used Antipodes DX. Out of my price range new. Glad to hear your experience with Antipodes N America has been +

@ricred1 I will keep an eye out for that one. Don't see many Antipodes hit the used market (probably due to the upgrade paths)
ron17
607 posts
 
I owned an Aurender N100H for 2 years and recently purchased an Innuos Zenith mk2 SE (demo unit from Axpona 2018).  As far as usability the Zenith is way easier to use.  Ripping CD's is so easy compared to the Aurender....Also the ability to use Roon over Aurender's Conductor app is a huge step up.  My unit came with 4 TB's and with my large library I needed it.  Innuos just came out with the Zenith mk3.  If you are on a budget I'd look for a demo Zenith mk 2.  I'd call Mark Sossa with Well Pleased Audio for a retailer near you, he is the US distributor for Innuos.  He might also be able to find you a demo unit....Hope this helps.
bbarden45
13 posts
 
Have you considered the Pink Faun music servers?
fdemello OP
80 posts
 
 @ron17 I just got a price on the Innuous MK3 4TB at $6k. A little over what I want to spend. Good advice on the Mk2 and thanks for the contact.

@bbarden45 haven't heard of them but will do some research
bbarden45
13 posts
 
I’m in a similar position, running Roon ROCK on a PC into Matrix X spdif 2 USB>I2S into DS. Sounds pretty darn good but wonder how much more a proper server would improve things.   Adding the Matrix DDC really cleaned up the USB signal allowing it to become much more dynamic and well cleaner with less treble fuzz.

I too would like to stick with Roon (lifetime), Pink Faun are hand built in Scandinavia and thus difficult to eval in US at home but the/he welcomes returns up to 30 days to allow a trial for the cost of return shipping of course ~$100.  

I’ve not been terribly impressed with very many other builds. Many of them are not much more than slightly customized PCs.  Pink Faun, Antipodes look well done.  Wolf, not so much.  Aurender doesn't run ROCK.

P.S. I had Vandersteen 2Ce Sigs for about 20 years. I enjoyed them very much, alas they were too large for my semi-retirement downsized house.
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