Inuos makes a $999 unit and as several of us have mentioned Alma music in SanDiego
Music Server - The Search Begins
I recently upgraded my amp to a Lyngdorf TDAI-3400, which incorporates the highest quality DAC I have owned, so it's gotten me to seriously consider adding a music server to my system.
I've been mainly playing records through my system for the past 8 years, so I really haven't paid much attention to the digital side of things. I need some help figuring out what's ideal for my needs.
The main criteria I have:
- Needs to be able to store a lot of music because I have thousands of CDs and downloads I want to store in one place
- Should have its own CD ripper
- Needs to be easy to use. I'd like to be able to navigate it without having to use a phone, tablet or computer all the time
- Must be reliable. Glitchy, buggy systems will end up being returned.
- Must sound good, but doesn't need to be in the top 5% of its class.
- Should be under $3K (but willing to consider higher priced if the benefits are really worth it)
Servers that I've been considering include the Cocktail Audio X50D, Sony HAP-Z1ES, BlueSound Vault, Melco N1. I realize that not all of these on my list include every criteria I listed above, hence my plea for help.
If you have experience using a server that you really like and that might make sense for me please share your experiences. Thanks so much!!
Peter
I've been mainly playing records through my system for the past 8 years, so I really haven't paid much attention to the digital side of things. I need some help figuring out what's ideal for my needs.
The main criteria I have:
- Needs to be able to store a lot of music because I have thousands of CDs and downloads I want to store in one place
- Should have its own CD ripper
- Needs to be easy to use. I'd like to be able to navigate it without having to use a phone, tablet or computer all the time
- Must be reliable. Glitchy, buggy systems will end up being returned.
- Must sound good, but doesn't need to be in the top 5% of its class.
- Should be under $3K (but willing to consider higher priced if the benefits are really worth it)
Servers that I've been considering include the Cocktail Audio X50D, Sony HAP-Z1ES, BlueSound Vault, Melco N1. I realize that not all of these on my list include every criteria I listed above, hence my plea for help.
If you have experience using a server that you really like and that might make sense for me please share your experiences. Thanks so much!!
Peter
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- 62 posts total
I have the 2TB Innous Zenith MK2. It’s a great CD ripper; easy to setup and use; I control it using my iPad Pro or laptop. Tidal masters and DSD music sounds fantastic. You can rip to WAV or FLAC, I prefer FLAC. Instead of Roon, I use its Logitech Media Server because I have a number of Squeezebox, Raspberry PI DAC, and AirPlay active speaker end-points around the house. I think you’d be very satisfied with a Zenith. Since the MK3 is out, you might be able to get a used or demo MK2 at a good price. |
I have been using the cocktail x50 for about 1 year now and I am very happy with it. Excellent interface, up to 12 terabytes of storage, mqa rendering, support for Tidal and Spotify and excellent sound quality overall. I also have the Auralic Aries in another system and I use a NAS drive to communicate with the x50. Excellent support. |
Wolf Audio makes excellent servers at many performance levels. My Luna is controllable from an iPad or the large monitor touchscreen attached to the unit. Support and service is excellent. https://wolfaudiosystems.com/ |
- 62 posts total