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Why a digital media player instead of a dedicated computer?

I’ve been trying for some time now to better understand the value of adding a digital media player to one’s system. This is of interest to me because I listen to music entirely from high-resolution digital files. I keep reading glowing reviews of digital players like the Bryston BDP-2 but I must be missing something, because if you have a computer and a good piece of software I fail to see what the media player adds to the equation. But if there is some kind of advantage to be had, I’d like to know!

I currently store all my high-resolution music files on an external hard drive, which I then connect to a dedicated Macbook Pro running Audirvana Plus. The Macbook outputs the files to an external DAC via USB, then on to my preamp and the rest of my system. I’ve been very satisfied with this arrangement, and it can handle almost any type of file I throw at it, from 16/44.4 to DSD 5.6.

Other than being able to control the playback wirelessly, what would be the advantages, if any, of using a digital media player instead of a dedicated laptop? Is there any sonic improvement to be had over my current arrangement? Or is this simply a matter of convenience and not having to tie up a computer in my music system?

Thanks!
zm
billbartuska
83 posts
 
I've been playing around with "audio" computers for a few years.

hew nailed it......
by using Windows Server 2012 os in core mode (i.e. no GUI), Jplay for streaming and rendering, Audiophile Optimizer and Fidelizer, Process Lasso, etc.

erik_squires
16,378 posts
 
I really wish there was a streamer available today I thought delivered good value and features. 

The Auralic Aries mini for instance is very close, but offers no Android support, and I honestly don't think they'll ever commit to Android. 

Everything else is a combination of too expensive for the value, software I don't like or again, iPhone only. 

I'm using an 8 year old Logitech Squeezebox Touch with a linear supply and no one is prying it away from me. I like how it works, there is active open source development for phone clients as well as the media server part of it. They just added DSD streaming and the AMD A10 based server does other things for me such as games. Now there are also SB emulators ( SqueezeLite ) which let's me turn any PC or old Android device into a Squeezebox.

Honestly media servers have regressed in my mind. It's a decade after the SB and prices are still at the $2,000 level or higher without reaching the level of software maturity and features of the SB. Get the Aries into the $500 range with Android support and then I'll be less cynical. :) 
erik_squires
16,378 posts
 
@tbg There is something inherently wrong with UI designers of JRiver and MediaMonkey.  Very little works as I wold expect it or obfuscates file location and data in such a way as I'm constantly left groping to understand what files I'm working on, listening to or re-tagging. 

Your not alone. 

Erik
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,454 posts
 
Erik I still use squeeze system but also have found plex to be a very good value streaming system. With very good sound that runs on most all common devices.   Not perfect but works well.  
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
Erik- I loved my Modwright Logitech Transporter but the display is dead and my understanding is that replacements are not available, at least from Logitech.  That's the problem w dedictated servers which typically have proprietary parts or software. That's why I have upgraded my PC-based server/computer (Sound Science Music Vault) to one of the very low rpm fan models and installed it directly in my system.  

Should protect me from having another $3K boat anchor.  Of course if you know of source for a replacement display, I'd love to know about it.  
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