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Music Server

I am looking for a reliable and easy to use music server with a very good interface software package.  I have about 4,500 CDs, the majority classical, so I am looking for something that does a good job at cataloguing the content.  I currently run a Naim NDS/Uniti server.  I think the software is adequate, but, I have FAR too many bugs and problems keeping it working correctly.  Enough is enough.  I would like something that is much more stable and reliable that is designed to handle a decent sized collection. 

I did some quick research and found the Antipodes server.  It seems to have the ability to run a number of different software packages (comes with Roon pre-loaded) and it has built-in capability to rip CDs, both of which are a big plus, but, I am a bit concerned about whether it might be a bit complicated to use.  I have also taken a quick look at the Aurender servers.  I have a good local dealer who is a computer whiz that carries the Aurender so that is a big plus.  Another big plus would be something that could take what I have already loaded on my QNAP NAS and work with that so I don't have to re-load, edit metadata, etc. all 4,500 CDs again.

Are there any other top end servers that I should be looking at?  Also, any suggestions on a DAC to couple with the server?

Thanks.

larryi
jonaiken
53 posts
 
I agree with Grannyring and Swampwalker - call Neal at Sound Science, you want be disappointed and you get a lot for the money with his servers. Never thought Digital could sound this good.  

jayrossi13's avatar
jayrossi13
183 posts
 
I’ve had computer music servers (Mac mini, NAS, Audirvana) and purpose-built music servers with internal music storage (Aurender N100H and Antipodes DX Gen 2).

From my personal experience, I can say that both the Aurender and the Antipodes are considerably better than the Mac mini solution from the perspectives of sound quality, control and ease of use.

The Aurender Conductor app works flawlessly, has an easy to use interface and a nice Tidal integration.

With the Antipodes, I use Roon as the control software. As indicated earlier in this thread, the Roon server software runs directly on the Antipodes. The Tidal integration and music metadata are absolutely amazing with Roon.

The sound quality of the Antipodes DX is much better than the N100H, but it’s close to triple the price.

Both the Aurender and Antipodes came with easy to follow directions and were problem free once set up. With each of these devices you do need a hardwired network connection whereas the Mac Mini can connect to a wireless network.

Would your local Aurender dealer be willing to loan you a unit for a home audition?




paul79
174 posts
 
I have to plug the Totaldac Server. He has really taken it to a level I never thought possible for a digital source. I would be more than happy to discuss it with you further if you wish. Just shoot me a message.

rbstehno
1,432 posts
 
I have used a Mac mini for years as a music server running software like pure music and audirvana. Using the latest audirvana software and getting rid of iTunes was a big step in the right direction but the interface was crude. When I started evaluating 3rd party music servers, I was surprised that they were better sounding than a Mac/audirvana setup and not by a small amount.
i still use my Mac mini running OS X server and minimserver to hold all my ripped music. 

If if you are going to use any music server whether it's on a Mac or dedicated server, you don't want to have any disks attached to it if this box is going to be in your audio rack. I have always had my disks in another room or 100ft away in the basement. I use a GIGe switch network which has no dropouts.
dgarretson
2,598 posts
 
I think I’m headed in sbank’s direction with a microRendu Ethernet-to-USB appliance at the DAC in conjunction with a QNAP NAS with i5 processor. That should be enough processing power to support Roon, HQ player, and Vinyl Studio software. Add an external Lynx HiLo ADC, and all the elements are in place to archive vinyl.
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