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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
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,378 posts
 
Kudos @parabolic You've got the best low cost solution going. The Raspberry PI, HiFiBerry using Moode or Volumio is amazing at what it can do for under $100. The Pi is non-profit project originally developed for the education market (Cool to read about unrelated to audio). 

Kudos @65voodoo I bet your solution outperforms many of the higher priced recommendations mentioned in this thread from posters who haven't made enough listening comparisons to rightfully make recommendations. 

If any of you recommending Mac or Windows solutions can tell us about your LISTENING EXPERIENCES & COMPARISONS vs. single purpose Linux based appliances with NAS storage solutions or even single box single purpose Linux boxes like @russbutton describes, then please do tell. Because I am sick of reading recommendations of what somebody bought when they haven't compared it to alternatives. 
IMHE, this thread is full of both terrific and terrible advice; more than most. Sorry, too much coffee ;-) Cheers,
Spencer
nepherim
1 posts
 
Agree with everything @russbutton has said.  However, the one point missing here, is the fact that a vast majority of the population is either not able to, or has zero interest in setting up and maintaining their own music server. 

The reason people pay $7k for something which can be thrown together for considerably less, is because they are paying for that expertise. You and I, and many others have the know-how. But we're not the majority. Others without the expertise, or the time, or the inclination prefer a simple, reliable, supported, and working solution. And they are willing to pay.

So yes @russbutton ... you may well be in the wrong business! :)

russbutton's avatar
russbutton
429 posts
 
Last comment.  Though I'm a total Linux-head, if you're willing to live with a Windows machine, both JRiver ($50) and Banshee (free) run on that platform as well.  And truth be told, Windows Media Player isn't bad either.  If you know enough of how to use a web browser, read this forum and post here, you should be competent enough to set up a laptop with any of these applications.  

Just sayin'...
jlaz
25 posts
 
I was in a very similar position to yours earlier this year. I had a Naim NDX, Naim Dac, Naim 555ps on both the NDX and the Dac. I loved Naim for a really long time. When I finally decided to move on from Naim amplifiers I kept the digital front end for a couple of reasons, but most of which is that I invested so much that I could not justify giving it all away. The time did come where it made sense and I found a buyer for the digital items. I decided to be more flexible in the front end. At this point I moved to Boulder electronics so I was more open to options. I decided on the Aurender X100L. I very nearly chose the N20. It sounded great, but I had a hard time justifying the additional cost know that in a few years I will have to assess upgrading again. I probably overspent on the dac, but I love it and I was convinced that it could be upgraded. 

The Aurender has been fantastic. 
dragon_vibe
430 posts
 
Have a look at the Playback design Server and DAC, I compared them to MSB, Bryston, Aurender and to me it sounds cleaner, musical and engaging. 
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