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Best standalone music server?

So I am considering dipping my toes into the full digital world and was wondering what people here may consider as the best standalone music server, and here I am going to be specific.
I do not want to consider a home pc or mac based type of system at all!
Looking at adding one of the standalone models like for example the Wyred4sound ms1 or cocktail audio.
High on my list is ability to rip my cds directly at the unit itself, access to internet radio and other music apps (Pandora etc). High quality built in dac would be nice but if not then high quality digital out to run to an external dac. I will not be needing to access music files stored on another pc as my home pc is pretty old but fully functional for my simple needs. The only music looking to access from it right now are ripped cds and internet available music in whatever form.
So if it worked out well, yes it may be a replacement even for a cd player completely

Thank you
128x128uberwaltz
maxnewid
449 posts
 
I am intrigued by the Musical Fidelity Encore Connect which does what you are looking for. I have had good luck with Musical Fidelity components in the past and suspect that the sound would be a step up from the Vault 2, although with a $3000 price point. Like you, I want a single box I can plug into my existing rack, connect to a router, and be done. Maintaining marital bliss by getting all of the cd's out of our family room and back into my man cave would be a life saver.The challenge is finding a Musical Fidelity dealer in the South.
digipartstrader
2 posts
 
I have the Sony Hap-z1es. Great build and sound quality and control app. You can rip direct to the unit or to a computer and sync to the unit. They list for $2k and you can usually find them cheaper. 

Once its it's loaded up with music it's easy for everyone in the house to use. You can find reviews from various magazines if you search. 
mirolab
208 posts
 
Rip directly to the Sony Hap-Z1ES ???  Umm.... i don't see a CD drive on that thing.  I'd likely buy one if it functioned as a CD player too.

maurice1937's avatar
maurice1937
36 posts
 
Audioaanzee anyone. Would like to hear some opinions

mgreen27
147 posts
 

"Rip directly to the Sony Hap-Z1ES ???  Umm.... i don't see a CD drive on that thing.  I'd likely buy one if it functioned as a CD player too."

If you want one with a CD player, look at the new Resolution Audio. I'm probably going to get one myself. The only issue is that the CD drive can only be used for playback, and not ripping. And you really don't want to rip using an internal drive on a piece like that. High quality rips are very hard on the optical drive, and wear out quite often. Its best to just use external drives.

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