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
Rob
One of the reasons I am still happy with the Vault is Tidal
$20 a month for their hifi service gives MQA at up to 192 speed, yes the whole MQA arguement is raging hard elsewhere but I know what I hear in my system and that is better sq that redbook!
I prefer the digital out from the Vault compared to its analog outs which sound a little soft and flabby imho.

For about $1000 the Vault is hard to beat and its simplicity is half of its appeal to me, I am sure there are better solutions out there but for me it was/is near perfect.

Does not hurt that I can listen to any cd form my collection without getting my backside out of my chair either...lol
If you want a great digital transport that has similar features that their 35k server, streamer has, plus can run Roon and playback up to 8X DSD or 768 khz PCM check this out: List is $4995, but I'm sure they can work with you.  It's sick good with all the software upgrades they keep on doing, so you will have a player that can be upgraded as you keep owning it, which is invaluable for digital as we all know. The thing I like best is that they can remotely set it up and download the software for you when upgrades come out.  No need to have to know computers to set it up, keep it running etc...  That was key to me.

The Memory Player Mini MK-2 now includes our automatic memory-loading software, delivering the best sonics in a smaller size and affordable price.  

 

The Mini can include storage of your choice, with external drives (USB or HDMI) or a networked drive (NAS).    

 

As Digital Transport with USB, SPDIF, HDMI and Toslink connections, the Mini incorporates all of our world-class patented jitter reduction software, including:

  • Defractionalized wide-byte Memory

  • IDEAS for files

  • IDEAS for RAM

  • IDEAS for operating systems

  • The Clock Mapper

  • RUR CD Copier

Optimized solid state storage (USB drive) can be added upon request.


The Mini MK-2 is bundled with JRiver 23 pre-optimized for the best playback, and now features our automatic memory-loading software. No more manually moving music to Memory!

 

Our patented technology is largely player independent and can run effectively with Roon, ITunes, HQ Signalyst, Foobar or any other player of your choice.*

 

The Mini is built upon an Intel-based mini PC platform. The Mini is also fully compatible with our Octuple DSD (DSD512, 22,5792 MHz) and 768 kHz PCM capable DAC which will connect to the MP Mini along with our DC power filtering and regeneration power products.

 

 


The Memory Player Mini – Play It From Memory

 

 

* When additional software is added, the Clock Mapper will need to be re-synchronized.









https://www.thememoryplayer.net/the-mini
A question for those much more knowledgeable than myself.

I stream Tidal through my Vault to my Lyngdorf via digital coax.
Now under info on the Lyngdorf it says max of 96k even if it is supposed to be a 192k MQA file. Is this because digital coax is limited to 96k max?
If so would I get full 192k using the vaults analog outputs instead?
uberwaltz- Is your Lyngdorf a MQA enabled device?
I believe the Bluesound Vault 2 will only send the digital signal for full unfolding to 192 res if the receiving DAC is MQA capable and you have set the Vault 2 to do so. If you send the fully unfolded MQA from the Vault 2 out of it’s analog output you will get the full resolution.

“Bluesound Players are a full MQA playback solution. They will decode and render MQA playback up to 24/192. If however you are connecting an external DAC, the maximum output will be 24/96 and MQA processing is not happening in the DAC.

If you have an external DAC that is certified by MQA, you may bypass Bluesound's MQA rendering process in the Bluesound NODE 2 or VAULT 2 and send the pure untouched music bits directly via TOSLink Optical or Digital COAX output for processing by your external DAC.

  • In the Player Selection Drawer, press the Settings icon next to the selected NODE 2 or VAULT 2
  • From the Audio Settings page, set Tone Controls to Off
  • Set Audio output levels to Fixed
  • MQA External DAC will no longer be grayed out, set this to Yes
  • Close Audio Settings

The Bluesound NODE 2 and VAULT 2 will now bypass MQA processing.”


@2psyop 

Thank you
That is very helpful and likely the reason for just sending at 24/96k right now.

However I do not think the lyngdorf dac is MQA capable right now, need to research that.