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Music Server Recommendation

Hello AG community,
I have embarked down the path of getting my music off my computer (iMAC>USB Drive>Ethernet) and on to a dedicated music server.  Primarily I am looking for significantly improved sound quality and instant on. It will feed my DAC (most likely via USB). Need 4TB in onboard storage (no attached drives/NAS). I would really prefer to stay with Roon (have a lifetime sub) but will consider others with equal or superior functionality/sound/remote app.
Budget is $4-5k

My current primary equipment:
PS Audio DirectStream Jr/Oppo BDP-105
Ayre K-5xe Pre
Conrad Johnson MF2500a Amp
Vandersteen Quatro Woods
AQ Niagra 1000
AQ cables

I have been considering the below:

In the lead:
Antipodes EX (+ 4TB SSD)/Roon $5100
Innuous Zenith MKII Std/Roon $?? (can't figure out the US cost yet)

I really like the Antipodes especially the modular approach (ability to add a CX down the road), reviews and their reputation. Innuous seems like it may rival the Antipodes in sound quality. Both are not the easiest to buy or figure out sellers/distributors/pricing.

Trailing:
Aurender N100H $3000
Melco N1 MKII $??

Aurender is readily avail. Conductor app is generally well regarded. Would prefer the N10 but it is out of my range. I have heard some negatives regarding this unit being a bit shrill (definitely not anything I would be happy with). The Melco is very interesting and meets the sound quality std but is probably the fussiest from a setup perspective. Their software/remote app is probably the weakest of this group. Also confused about the 2 x XTB setup (is this a raid array or combined storage)?

What other products should I seriously consider in that price range? Is the budget sufficient for my requirements or should I look used or wait and save more?

Thank you in advance and look forward to your feedback

fdemello
fdemello OP
80 posts
 
@jb0194 @david_ten SGC was on my original list but as @bbarden45 suggests - there is nothing available that outlines what goes into this unit. Website is more marketing/feature based. There isn't even a peak inside the unit.  How much different is this than my MAC serving up my music currently at a cost of $2-$3k? 

My server will live in my rack in my living room.  Would prefer something that looks good but sound quality is paramount and I could live with a no frills black box if that presents the best sound/value 

Anyone familiar with Baetis? 
ronrags's avatar
ronrags
281 posts
 
Have you considered a Music Vault from Sound Science. Neal has a great reputation and supports his products. He has various models which to choose.

I just order his Diamond IIA model which includes the following from his email:


"Your Vault comes with 16GB of RAM and a very fast processor. It gets the most out of Hi-Res files and DSD. It utlizes an energy efficient i5 quad-core processor with passive heat sink and It comes with16 GB of RAM. Included is a Western Digital 3 TB MyCloud for auto-duplication of your music,, plus a 250 GB SSD for the Operating System and control software.

Plays any sample rate and DSD effortlessly. The only Server that's faster than the Diamond IiA is the M7.

The Diamond IIA has bit-perfect output over SPDIF, AES/EBU and USB.

The Diamond IIA is a digital source designed to offer your DAC perfect bits with the lowest jitter which is what your DAC needs for optimal performance.

The Diamond IIA comes with a Blue-Ray drive. This drive was chosen for its superior ripping qualities and has the benefit of allowing the Music Vault to perform as a DVD Player. With optional software it can play back Blue Ray discs too. CDs in perfect shape can be ripped perfectly in this drive in as little as 2 minutes.

The Diamond IIA operating system is housed on a lightening fast solid State Drive which makes it very responsive to commands and keeps the 3TB hard drives working as accurately and quietly as possible. Separation of control and data opens up the data disks to a full 3TB of music storage.

The MV Diamond IIA comes with Jriver for playback and DB Poweramp for ripping as well as Log me in for my remote support.

Your enclosure has a
Footprint of 17.5"W x 13"D x 6"H
Weight 30 lbs"

PS  I ordered mine without Roon but could add at any time in the future.

thewolfaudio
19 posts
 
@bbarden45 This is Joe from Wolf. I'd like to discuss some of the points you have made above (I need to reread some areas, but tight schedule this morning) to better understand what aspects of other manufacturers sites are more attractive to you. I will say that there are a couple areas that I put my foot down and said, "No, we aren't going down this road of marketing speak, and naming something that should be present on every system."  That may be the wrong approach in some cases, but (so far) we prefer to demonstrate our systems prowess in person - at shows, in shops, homes, etc. Please feel free to get in touch directly joe@wolfaudiosystems.com
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
@fdemello I suggested Small Green Computer because @bbarden45 asked to "share what is collectively found" and this:

I'm sure there are some small US-based makers of audio servers that would be easier for us to test in house

Music servers are fairly straightforward to put together and most of us can certainly do so. I chose not to, not because I cannot build one but because my time has value, I value what a designer (specific to their units) brings to the table, and because their units work and are supported. 

I have the sonicTransporter AP (and previously the simpler i5 unit). It handily outperformed my Windows based system and though I cannot say the following with certainty, it will likely surpass your MAC system.

Doug Schroeder of Dagogo recently reviewed the very combination I have here: https://www.dagogo.com/sonore-signature-rendu-se-small-green-computer-sonictransporter-17-roon-dsp-r...

And you can reach out to him directly @douglas_schroeder or here: https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/5004

I am powering my sonicTransporter with an HDPlex power supply and I am using basic isolation devices. I will likely improve the power supply, DC cables, isolation, etc. to squeeze more out of it.

At present it is an essential component in my system and I am very happy with what it brings to my system.

Andrew Gillis of Small Green Computer has been terrific with his support and availability. If you want to save a bit, wait for one of the sale periods (perhaps they will do something for 4th of July) and / or go with a bundled offer.

I have and am also actively considering Wolf, Innuos, Antipodes, etc. so I am not wedded to my unit, but I do strongly recommend it.
fdemello OP
80 posts
 
@david_ten Understood and thank you for the follow up information and your experience with the company.  I will do additional research on them and keep them on the list. 

@ronrags I will take a look at Sound Science.

Appreciate all the info
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