@uberwaltz thanks for the suggestion. I am kind leaning towards the Curious or Phasure Lush at the moment
@ron17 Thanks Ron. I do like the Nordost cables
@ron17 Thanks Ron. I do like the Nordost cables
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
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
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- 89 posts total
I ended selecting the Phasure Lush USB after reading through this CA thread: https://www.computeraudiophile.com/forums/topic/30376-a-novel-way-to-massively-improve-the-sq-of-com... I have rearranged my rack for the Innuos and ordered the IsoAcosutics Orea Blue's To quote Tom Petty: The waiting is the hardest part.... |
By the way, PS audio DACs with the bridge II sound way better than when using the USB input. I used to have a PWD mk II with Bridge II, and my experience with Bridge fed via Ethernet vs USB on that DAC was that it was no contest at all. Since you have a DAC designed to take an Ethernet stream, You owe it to yourself to give it a try. In fact, there are not many DACs that work in a similar way to yours regarding the ethernet input. I find it vastly superior to USB. When I changed my system, I was sure to only go for a digital solution with the same philosophy as Paul’s PS Audio Bridge and Ethernet. |
@marktomaras Absolutely Mark. There is some debate and contrarian opinions on this but I do plan to try both USB & Ethernet and listen/compare. Also toying with idea of buying a USB/Toslink converter as a 3rd option. According to Ted Smith toslink also has advantages the other 2 don't (lower noise/jitter I think with limitation to 96kHz). PS DSJr Specs: I2S, and USB - 44.1kHz to 352.8kHz 16bit, 24bit, DSD 64, DSD 128 TOSLINK – 44.1kHz to 96kHz 16bit, 24bit XLR (AES/EBU)S/PDIF (coax)-- 44.1kHz to 192kHz 16bit, 24bit, DSD 64 BRIDGE II -192kHz 32 bit compatible |
- 89 posts total