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Music Server/Player for NOS R2R DAC

I'll spare the long story but have recently decided to adopt a new DAC that is a NOS based design and is limited to S/PDIF for input. Once I have it and have had time I'll post my observations and impressions for sound quality. Suffice it to say I am taking a different path from the direction many are going. My music collection is redbook CD converted to FLAC. I am currently using an Atoll MS-100 streamer/player. Very simple interface, software is simple but effective, and initially I will continue using this player.

I am in the process of selling my Esoteric K-07 CD player and have no plans to spin discs going forward. I am not seeking ROON, etc type of interfaces. Prefer keeping FLAC files on either a USB drive or internal hard drive.

So all that said.. told you I would spare the long story!!!... I am curious what music players/servers are out there built very well, great power supplies, and something that would be  a step up from my Atoll. HAS to have RCA S/PDIF output and preferably its own software.

I have identified  a few players thus far but many do not have a coax output.I am quite ok with buying used or demo and would like to keep my price under $5K (preferably less). PLayers I have found thus far which would work are:

Aurender N10
Lumin U1
Auralic Aries G2
DCS Network Bridge

I could buy a higher quality USB to S/PDIF converter but would rather avoid that.

I'll see how this goes ones the new DAC arrives and I experience NOS and R2R for the first time. Am very hopeful it will bring to my ears that which I am seeking! But, looking forward I am wondering what would be a good upgrade from my Atoll. Thx
jdavis37
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
I believe Antipodes has optimized around USB output, for their current models. They also offer Stereo Analog Out. (Going off of memory...let me know if otherwise).
jdavis37 OP
28 posts
 
David.. thanks. I wrote Antipodes and received  avery quick reply stating current models did not offer S/PDIF output but they were working on changes in the next 6 or so months. That fits my timeline well so we'll be able to see what they do. Amazingly fast response to my question!
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astewart8944
499 posts
 
@jdavis37 I owned the Antipodes DX--it had SPDIF out. I now own the Antipodes DX3. It has USB out only that I then feed to a DEQX Premate that has SPDIF out to my DAC. If your DAC performs better via SPDIF than USB, I recommend this approach. FWIW, I'm a strong advocate for Antipodes servers. However, they seem to constantly be changing their "flagship" and it seems this has made consumers cautious in pulling the trigger on their products. The EX/CX combo two box "flagship" came out less than a year or so after the launch of the DX3 "flagship."
Please confirm whether they told you they would be going back to an SPDIF out option on their newer EX/CX combo line up. If so, this would be pretty big news since in the very recent past they have strongly argued that their architecture is specifically optimized for USB output (as @david_ten notes) and as such was superior to SPDIF output (their words not mine). 
jackd
1,067 posts
 
Instead of just looking at streamers that just meet the output requirements of a specific DAC I would look a little further in the future to very likely DAC changes that may have other output requirements.  In that regard the Lumin U1 and Mini or the Aries G1 and G2 have all four basic outputs.  
ianrodger
164 posts
 
@jdavis37    you probably spoke to Tony at Antipodes. What a terrific support person he is. Any issues at all, he can remotely access your PC and set everything up to work exactly how it should, or how you want it. My DS has USB and SPDIF outputs and I have found the USB to be more organic and is my preferred option. Their units also come loaded with some good music of various genres so you can get going immediately without having to rip CDs into it. I am supremely happy with the pairing of the DS with the Denafrips Pontus. Their support matches that of Antipodes too - fast response and eagerness to assist from the wonderful Alvin.
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