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Music Server buying considerations

sorry if covered before
i use a small fanless pc into a usb isolation unit and then into a Chord Qutest DAC.  I have a 4tb drive attached.

So.... is a music server really better? or just a overpriced pc?    If better, what are key considerations when buying one?  they all seem so overpriced to me.   I would want one without a DAC in it.  thoughts? recommendations?

thanks 
mlapenta
mahler123
3,109 posts
 
I’ve done both, PC and Music Server.  You can achieve good sound either way.  Personally I prefer not to be using a PC because I get sick of working with them and prefer to have an audio component.  If you are uncomfortable however with paying “extra” for an Audio piece that at heart is a computer, I would just stick with a PC based system and optimize it
erik_squires
15,974 posts
 
I don't think it's better. Perhaps more convenient.

The real differentiator IMHO is the software, android/iPhone compatibility and how likely they are to maintain and upgrade.


This makes going with a Roon-like ecosystem really attractive.


mike_in_nc
1,129 posts
 
It sounds like you have a nice setup already.

I’m not sure what you mean by a music server. It’s kind of a vague term. Something to send music over your home network? Or a PC (they are all really PCs of some kind) that is specifically configured and marketed as a music player?

In terms of software, any PC will run JRiver Media Center. While I have some quibbles with it, it’s really very powerful and better than almost anything. It’s very flexible and offers excellent library management, as well as bit-perfect playback.
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