2. digital
  3. 162242-154433

Digital File Playing

Hi, I’m new to audiophile digital file playback hope to seek some advice to sort out confusion? This is my requirement:

Try not to use a Windows PC to play digital files from PC software player (seems there is likely issues with signal quality, software etc)
Play back external (from PC) stored FLAC files without using an internal DAC into an external DAC which is then connected to an amplifier- choose files being played from a PC or other device
I’m not much interested in network streaming from subscription services
So, I’m looking for something as a digital file source or transport that can feed an external DAC that can allow me to select tracks or albums?
Thanks for any advice!

alexandered
alexandered OP
1 posts
 
Thanks, budget, $500-1000.
I have the flacs and can rip with no issue.
I don't want to play the files from my PC directly, rather from a box away from my PC into an external DAC.

What I am looking for is a sort of network bridge like Sonore microRendu, but that is perhaps halfway answering my own question.
mahler123
3,416 posts
 
Sounds like you want a server located elsewhere from the PC, but will it be close enough to the DAC to do a wired connection or will you do WiFi?
jond's avatar
jond
5,911 posts
 
You could get a Dac  with a USB input that you could just plug an external harddrive into that would be the easiest route.
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,636 posts
 
Player choices are also limited by DAC input. USB, SPDIF, i2s?
You don’t need a server just put the files on a SSD and plug it in.
BTW microRendu doesn't even have a USB input. Neither I nor SGC could get it to play any local files. REFUND.
I have 5 different streamers in your price range that all play local files.
I do mean DIFFERENT.
More to discover