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Ready For Digital Source...Computer?

I have speakers and amplification all figured out, now I need a source. No vinyl and not concerned with CD's at this point.
Only steaming online. No Roon either, been there, done that. 

Honestly, (because I need a new computer anyway) I would really like to use a computer to play Spotify (hopefully CD-quality soon), Tidal, Qobuz, etc. but most say a computer is too "Noisy" to use for this purpose. Although, I have heard there are ways around this.

Rather than having to purchase a dedicated music server, does anyone know how to set up a computer as a high-quality music server? I can't really seem to find anything online.

Thanks






high-amp
headphonedreams
527 posts
 

I just want to add another option. Start with a Raspberry Pi as a streamer and use this for a few months or a year. Then you can upgrade to something better. You may be able to try another streamer in your home and compare them. I have a RPi with a s/pdif card and it works great. I might upgrade later but have to upgrade the dac and speakers first. This solution may be had for around $120.

I also use the Volumio software (including their $3.5/month subscription) which let's me use the Tidal app on my phone to control what to listen to.

RPi requires some technical knowledge and tinkering. If you don't feel this is for you there are pre - built solutions available for about $500.

 

 

itsjustme
681 posts
 
itsjustme - $700 it’s ok but there are much better"

Suggestions, please?

OK, but remember that things are personal, i have not heard everything etc. I really try to avoid the superficial "buy this i like it". Using that logic we can deduce from this thread that aPC is both perfect and laughably bad. :-)

 

All that said, I’d listen to are the Denefrips Ares and -- if you can put up with a "kit car" and nonexistent customer service -- the Allo Revolution DAC with the USBridge and their Shanti linear Power supply.  The shanti both measures and sounds suprisingly good.

 

People also seem to like the Chord. I find it somewhat analytical which is not great for poor recordings/masterings of whcih there are many right in my sweet spot of superb classic rock....

 

I have heard many, many $2-4k DACs that are far worse. Listen! Spend some time and effort and get something you really enjoy. And spend more time on getting the basic right than listening to "this is awesome and that sucks". generally both are wrong, at least IME.

 

high-amp OP
508 posts
 
itsjustme - Thanks for all the info!
headphonedreams - & U 2!

The rest...you are the best!

 

 

itsjustme
681 posts
 

BTW, if you choose the Allo, its based on the ESS 9038 chip and therefore has transparent (no truncation errors) digital volume control.  No balance, but voluem contorl. For an all-digital system that has real advantages both in signal chain integrity and money

audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,782 posts
 

high amp there are no options in the evo line

 

standard model $3500.00

high End model $5,500.00

       Aeon model $7500.00

       the Master $16,000.00

 

and with an Evo you can start wiith a standard

and up-grade it to any of the better sounding models

 

Dace and Troy

Audio Intellect NJ

us importers 432Evo music servers

 

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