2. digital
  3. 170661-100084

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
high-amp OP
508 posts
 

itsjustme - Having read and re-read your many susequent posts I find you are at another level, far above my undersatnding of computers. When I was using my MacBook Air via USB to DAC I thought it sounded great.

I also thoroughly enjoyed using my Roon Nucleus (as a music server) to DAC via USB as well.

It is others that suggest computers are "Noisy" so I was looking for others opinions on the mater.

I just thought if I could remove one more box out of the audio loop (Roon Nucleus/Music Server) by hooking up my computer when I wanted to stream music. Along with that, avoid paying two mothly subscription, one for Roon and another for a music service.

 

high-amp OP
508 posts
 

audiotroy- What about this:

432 EVO Essence DAC & music server - 432 EVO Music Servers | High End Digital Audio Streaming

Price?

sns
3,193 posts
 

itsjustme correct, all servers are essentially optimized computers, the optimization is the critical difference between them. I consider actual computer diy solution, off the shelf server already done for you.

 

Its also correct that much of the noise upstream of dac can be eliminated by various means. Optical conversion of ethernet is one good way, do this just prior to dac or various usb renderers.

 

Network optimization pays great dividends. In the end, many paths to great streaming sound quality.

sns
3,193 posts
 

Also, if you're if your choice comes down to non-optimized computer vs. server, get the server. I progressed from stock Windows and Mac computers to somewhat modded mac mini, then present extremely moded mac mini. No comparison, even the first modded mini was far superior to stock computer. Anyone using stock computer as server is missing much of the potential of streaming.

 

Again, diy modding of computer requires skills many may not possess.

high-amp OP
508 posts
 

sns - thanks for that.

At the end of the day, I may just end up with a Roon Nucleus (optimized computer) as a music server (USB to DAC) again. Although I didn’t like the added expense of Roon, it was easy pezzy, offers a great format and sounded awesome!

Times on my side at the moment so, sooner or later I’ll figure it out (with a lot of help from you all!) :-)

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