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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
high-amp OP
508 posts
 

Thanks all, I think I am going to find a decent combo music server/DAC with an upgradable DAC. This looks interesting: https://eng.hifirose.com/rs150 at $5,000 or this one at half the price: https://eng.hifirose.com/RS250-info . Not sure what makes the big price difference though?

sns
3,297 posts
 

My issue with all in one  server/dac/storage equipmet is it kind of defeats the whole idea of maximally quiet streaming setup. Adding internal noise and functions of dac and storage in server chassis is not optimum. With outboard dac, you have far more options, and these combo packages are generally not designed/built by dac specialists. 

high-amp OP
508 posts
 

sns - Great point! Gives me a reason to keep researching. 

realworldaudio
174 posts
 

The answer you are seeking is audiophile linux. Optimized for audio:

 

auxinput
2,920 posts
 

The Hi-Fi Rose RS-250 is a much smaller unit in physical size.  This translates to smaller power supply, less circuitry, no modular board sections, etc.  That is the primary price difference.

I do agree that an all-in-one probably won't perform as well as a really good off-board DAC combined with your Rune Nucleus + 100W HDPlex.  There are some servers that have good DACs built in, but they are generall over $10k.

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