I use an MBL 1511E DAC fed by a Mac Powerbook with the new intel chip. The new Macs don't have a fan but do have an optical digital out, so you can use a toslink cable to the DAC. I have a 500 Gb external hard disc. My 800 + CDs only use about half the space in lossless compression.
I just use i-tunes. The computer, hard drive and cable were under $2K. I was using a Sony XA 777 ES as a transport until I could purchase the MBL transport. But the server system sounds clearly superior to using the Sony and really has me wondering about the benefits of spending the money on the MBL transport.
-Sw23
Sw23,
Very interesting information. Have you compared the sound quality of the MBL transport to that of the server?
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The Slim Devices Transporter just got an A rating in the 4/07 issue of Stereophile. If you already have a PC, the Transporter makes more sense(less cables & boxes) than spending alot of money to upgrade a squeezebox, M-Transit or Waveterminal to feed a DAC.
-Kana813
Kana813,
Thank you for the information. Once I learn more about these devices, I may be able to understand what you're talking about. My knowledge base on music server technology is zero right now.
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Sorry - Wayne is the resident genius at Bolder Cable - pretty much the leader in SB mods though there are some others now. Wayne has done a number of units for me. He also makes some wonderful cables.
http://www.boldercables.com/servlet/Search?category=MODIFICATIONS
-Ckorody
Ckorody,
That's useful information and I'll check out the link.
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I have a McIntosh 300 Music Server hooked-up to my Accustic Arts Dac1 MK4 using a Stealth Sextet digital cable and very happy.
I do use this when I don't want to just change one cd, I have not as of yet done any direct comparisons to my single cd drive unit but will down the road. I really like the Mac. very classy piece and easy to use. When I had any questions Mac was there to answer any and all which makes me feel confident in owning such a piece of gear.
-Dev
Dev,
Thanks for the info. Going with a known high end manufacturer like MacIntosh has a certain appeal to me. I would be very interested in the outcome of any comparison you make to your single disc unit in terms of sound quality.
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Thanks to all of the respondents so far. It is VERY clear to me that I know NOTHING about music servers and have a LOT of research to do before even thinking about buying one.
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