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music server

Im very close to taking the plunge to a music server to store and play all of my CD collection for either a main system or dedicated headphone system. I dont want to have to be hooked to my computer per se.. but can make occassional connection as needed for upgrades etc.. i see products from Olive and Cambridge that are priced right and i kinow that some outfits like Red Wine / Reference audio mods provide modification packages. I consider myself an audiophile with the quality of sound being important, though not hard core.. music servers make so much sense .. thoughts / recommendations? I undoubtedly will use the server with my headamp senn 650 to start.. then experiment with my 2 channel system.
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tboooe's avatar
tboooe
1,009 posts
 
To be completely free from a PC and have multi room audio, I would recommend the Sonos system. In my opinion, Sonos is the best solution for multi room audio. If you are only concerned with having digital music in one room, there are more cost effective alternatives. Good luck!
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
The Sonos is a great recommendation, however it has lot of jitter on the output compared to the Squeezebox3. I use it with my Pace-Car reclocker, which takes jitter to inaudible levels. If you want something inexpensive with very good results stock I would recommend the SB3.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
somec59
245 posts
 
This abstract explores building a low power music server (50 watts) as opposed to a transport. This is not a one step plug and play solution but it is a great guide to what's available. The PC/Server uses a low consumption power supply/mother board/CPU/Memory combination. Next, reduce the operating speed of the CPU, memory and then disable many Windows features that consume power and create EMI in the computer. This is the total reverse of tweeking a computer to increase it's processing power. Lastly, isolate the PC and DAc from each other by using optical output (not metallic coax).
http://www.audioasylum.com/forums/pcaudio/messages/2/23886.html
brimac
59 posts
 
Couldn't agrred more with your nicely put construct Somec. i'm getting serious performance out of an Apple G5 tower configured as a music server connected optically to an Audio Aero Capitle mk 11. Performance has passed the AA transport and there's still room for improvement/tweaking. As a bonus, the convenience of having muisc on a hard drive and selectable over a network is the icing on the cake. I've tried both the Squuezebox and Airport Express, but this is another level, no, a couple of levels of performance higher. I have a feeling PC Audio is going to change high end audio. There's a new player in town, and it's not something you'lle be hearing at your average audio dealer, but maybe your computer dealer might just be looking at more of a margin product and start really selling into the digital lifestyle.
joeylawn36111
574 posts
 
I use the Yamaha CDR-HD1500 attached to a Benchmark DAC. Sounds pretty good to me. I would at least look into the Yamaha, as you maybe happy with it.
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