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Music Server Advice

I’m an analog guy moving up the digital path and I’m asking for some help from my AGon colleagues with my next move. I currently use an Intel NUC/Rock to run Roon feeding an Esoteric D-05x. It really sounds good! If this sub $700 NUC sounds this good, I’m keen on discovering what can be had in the $4K to $7K range (New or Used) to replace the NUC/Rock. (I’m not letting go of the D-05x!) I’ve used Roon since its inception but I’ve tried other apps from time to time, most recently the Aurender App as well as Innuos, JRiver, and Audvirana.

Recently owned/auditioned:

Aurender N10 - Loved the sound, hated the App (to be fair I was comparing to Roon)

Innuos Pulse - Lots of detail no soul. Couldn’t listen to very long, fatiguing

Auralic Altair G1 - Mid Fi. traded in for Esoteric/added NUC Rock

Under Consideration:

- Go back to the N10 and get used to their app

- Aurender N200...get used to their app

- Antipodes...

- 432evo

I’m open to suggestions!

Digital: NUC/Rock - Esoteric D-05x - Esoteric F-05 - Wilson Sohia.

Listen to 95% Jazz.

Appreciate all responses in advance!

Ag insider logo xs@2xcommunique1
fthompson251's avatar
fthompson251
291 posts
 

I will throw in a plug for the Aurender N200, it is just a tick better than the N10 which it replaced. It is very good.

willgolf
932 posts
 

I had a Lampizator Pacific DAC that was pretty good. Then I added the Lucas Audio LDMS Music Server. Oh my, the SQ was night and day better. You should contact Lucas Domansky utilizing What’s Ap ( Free phone call) and just talk to him about your needs. He is a computer genius and a great guy to talk to for advice. I am getting an upgraded LDMS next week, My current LDMS will be available to buy. Lucas wanted me to keep it in the USA and as he gets a customer he will sell mine which is 18 months old. He said he would sell for $8k. that is just a little higher than your budget but well well worth it.

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
3,843 posts
 

Actually Innous has  a new $4k model using Mundorfs oil capacitors if you want a warmer tonal balance .

audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,588 posts
 

the 432evo aeon is comparable to much more expensive servers we compared the aeon to a 25k innous statement with the upgraded psu

 

we also compared to theaurender n20 and the evo was better our servers are 100percent upgradable and are designed to run Roon properly we are a full core and endpoint in one.

One listen and you will be hooked the evo sounds more like analog with its 432 plug in and selectable filters.

Dave and Troy

Audiointellect nj

432evo us importers

 

rbstehno
1,401 posts
 

If you use usb, then save your money because usb will never give you the best sq no matter which server or tweak/gimmick you apply. 

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