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Music Servers-Why so few?

With the explosion of Dacs and discussions of computer audio one would think the server market would flourish as well. Where are all of the "big" names and their offerings? They can certainly produce Dacs. With the exception of Bryston, it seems the small companies are the only ones who offer something and then its a crapshoot as to who will be able to answer an email or have a decent website with useful information. Where are they?
stl114_nj
kennythekey
593 posts
 
Another option is a DIY but pre-designed server that can be upgraded. One that is a computer, is small, and made to go with your audio components.

You can check out the C.A.P.S. v2.0 that was designed by Chris Connaker, the founder of Computer Audiophile. It looks like a fun and rewarding project and something I may do as well. There is quite the ongoing thread with this post.

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/Computer-Audiophile-Pocket-Server-CAPS-v20
clio09
3,355 posts
 
I heard a demo of the Lessloss Laminar Streamer at RMAF. It is very promising IMO. Not sure where it will fall price wise though.
kennythekey
593 posts
 
Forgot to mention, that the C.A.P.S v2.0 can be purchased pre-built from Small Green Computer, and you can use an app to control it from different pads, etc.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,182 posts
 
I suspect reasons are that the technology is still evolving rapidly (hence products become outdated rapidly) and the uniform standards needed to make such a product work well for a large and diverse market are not fully in place yet. Give it time. In the meantime, there are many cost effective and robust options for those motivated to put their own music server together. The Logitech Squeeze system is the one I am most familiar with and can recommend. A fair degree of computer literacy and motivation is recommended before undertaking though still. Music servers are great when they work but there are still many snafus that can come up and make things things head south. Dealing with Terabytes of data fast and reliably is always a challenge.
koestner
667 posts
 
The people at Auraliti might not be able to respond to all questions, but the PK90 is a fantastic device that removes all the settings and guesswork from a computer based setup. I have had mine running since September and I love it. It's a small box, and you hook up a hard drive and a DAC along with a router and laptop. Well, I guess it's a bit more complicated than a "turn-key" all-in-one, but it is just like the Bryston only 1/3 the cost. These guys actually helped Bryston develop theirs. Oh, BTW I have no affiliation to Auraliti.
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