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  3. 1343518054

Simple way to play hi-res files

I'm attracted by the sound quality and storage convenience (no plastic cases) of hi-res downloads such as those available from HDtracks and am looking for a simple way to store and play them. Please forgive the newbie questions.

I'm aware of music servers such as Olive but think there must be a simpler/cheaper way. I don't need things like internet radio or the ability to rip CDs. (Maybe someday I'll copy all my CDs, but that's way off.)

My current SACD player (a Maranz) lets one plug in a USB key and play audio files, but it's finicky and supports a limited number of audio formats. Are there newer players out there that let you attach an external hard drive that you can buy at any office supply store and read the contents? That's about the simplest scenario I can imagine.

If I have to go with a music server, I'd appreciate suggestions. I care most about sound quality, supporting a wide variety of formats (especially lossless ones), rather than bells and whistles.

Thanks!
magister
nglazer
846 posts
 
The Bryston BDP-1 plays high-res files easily and beautifully, and is a simple solution.Ask anyone who has one.

Neal
magister OP
22 posts
 
Saeyedoc, thanks for your comment; I can certainly imagine that browsing a large collection on a little screen would be a pain.

Two folks mentioned Bryston: I'm sure it's a fantastic player, based on what I've read, but it's a little out of my price range and would require purchase of a DAC, since my Marantz SA8003 doesn't have digital inputs.

I've been researching music servers like the Marantz NA-7004 and the Cambridge Audio Sonata NP30. I don't need internet radio etc., but they would both let me attach a USB drive (formatted in FAT32, I know) and both have iPad apps to control them, which I like. If anybody has experience with these or similar pieces, I would appreciate any comments.
saeyedoc
103 posts
 
The problem with the Oppo is not the size of the screen, I'm using a 50" plasma. It's the limited browsing options and slow interface.
It's so easy to scroll through things with the ipad, add to playlists, see cover art, pull up detailed file info, create random playlists, etc.
dhl93449
455 posts
 
Magister:

The analog output stages in the DAC will have a big inpact on the sound. I like the Bryston because it uses Class A discrete circuitry instead of the more common IC opamps.

My issue with the CA NP30 is the analog output stage is opamps and these can sound a bit on the bright side (as is commonly reported by users of the 840C)

And I would check with CA, but I do not think the NP30 can directly access USB hard drives without the use of a PC.
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