2. digital
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What do I need to set up digital music server?

OK, I'm an old analog guy but have started to dabble in digital. I've been using my laptop up to this point but it just ain't the best way to go. What I want to do is this:

a. Have a box that will store a lot of music (hi res music).
b. It would have a user friendly, visual interface that would help me organize and retrieve music.
c. It would have to be able to RIP(?) CDs using my CD player.
d. It should have a remote control.
e. It should be compatible with my wifi network and work with services like Pandora.
f. It needs to be affordable, less than $1500.

I've been reading up on all this but I still have trouble with some of the "digital" terminology. Any suggestions will be appreciated.
winggo
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,842 posts
 
Courage and patience.
grey9hound
1,112 posts
 
Right now I am using a Musical Fidelity V dac II
This is a necessity. Unless your Dac has An "Asynchronous" usb input. It does make a world of difference (The v-link2 , which is what i use also ), versus the standard usb output to a Dac that does not have an Asynchronous input DAC
admranger
142 posts
 
This is a really great thread. I just had the opportunity to listen to some 24/192 files at a speaker demo (ATC). Very nice!

I don't have any HD files like that yet, but I would like to move in that direction. I'm stuck with iTunes compatibility, as my wife uses iTunes extensively for her music, books, etc.

I look forward to watching the responses.

The one thing I could do to play the files is to add an eSata drive to my Oppo bdp-95, but the interface is clunky from what I've read. Plus, I have to figure out how to hook the eSata to my macbook pro (firewire to eSata?). I do also have the option of going into the Marantz AV8801. Or I could get a DAC, etc. as described above, or use Kijanki's suggestion. Hmmmm...
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
zd542 - Based on feedbacks from many customers and personal experience I have found that there are only a couple of really good neutral sounding USB cables. Unfortunately some of the best ones came from a designer that is not with us anymore, Lee Wieland. My customers tell me that the best cable is now the Revelation Dual-Conduit which is all silver and spendy.

Using Async USB, the theory says that the USB cable should not matter, but due to other factors such as RFI and common-mode noise, it still does.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
"Sonos has a neat little unit that has a remote with a screen. I like the idea but I don't think the Sonos will handle HD files. Logitech also has the Sqeezebox Touch, but again not sure of the sound quality. Any opinions on these two products?"

Sonos only supports up to 48kHz. Logitech Touch is much better stock and supports up to 96. Both can be improved to world-class performance levels by adding the Synchro-Mesh reclocker in-line, particularly if upgraded to use the Dynamo power supply. It does not matter which one you choose once you have the Synchro-Mesh. You can even use an iPod dock like the Pure i20 ($85 on Amazon).

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
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