2. digital
  3. 1387480006

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
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
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
"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"

You can still use iTunes as long as its on a Mac. Just combine with Amarra or Audirvana and you will have a great sounding player. Use XLD to rip to .wav for best results.

For PC, avoid iTunes at all cost for music playback. Get Jriver instead and maybe improve it by adding JPLAY. Rip CDs with dbpoweramp to .wav format for best results.

The MOST IMOPORTANT thing with digital audio is to minimize jitter from the digital source. The best way to do this is to reclock the datastream or use a good quality stand-alone Async USB converter like the Off-Ramp 5.

More tips:

http://www.empiricalaudio.com/computer-audio/

http://www.empiricalaudio.com/computer-audio/recommended-systems

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
BTW, I have a Sonos color LCD remote that I can sell you cheap. I don't use the remote anymore.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
winggo OP
25 posts
 
Progress Report:

I downloaded dbpoweramp on the 24th and spent part of the afternoon setting it up and ripping a couple of CDs. Using my laptop I played the files back through the V-dac-II. Then I played the CDs using my CD player. The sound through the CD player was much better than the sound through my laptop. I am not too supprised about that. Hopefully, when I get a good player/server the sound will improve.

This is where I am at right now: I will use my laptop to RIP my CDs. The next step is to get a player/server and storage device. Now all I need is to find a player/server that does what I what it to at a decent price.

Audioengr, If one buys a real good, high quality player/server will one still need the reclocker? Where is the reclocker located in the system?
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