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Need help with Dedicated music server.

I am really confused with a selection of a dedicated music Server and need some info. I currently use a Toshiba laptop/J River Mediacenter/Benchmark USB DAC. I have ordered a Berkeley Designs Alpha DAC. As you may well know the Berkeley does not support USB at this time. I need a Music Server Solution to The Berkeley Alpha DAC. I have heard that many users prefer the Mac Pro/Almarra server. But with the release of Windows 7/ Wasapi J River Server. Also your hear good things about XXHighend. Please can someone give some Impressions of each of these Music servers?

Thanks in Advance,

Johnny
chuck
tgrisham
1,291 posts
 
You might consider using a M2tech Hiface for USB out to SPDIF into the Berkeley. It is asynchronous and passes 192k. The reports are that it is works flawlessly with Windows.
blindjim
3,092 posts
 

what you are seeking is a converter, not a server.

The mention by Tgrisham could be one, I saw another one called Legato as well. Googling for a USB to SPDIF converter will show more choices I'm sure.

Even a USB sound card will help if it/they have SPDIF output.

It's pick your poison time now. Each interface change over will yeild different sonics.

The bit perfect aspect for the hiface unit requires kernal streaming. Only the latest now 'beta' version of MC 15 has that support.

Fubar already had it as a selectable 'plug in' which is separately downloaded from the Fubar website along with the Fubar application.

Good luck.
vegasears
1,173 posts
 
http://www.hagtech.com/hagusb.html I've used this device for over a year. It works great.
chuck OP
211 posts
 
I appreciate all the responses, but what I am looking for is a no holds barred server for state of the art playback. Do any servers allow SACD's to be ripped to Hard drive?

My Criteria is as follows.

1. MUST be of the highest quality playback.
2. Be As safe as possible from data corruption, viruses etc..
3. Easy to back up and restore files.
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