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Music Servers - Baetis vs. Music Vault

I, like many, are looking to add a music/media server to my system.

Aside from fabulous sound and performance, I really want ease of use, with minimal involvement from a computer.

My preference would be a unit that has the hardware to rip/store my cd's, download high-rez files from the internet, set up playlists and then kick back and enjoy the music.

As I explore the options in the under $5K price range, both Baetis and Music Vault are floating to the top.

Ripping and playing Bluray is a nice bonus, but not critical.

I'm looking for feedback from anyone who has compared these two brands, in your own system or demo'd at a recent audio show.

Which unit sounds best?
Which unit is easiest to use??
Which unit has the most features???
Which unit is the best value????

Thank you.
barrelchief
barrelchief OP
294 posts
 
It was a nice surprise - to log on this morning, and see your responses.

I will also take a look at the servers that were mentioned, which were not on my short list.

Keep the comments coming.

I will report back after I sort out everything and pull a trigger.
nglazer
846 posts
 
Why not try a Bryston BDP-1 or -2 and portable HD;s or a NAS. Simple, bulletproof, fab sound.

Neal
koegz
317 posts
 
Your wish list is a description of a computer based music server. Which in my opinion is the only way to go. $5000 buys a great server, assuming you are not including the dac in the price. Check out endpcnoise.com you will not be sorry.
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
The more and more I am delving into PC based/Music Servers and CD players (over 5 years hard core now), I am coming to the conclusion that unless I plan on making a nice investment on hi-res and dsd downloads, there really is no benefit to getting a server, as I continue to spin CD's even though I do pretty much burn all my music. I think it is (to me) the same as buying a turn table without intending to buy albums or having a large vinyl library already. The convenience of these servers (to me) is not offset by the lesser sound quality (albeit ever so slightly) than an excellent CD player.
icorem
149 posts
 
Barrelchief

Any update on your search ?
I'm actually looking for same type of server - ease of use, ripping capabilities, stream and storage capabilities (no dac needed). And I might add also that I prefer a display as well.

Can you share your thoughts so far?
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