Music server for a newbie

As you know from the above posts, you have many choices.

I like using the MAC computer since it enables me to play my albums and also supports music streaming using Safari. I sometime listen to Pandora, Calm Radio and iTunes Radio in addition to my CD’s stored on the LaCie hard drive. Safari provides other streaming options such as Paradise Radio, TuneIn and many more. I decided on the computer route because I wanted the maximum amount of flexibility in my music source selection. The MAC Computer has a very small foot print and disappears when not in use. I looked at single box server solutions and discovered that many of them required an external monitor. For me, I thought the MAC computer was a better choice because of it small size and ease of use. If you are not familiar with MAC, you can attend a free one hour MAC computer class at your Apple Store for your orientation.

I find the MAC computer easy to use and you can also ask another MAC user for help if you needed. This is a big plus if you need help. Another option is your local Apple Store.

I am using the Apple MAC Book Pro Computer 13" with the following configuration:

2.9GHz Dual-core Intel Core i7, Turbo Boost up to 3.6GHz
8GB 1600MHz DDR3 SDRAM — 2x4GB
128GB Solid State Drive

My MAC is connected to the Ayre QB-9 DSD DAC using the Synergistic Research Active SE USB Cable connected to the Luxman L-590-ax connected to Sonus Faber Olympica II Speakers. All files are in AIFF format (uncompressed) and stored on my external LaCie 3TB d2 USB 3.0 Thunderbolt Series Hard Drive.

I am using iTunes for ripping my CD's and everything is working fine. iTunes does a good job of managing my CD library and provides various options for alum selection.

Jriver is nice EXCEPT its database for tagging is limited. They won't even think about using a scraper on freedb.org. SO, if you have unlimited time to fiddle with completing the tagging operation and want to add to the database, have fun. For the money you should be able to use whatever scraper you want. But I won't pay for inflexibility.

Red October is nothing more than Madvr incorporated into the video playback. You can use that with several other front ends. Besides, its free. Several other Audio apps are just as good as Jriver, depending on your needs and tastes.

MAK

You can skip the computer. Look at a NAD Masters series vault or something like that which stores files and you can use your Vivaldi dac to play them. No actual computer to mess with to play music. You don't have to know anything about computers or playback software etc. NAD may not do it for for decor though. But their are others out there.

But part of the appeal of integrating a computer with your audio system is to surf around and discover new music. If you're satisfied with your Famous Blue Raincoat and Jazz at the Pawnshop and stuck in that rut then maybe a dedicated server sans computer is the way to go but not for me.

Do yourself a favor, google endpcnoise. Give them a call. I am not computer savvy. No issues. I have the HFX Monster, pretty loaded cost $3400. I use jrivers for my media center software. Takes a little effort but once done easiest set up you can have. If you want a music server you need to use a computer, period. Most flexible system there is. Just make sure you back up all your music on to a separate external drive, easy to do. A little effort goes a LONG way. I see you are in Israel. One of the tech capitals of the world. I would think there is an equivalent there but I do not know. Lots of info on endpcnoise's web site. Part of the fun is the learning.