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Help on Optimizing Dedicated PC as Music Server



Just finished assembling a PC to be used as a dedicated music server with a minimalist approach. Parts include:

intel i7 4470k 3.5Ghz, MSI Z87-G45 motherboard with(build-in S/pdif output), 2 x 4GB DDR Corsair RAM, Antec Mid tower, 120GB SSD HD for OS, 3TB HD for music storage, Corsair CX500 PS.

Window 7 Pro service pack 1, 64 bit. Have not updated after fresh OS installation. Do I need to?
JRiver ver.19. Gizmo & JRiver for Android Tablet

Here are my concerns:

- should i do/or need to do a Windows update
- should I use JPlay with JRiver
- are there settings that I need to change/perform on the PC to make the most for audio
- any "tweaks" that can be done to lower noise, vibration,...etc to improve performance/SQ
- do I need a sound card

My DAC is a the vulnerable Mark Levinson 360, capable to (24/96kHz). For now I plan to connect directly to motherboard output S/pdif. Will entertain USB/S/pdif converter at a later time.

Thank you.
128x128norm
bill_k
911 posts
 
I recommend two references to help optimize your Windows 7 PC for use as a dedicated music server: Sweetwater's Optimization Guide and Genesis - Absolute Fidelity Music Server
goulsonc
10 posts
 
Norm
As stated above, the best way is to use server 12 with audiophile optimizer to avoid having to make all the changes to your OS. Optimizer does it all .
I will comment on your last question. I have almost the identical system that I built. I was fairly happy with it as is but then decided to get rid of realtek on board sound
drivers and installed an ASUS Xonar essentials STX sound card and used the optical and digital RCA instead. The result was a big improvement over the mobo sound. I also found the optical and RCA digital to be better sound than the USB to DAC. The only problems is in the usage of JRiver and Xonar as some settings are duplicates and some don't play well together but once it was all set up it sounds great.
RickG
norm's avatar
norm OP
52 posts
 
Tboooe,
I will give Windows Server + Audiophile optimizer a try at a later time. Like to live with the freshly installed Windows 7 for a while before switching over to make a fair comparison between the two OS. Thank you.



Bill K,
I've changed the settings on my PC using Sweetwater's Optimization Guide. Thank you.

Goulsonc,
I have an ASUS Xonar STX sound card on hand. I will give that a try. BTW, what USB/Spdif converter(s) have you tried? Thank you.

I will post my findings as I run through all the different parameters and configurations as suggested. Thank you all for your inputs!
tboooe's avatar
tboooe
1,009 posts
 
Norm, understood. Try out Fidelizer as it also optimizes your OS for better sound quality. I used it for my Win 7 install as well and thought it made some improvements. Not bad for free.
loftarasa
171 posts
 
Hi Norm, USB straight out the computer has always been pretty horrid for me.

First, I'd recommend an interface to isolate the USB and reduce USB noise - the iFi iUSB and Schiit Wyrd do similar jobs.

In terms of USB-S/PDIF converters, there are so many out there at the moment, you could take your pick at any price level. A lot may depend on what your ML sounds best with. For USB-RCA, I'd recommend the iFi iLink, for USB-BNC, I'd recommend the Audiophileo, and for USB-AES, I'd recommend the Yellowtec PUC2 Lite, which I currently use with my NAD M51.
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